Are Weightlifting Straps For Babies?

ByDennis Mubaiwa

Straps are probably the most controversial weight lifting apparatus ever invented. You have one part of the community telling you that straps are awesome and they totally swear by them. The other half proclaims that straps are for babies and those who use them shouldn't be in the gym as they obviously aren't serious about proper weightlifting. This begs the question: should we or should we not use straps? What are the dangers, if any? Should we even be using them? If you've ever considered using straps, then you'll be glad you read this because I will attempt to shed some light on whether straps are good or bad. Without further ado, let's go ahead and get started!

The proponents of weightlifting straps claim that they are simply an aid to help you target a certain muscle group more efficiently. I agree with this. you see, the human body is a chain and within that chain exist weaknesses. One of the weaknesses in the chain are the forearms and wrists. The problem arises when you now have to use those weak links as a way to target the stronger links. For example, the back muscles are stupendously strong. However, for most movements, you need to use the wrists to grip insane weights that will work the back effectively.

The problem then is, the forearms and grip cannot cope with those kinds of weights and this means you have to compromise the weights and work the back less effectively. In effect, the weak link has broken. therefore we must only see straps as a way of fortifying the chain and allowing us to target much stronger muscle groups.

This makes total sense. When dead lifting, I generally find my grip slipping and as a result, I start adjusting myself to the slipping and sliding movement of the weight in my hands. This results in crocked form and it could potentially injure me. Therefore this philosophy is fine.

The opponents of weightlifting straps argue that straps are a gateway for laziness. For example, I see people dead lifting 100kg with straps. Why on earth would you do that? If you cannot dead lift 100kg without needing straps then your grip needs a lot of work and some forearm exercises will do you good. In a way, I see their point of view as straps are overused.

They also argue that if you jettison the straps, then gradually your grip will get stronger and you will adapt. This again makes sense and I know from experience that pushing the envelope on what your grip is capable of always results in it getting stronger. I see a lot of people dead lift 500+lbs without straps so the human grip can get fairly strong.

So what's the real deal? Should we use straps or not? Well, I believe you should only use straps where necessary. If you are going heavy on your last set and you've had a tough session, then it may be time for the straps. If your back is hugely strong but your forearms are lagging behind, then user the straps but also do some forearm exercises to play catch up. It's all down to judgement and that is all up to you.

For more information on the best forearm workouts you need to do to strengthen your grip, follow our website and also discover more articles on how to build muscle.

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Health and Fitness: Build-Muscle
Dennis Mubaiwa

Email Address:SubscribeBuild Muscle Article FeedFind More ArticlesSearchRecent ArticlesHaving a Six Pack The Easy WayHow To Progress In Muscle Building With The Rest Pause Technique2 Days A Week Workout Program4 Helpful Tips To Get Six Pack Abs1, 3 Dimethylamylamine: The Supplement For Intelligence, Weight Reduction, and Body BuildingHow To Have Fun With CardioHealthy Supplements To Improve Your Dumbbell ExercisesSure Healthy Supplements For Resistance TrainingTop Exercises For Massive Legs!How Long Does It Take For a Muscle to Grow?Submitted On February 28, 2012. Viewed 6 times. Word count: 542.

MLA Style Citation:
Mubaiwa, Dennis".".28 Feb. 2012EzineArticles.com.28 Feb. 2012 .APA Style Citation:
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