Discover the Top Benefits of Lifting Straps for Your Workouts

[Barbell Nomad]

Hey, strength seekers, BigArvin is checking in. If you’ve ever had your grip give out before your muscles do, you know how frustrating that can be. You’ve locked in your focus, your back’s ready for war, but mid-set, your fingers say “nope.”

That’s where lifting straps come in—and today, I’m breaking it all down for you. We’re talking about one of the most underrated tools in a serious lifter’s gym bag.

What Are Lifting Straps?

Lifting straps are simple yet powerful accessories designed to help you hang on to the bar when your grip starts to give out. They loop around your wrist and the barbell (or dumbbell or machine handle), essentially locking you into the weight to prevent grip failure.

Manufacturers typically use durable materials like cotton, nylon, or leather to make most lifting straps. Cotton is soft and flexible, nylon is stiffer and more durable, and leather gives a classic, rugged feel.

You’ll find different styles, too: closed-loop straps are straightforward for quick wraps, lasso straps offer more adjustability, and figure-8 straps are ideal for super heavy lifts like deadlifts, where grip security is king.

Top Benefits of Using Lifting Straps
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Improved Grip Strength Support

One of the biggest reasons to use straps is simple: your back and hamstrings are usually stronger than your hands. When the weight gets heavy, your grip is often the weakest link. Straps eliminate that bottleneck. They help you hold on longer, so you can actually challenge your bigger muscles without grip failure, killing the set.

Enhanced Muscle Isolation​

When you’re doing heavy rows or lat pulldowns, your goal is to destroy your back, not your forearms. Straps let you focus purely on the target muscle group without worrying about whether your hands can keep up. That means better mind-muscle connection and more muscle activation where it counts.

Better Pulling Performance​

Do you want to row heavy? Shrug a mountain? Deadlift your bodyweight times three? Straps give you that extra edge during pulling days. They let you push your limits on exercises where grip can be a barrier, unlocking your true strength potential.

Reduced Forearm Fatigue​

Look, forearms are important—but not when they’re ending your sets early. Using straps means you don’t have to tap out because of forearm burn when your back or traps still have strength. You’ll recover better and be able to train longer.

Injury Prevention

Are you lifting a heavy weight, and is your grip slipping? That’s a recipe for tendon strain or dropped-bar disasters. Straps take the load off the small muscles and joints in your hands and wrists, helping protect them when the stakes are high.

When to Use Lifting Straps​

Straps are perfect on heavy pulling days—think deadlifts, barbell rows, rack pulls, or shrugs. They’re especially useful during strength blocks or max-out sets where grip failure could cost you a PR.

But I’ll say this loud and clear: don’t strap up for everything. You also need raw grip strength. Save the straps for when you need them, and train your grip with dedicated exercises on the side. It’s all about balance.

Who Can Benefit from Lifting Straps?

Lifting straps aren’t just for elite bodybuilders like me or powerlifters chasing records. They’re useful for anyone looking to make gains. If you’re stuck on rows or deadlifts because of grip, straps will help you break through.

Athletes recovering from hand injuries also benefit—straps allow them to keep training their backs or legs without stressing recovering joints. If your grip is holding you back, straps might be what you need to keep moving forward.

Tips for Using Lifting Straps Effectively​

First, learn to wrap them properly. Put your hand through the loop, tighten the strap around your wrist, and wrap the loose end around the bar until your hand is securely in place. It might feel awkward at first, but after a few sessions, it’ll be second nature.

Second, don’t rely on them every time you touch a bar. Use straps strategically. Train grip with fat bar holds, farmer’s walks, or towel hangs. You want your hands to stay strong even when the straps are in the bag.

Finally, use straps in moderation. They’re a tool—one of many in your strength arsenal. They’ll help you hit bigger weights and target muscles harder, but don’t let them become a crutch.

Frequently Asked Questions​

Should I use lifting straps for every workout?

No—straps are best for heavy pulling days or when grip becomes a limiting factor. Overusing them can lead to a weaker grip over time.

What’s better—lifting straps or gloves?

Gloves offer protection and reduce calluses, but they don’t significantly improve grip strength. Straps provide direct support when lifting heavy objects, especially for pulling movements.

Will straps make my grip weaker?

Only if you rely on them too often, as long as you train grip separately and use straps selectively, your grip will stay strong.