Deadlifts and grip....AGAIN!!

[JOKER47]

Ok, I know that the majority of guys and gals in here suggest NOT using hooks or other ways of grip assistance when deadlifting, and of the numerous times this question has been posed here, I don't recall getting a specific answer to this one:

If your grip is holding you back from increasing your deadlift, should you consider grip assistance, or wait and let your grip catch up? I'm not talking chalk. I mean your grip absolutely cannot hold the weight, but your back can move it when hooks are used, for instance.

Also, I do perform grip strength exercises twice weekly. So, my grip does get worked other than on back day.

Any and all suggestions/opinions are welcome.

Thank you,
Joker

 

[Lumberg]

I'm gonna say that if you're happy with your grip strength, and are working it otherwise, which it sounds like you are, go ahead and buy straps. I am going to buy straps soon because I went the natural grip way but I am tired of grip being a limiting factor and I am happy with my grip strength.

JC

 

[b fold the truth]

I remember on one of the Westside tapes...Louie saying that you should ONLY use straps when your grip can not hold onto the bar anymore. Go as heavy as you can without the straps, then add them.

Train your limiting factor in the lift as much as possible (grip in this case) then go beyond it. You wouldn't wrap your knees when squatting 135 of your max was 800...you would probably wait till you got in the 600lb range first...then add the knee wraps. Train the same on your deadlifts...if your back is your main concern.

If having a strong deadlift is your concern...don't use the straps.

B True

 

[bigdelt69]

I know where you are comming from, my grip limits my deadlift also. I just keep pushing my self to the limit each time I do dead and my grip seems to be catching up. I would just let your grip play catch up and ditch the straps.

 

[JOKER47]

Thanks for the reply's guys. I think I am going to use straps/hooks for now. Until I get into my new house, my home "gym" is in a spare bedroom in a third floor apt. I would rather not find out my grip fails on the third floor. I'll drop the weight and try and get my grip to catch up after I am in my garage. (Counting the minutes...)

For now, I will concentrate on strengthening my back on deads. (Big surprise... )

Thanks,
Joker

 

[Thaibox]

I know you're "not talking chalk", but have you tried it?

In my opinion, chalk is far superior to straps

 

[Haz]

Alot of places (like my friggin gym), don't allow chalk. I had a weak grip, until I started doing LOTS and LOTS of heavy deads and shrugs without straps. Eventually, my grip caught up, and now I have no problems holding onto the bar or dumbells. However, near the end of my back workout, my grip starts to go, and I use straps. My advice would be to use them only when you absolutely need them.

 

[gettinlarger]

right on, haz.