I too have caught the deadlift bug

[Lumberg]

Just wanted to share the results of my first deadlift workout and ask some advice:

I decided to take it easy yesterday seeing as it was my first time deadlifting in God knows how long so I did

135 X 10
185 X 10
225 X 10 (got three conventional grip, got the rest by reversing my left hand)
275 X 6 (reversed left hand, grip failed on the 6th one)

I was pretty happy, seeing as the most I'd ever deadlifted before was like around 300 for about 3 if I remember right. Strangely enough, I think I can deadlift more than I can squat.

Anyways my grip is definitely my weak point, I think I could've gotten 10 on the last set if I could've held on. I was not using the hook grip.

My problem is, I avulsed a tendon in my left pinkie a while back and the grip in my left hand is just not up to par, it always fails. Also I don't realy like reversing one hand because I feel like it works the back muscles on that side differently, and I want to work both sides the same.

So I am asking for advice on the use of straps, what to look for, what are some good brands, etc, or is it like belts where you should never, ever use them no matter what?

JC

 

[Vigorous]

I would def go with the grips. If your grip is failing before your muscles your not going to get the stimulation they need and your going to be wasting energy hanging on.. I got a sweet pair made by versa gripps.. www.versagripps.com
I use them on all back exercises..

later

hope you dont think Im to ignorant not to listen

 

[110%]

i used to use wrist straps (my gym supplies them)and my grip would never fail, though i decided to ditch straps on all exercises i perform except db shrugs in hope of better forearm and grip development. neways to improve your grip try some static holds, those work good. also if you are like me, the ditching of the straps didnt really matter b/c i work with low reps with deadlifts so grip was able to hold up long enought with only a few reps.

 

[gettinlarger]

if you dont wanna spend a lot of money, just get those shitty white straps. theyre about 4 bucks, and theyll last you a little while. i found good ones for like 15 or 20 bucks. i forget what brand though.

 

[Lumberg]

You know what, I'm pretty happy with my grip strength what with some of the other exercises I do (DB shrugs being one of them) and I know I'm only going to be getting heavier and heavier in DLs (at the rate I'm going I'll be pulling 405 soon) so I figured I might as well go with the straps. I might try hook grip though, I dunno.

JC

 

[Lumberg]

Thanks for the input though, all comments are appreciated.

JC

 

[needsize]

Try chalk, it'll make a big difference in what you can grip but will allow your grip strength to progress along with the rest of you

 

[Lumberg]

Damn, I didn't even think of that, and we have chalk boxes right next to the deadlift area!

Thanks needsize.


duh!

 

[blood_drinker]

What you could do is let go of the grip when youre down there. Let go, and then a sec later grab again and up you go. Granted, it wont work your grip, but sure as hell will work the rest of the important bodyparts in deads.

Grip work can be compensated on biceps day.

 

[needsize]

Nice that you have chalk boxes, I train in a yuppie gym that doesnt' allow chalk so I have to hide my bad habit.

 

[JOKER47]

I just started Deads about a month and a half ago. Love'em. I am going without straps or hooks for as long as my grip will hold out. Hopefully, I will be able to get to the level Needsize is at without them.


Joker

 

[Lumberg]

When I was talking about hook, it's actually a type of grip where yur thumb goes UNDER your fingers. It hurts like hell but helps you hold a few extra pounds.

JC

 

[needsize]

If you never use straps when deadlifting then you probably won't ever need to. What also helps is the extra work you do on back day after deads, ie, doing weighted chins after deads will force your grip to improve. I also hit forarms pretty hard after bi's/tri's on arm day.
You're definitely on the right track!

 

[b fold the truth]

joncrane: you continue to impress me. Don't worry about your straps...you are training...right?

Don't get me wrong...if I do a contest and they allows straps....you better believe that I am gonna use them. I trained in STL a few months back and they were doing a silver dollar deadlift that day. Everyone was using straps and a belt when pulling...I was not. I was trying to train everything...training for a contest...not competing in one. Now...when the best lifter there pulled 835 and I did not...I put a loose belt on and pulled it like a champ. Had a point to prove. I still did not use straps though..

Keep working those deads and you will grow.

B True

 

[Thaibox]

Nice that you have chalk boxes, I train in a yuppie gym that doesnt' allow chalk so I have to hide my bad habit.

Me too, they still don't know who makes the big white messes on their pretty black mats

 

[Lumberg]

The other thing I was thinking is, at my gym they have these thinner, smoother bars and then these slightly thicker ones with deeper (newer?) knurling on them. Do you guys think that will help me grip the bar?

JC

 

[b fold the truth]

Mine is pretty mean and harsh...just like I like it.

B True

 

[Deepsquat]

I wouldn't use straps if i were you ! How will your grip get stronger if you aren't forcing it to work ???
Try www.ironminds.com for captians of crush grippers
I have never had my grip fail on a set of deads...I guess my grip is stronger then my back...even the other day doing partial with 535x8 grip not a problem...hurt the hell out of the skin on my fingers though !

 

[Lumberg]

Just wanted to let y'all know that I got 275 10 times and 315 4 times with no straps yesterday--just lots of chalk and hook grip, both palms facing me.

Starting to realize the limiting factor in deads is not so much the back as the shoulders.

JC

 

[Night Fly]

Jon, that is awesome...great job! Keep it up and continue to let us know how you are doing! Glad to see that your grip didnt' fail on you on the 275 this time!

 

[b fold the truth]

Heck yeah man...now it is time to stick with 5 reps or less.

B True