Unlock Your Potential: The Ultimate Guide on How to Use Lifting Straps for Safe and Effective Workouts

Raise your hand if you've ever seen those gym guys (and girls) wearing something that looks like a strap right before they're about to lift something that's probably double (or even triple) your body weight. Ever wondered what are those straps are that help in lifting such massive weights? If yes, then this article is for you, where we will be talking about anything and everything about lifting straps and how to use them in a safe and effective manner to maximize your gains.

We will be answering your 4 questions in this article-

1. What are lifting straps? (of course, we start with the basics)
2. Why should I use lifting straps?
3. How to use lifting straps?
4. What is the difference between wrist wraps and lifting straps?

Let’s dive in!

What are lifting straps?

Lifting straps are an essential accessory for weightlifters and powerlifters, and they are designed to provide a secure grip on the bar, allowing you to lift heavier weights and perform more reps with less risk of hand and wrist fatigue.

A good pair of lifting straps, such as the Body Reapers lifting straps, are designed to help you lift heavier weights and perform more reps safely. They are made from high grade nylon and cotton and designed to last, no matter how heavy your lifting gets. The straps are 18-inch long and 1.5-inch wide, providing a comfortable fit for most wrist sizes. Neoprene padding allows the weightlifting straps to keep your grip firm and secure.

Unlike other low-quality straps available that are wobbly, Body Reapers lifting straps are consistent with strength and length, giving you the most elevated level of tightness and backing, hence providing you with the most versatile wearable that goes along with many exercises such as deadlifts, rows, pull-ups, and much more.

Why should I use lifting straps?

While aiming to gain strength, especially with powerlifting, grip strength often becomes a limiting factor. Weightlifting straps are made to lessen grip discomfort so you can concentrate on the muscles you're trying to target when performing large lifts. In this manner, you won't have to worry about your grip losing way and can focus on accomplishing your challenging pull.

They secure the weight to your hands and wrists, allowing you to hold on to it without fear of it falling out of your grasp. You might experience this if your hands are small, you sweat, or your grip is weak.

The key benefits of using Body Reapers Premium weight lifting straps are -

• Weightlifting straps are intended to secure your wrists or hands to the weight. This makes it easier to concentrate on finishing challenging sets without sacrificing form or thinking about your grip. This enables those who are strength training to lift heavier for longer reps and so continue their progress.
• Supporting heavier weights is a game of grip. If not secured well, your grip can be a barrier to your weightlifting progress. Body Reapers lifting straps make it easier to lift heavier weights because they lessen strain so that your grasp won't give out before you've reached the targeted muscle regions.
• As we suggested previously, straps provide a firm and solid hold to prevent heavyweights from slipping out of your hands. They assist you in lifting more weight without sacrificing form, keeping your wrist secure and preventing it from giving way under the strain, hence reducing your risk of injury.

Get your padded weightlifting straps here. 

How to Use Body Reapers Lifting Straps?

Using Body Reapers' lifting straps is simple.

• First, wrap the strap around the bar, ensuring it’s tight and secure.
• Next, put your hand through the loop, ensuring your palm is facing up.
• Finally, wrap the strap around your wrist and tighten it, ensuring a snug fit.
• The strap should be tight enough to provide support but not so tight that it cuts off circulation.
• Coming to using them with weights, by going around and over the barbell or dumbbell, wrap the strap around it. Adjust the tension so that the bar is held firmly in your hand.
• After you've fastened the straps, turn the bar or dumbbell to tighten them around the weight and stabilise your hold.

Make sure to adjust the strap as necessary between sets to ensure a secure fit.

Tips for Safe and Effective Strap Usage

While lifting straps are a useful accessory, it’s important to use them safely and effectively to avoid injury. Here are some tips for safe and effective strap usage:

• Start Light - If you’re new to lifting straps, start with a lighter weight to get used to the feel of the straps. This will help you adjust to the new grip and ensure you’re using them safely.
• Don’t Rely on Straps Exclusively - While lifting straps can be a useful accessory, it’s important not to rely on them exclusively. Work on improving your grip strength through exercises like farmer’s walks and grip training exercises.
• Check the Fit - Make sure your lifting straps are snug, but not too tight. The straps should provide support without cutting off circulation. Adjust the fit between sets as necessary to ensure a secure fit.
• Use Proper Technique - Lifting straps are a helpful accessory, but they can’t make up for poor lifting technique. Make sure to use proper form and technique when performing exercises, even when using lifting straps.
• Care for Your Straps - To ensure your lifting straps last, take care of them. Store them in a dry, cool place and wash them regularly to keep them clean and free of bacteria.

What is the difference between wrist wraps and lifting straps?

Often confused and interchangeably used, wrist wraps and lifting straps are two different things with two different purposes.

Wrist wraps, as the name suggests, are supposed to be wrapped around the wrist with the goal of providing you with joint support while you are lifting.

Lifting straps (not wraps, not burritos) **are made to provide you with an additional and firm grip to increase the duration of lifting heavier weights by diverting some portion of the weight to your wrists. (These are also commonly called as grip straps.)

 

Choosing the right lifting straps for weightlifting can be a daunting task, especially if you're new to the world of strength training. Firstly, make sure the straps you choose are suitable for the exercises you're doing, as different exercises require different types of straps.  Secondly, consider the material of the straps, as they should be strong, durable, and able to withstand a lot of weight. Thirdly, the length of the straps is important as they should be long enough to wrap around the bar or handle but not too long as it can cause unnecessary bulk. Lastly, make sure the straps you choose are comfortable to wear and easy to use, so you can focus on your lifts rather than fiddling with the straps. By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose the right lifting straps for weightlifting that will help you get the most out of your workouts.