How do you use lifting straps?

[Pearlstrand]

I need some advice about how to use these lifting straps that I just ordered. My forearms get really sore when I use heavy weights (for row, lat pull-down, etc.) so I ordered a pair of lifting straps.

You'd think it would be immediately obvious, but when I got them, I realized that I don't know how to use them (and of course, there were no instructions)!

I'd appreciate any advice about how to use them safely and properly. I don't want to get tangled up or break my wrist (again) or anything like that. Thanks so much!

--Kathryn

 

[kathryn]

If you have the kind that have a loop at one end, you put the other end through that loop, and then your hand through the new loop this creates (so the new loop is around your wrists). Then you wrap the straight part of the strap around the bar of a dumbell or barbell once or twice, and grab the bar/strap combo.

Lifting straps work best for moves like deadlifts, lat rows and shrugs. They can also be used for lat pulldowns with a bar. They really aren't made for other types of exercises (just those where gravity is pulling down against the bar and away from your body) and wouldn't be much use for them, IMO.

 

[Pearlstrand]

Thank you!

Kathryn,
Thank you so much!

Yes, I have the kind that makes a loop (for the wrist), but I didn't know what to do with the end that hangs down. I guess it just gives you a way to take some of the weight off of your hands and put it more in your arms.

That's where I'm having problems -- where gravity is pulling on a seriously heavy weight. My back (or lower body) can do the lifting, but my forearms are struggling to hang on. I've been lifting for many years (since about 1987), but as a person gets older (and has had a few injuries), you have to make adjustments!

I'm Kathryn also -- spelled the same way! I don't often see it that way -- usually it's "Katherine."

Thanks again for answering my question. I know that somebody in Cathe-world would have an answer for me!

--Kathryn