With "functional" being the big trend in training, many lifting tools are now frowned upon. Don't squat or deadlift with a belt or your core will get non-functional! Don't use straps when lifting because it's cheating, your grip will become weak, and you won't have "real life strength" because of it!
Here's what's funny: Those who preach against straps and belts because they'll make you weak are rarely strong people themselves. The more opposed they are to these tools, the weaker they are.
Hey, I've got news for you: Most elite Olympic lifters wear straps in their training. Not all the time of course, but they do use them quite often. About 75% of them wear belts too. Strongman competitors often train with straps and almost always with a belt. Powerlifters too. They understand that these tools that can improve your training. They shouldn't become a crutch, but they're useful under many circumstances.
If you're a bodybuilder and grip strength doesn't matter to you, you can use straps pretty much anytime, although you still benefit from doing strapless work to build your forearms. If you're a strength athlete, do assistance work for grip strength and grip endurance on top of your regular lifting.
T Nation earns from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate. Read more about our policy.
Ask Me Anything I receive great questions in my T Nation Community Coaching Lab. If…
Ask Me Anything I get a lot of great questions in my T Nation Community…
An Exaggerated Warm-Up Isn't Helpful I don't know when the lengthy warm-up became a thing,…
Training and Your Metabolic State When I think "workout," I think of speeds. Your metabolic…