chalk? or straps....

[strongman6969]

Im a 226lb powerbuilder n i'v always been a raw lifter so i only use chalk my grip strength is around 18st from this.. but the other day my friend said i should use straps?? He said i'll lift more? I don't know if this is because he cant lift heavy without straps or he is generally serious.. im training for the scottish strongman would straps help improve my lifts?

[reeserobs]

it may help you lift more weight, but it won't help your grip strength. you choose

[strongman6969]

Ahh i kinda thought that tbh.. i like having a good grip strength so i think ill stick with my chalk lifts cheers man.

[Bigez]

I was told once that the strap and etc. can become a crutch just as wrist wraps,belt etc.I am a raw power lifter and I only use what I can in competition and not in training.I only use wrist wraps the day of competition.If you can use them in your competition it will help you but don't train with them unless you go really heavy once in a while to see what it's like with them. I am old school raw lifter and that's just my opinion.

[strongman6969]

I find that aswell im more leaned to the powerbuilding keeping a good physique but have raw strength aswell im lookin into doing strongman next year qualifing deadlift is 260kg lol i have alot of work to do that for reps my max is 245 at the moment but because i have to train in a spandex gym i dont get the same help n such from experienced lifters... I have used wrist wraps for heavy benching but i like to build the grip strength up always been a raw lifter though.

[SLW2]

If your grip isn't giving out while using your max weights then straps will not do anything for you.

If your grip is what is giving out at max weight, then the straps will eliminate that weakest link and could help you lift more.

[NYiron]

chalk all the way

[akallday]

Definitely chalk.

[Beefy Jew]

Straps take the weight out of your grip, you will be able to pull more weight but you are not actully doing the lift. Use chalk if you want to improve your grip as it will remove moisture from your hands allowing you to get a better hold on the bar.

[GeovanniG]

Chalk will develop grip strength while straps will not.

Heres a good boost on when use straps... http://jasonferruggia.com/how-using-...e-your-elbows/

[strongman6969]

i agree! chalk it is lads RAW POWER!!

[CopyCat]

I would say mostly chalk, but work straps in a few times here and there on super heavy max days. Work both angles.

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[N.Woods Giant]

Chalk for me!

[Torobestia]

Chalk it up!

If you do any lat stretching after your workouts, use straps, though. This will help you focus on stretching your lats as opposed to doing grip work (which may cause you to flex your lat, which is counterproductive).

[borobulker]

Im a 226lb powerbuilder n i'v always been a raw lifter so i only use chalk my grip strength is around 18st from this.. but the other day my friend said i should use straps?? He said i'll lift more? I don't know if this is because he cant lift heavy without straps or he is generally serious.. im training for the scottish strongman would straps help improve my lifts?

I typically keep straps usage to a minimum, however they are a great tool to build strength via the overload principle. If you do use straps however, be sure to implement direct grip training.

Also, keep in mind that some "strongman" competitions allow for the use of straps. Check your rules!

Also x2... Chalk. Use a lot. Often.

I am of Scottish heritage, so this post gets me fired up!!

[murk01]

Chalk it up big boy

[benmayro]

chalk chalk.. even maxing, if i cant do it all by myself.. than its not a max

[Rodja]

The only thing I use straps for is DB/BB rows.

[taman6886]

The only thing I use straps for is DB/BB rows.

I don't use them when deadlifting but I will use them when I want to just focus on the target muscle and not not want to have to put any mental energy into what my hands are doing, so generally, I use them for shrugs, BB rows and RDL's and some times pull ups. Anything where I want to simply think of my hands as hooks.

[RJW719]

Chalk > straps