Deads With/Without Straps

[Grizzly]

Yes, I see your point. No, I don't do any grip specific work. A long time ago, I used straps like a crazy man. At this same time, I also did lots of direct forearm and grip work. I had the inkling of a notion that I might want to compete in PL. I did a show at my college and learned that, sans straps, my deadlift sucked balls.

So, I threw the straps in the garbage and started training everything strapless. Also, IIRC, I didn't bother with any direct forearm/grip work. Yes, it took a year to get back to the weight I had formerly been able to pull, but I then blasted past that weight even without straps, up to the point when I was actually big and strong that I would do rack pulls with 600+.

While I won't say that grip work isn't beneficial, I will say it isn't necessary. This advice is for the bodybuilder, primarily, as a strongman, as you mentioned, might actually need extra grip work, but that gets into sport specificity and isn't applicable to the everyday trainee.

 

[CyniQ]

Ha ha, basically I mean it may enable you to activate more motor units, Im a Limey you see. Next time you bench press, chalk the bar and concentrate on crushing it with your grip!! you will notice a difference!!

I'll notice a difference all right. If I wrap my thumb around the bar I'll drop 100# off my bench. I've been using a thumbless grip since I was knee-high to a grasshopper.

 

[dave_r]

Grizz,

I agree, for the average trainee, grip work isnt neccessary, for those wishing to maximise performance it may be an idea to integrate some techniques into their regime.

Cyn, You find that by adopting a thumbless grip that your stronger? this may sound strange, but how tall are you? and what type of grip do you use when benching? i ask because taller trainees tend to adopt wider grips (obviously), which can be uncomfortable and painful (in the wrists) unless a thumbless grip is taken, the same tends to hold true for very close grips!!!

It is a widely accepted technique to physically concentrate on crushing the bar while benchpressing, whether this is because more motor units are recruited, or whether the increased crushing sensation may be a result of emotional arousal (psyching up!) isnt clear, whatever the case it has been proven (albeit anecdotally!) to improve bench pressing.

The one piece of training apparell I do advocate is some form of wrist strapping, once you get past a certain weight benching can become quite a painfull experience

 

[CyniQ]

Cyn, You find that by adopting a thumbless grip that your stronger? this may sound strange, but how tall are you? and what type of grip do you use when benching? i ask because taller trainees tend to adopt wider grips (obviously), which can be uncomfortable and painful (in the wrists) unless a thumbless grip is taken, the same tends to hold true for very close grips!!!

You're pretty good mate. I'm 6'-1" and I usually grip just outside the rings.
How about this... Will I ever find true love??

 

[dave_r]

Lol!

Just an observation mate, do whatever works for you!!

You should try the wrist straps though (if you dont already) they make a big difference!!!

 

[thick]

lmfao!

Thanks, kenneth, at least someone knows what the fuck is up. Perhaps YOU, the truth, should think before you respond. Perhaps YOU should shut the fuck up and do exactly as I say since I am always right and you obviously have your head in your ass.

Pick the bar up. Put it back onto the floor. Pick it back up again. If at some point you can not hold the weight, then it means your grip sucks and you should stay at that weight until you learn how to handle it. Simple.

 

[thick]

lol i havent directly worked my arms in some time

Me, me, me, me! Although, I must admit, I do intend upon starting again.