How to Wear Lifting Straps

How to Wear Lifting Straps
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Many weightlifters use weightlifting straps to enable them to lift heavier weights without injury. A weightlifting strap is a piece of strong material that consists of a loop on one end and a straight piece of fabric on the other end. Weightlifting straps typically measure about 20-inches long by 1-inch wide. Straps are used for exercises such as deadlifts, shrugs, chin-ups and bent over rows.

Step 1

Slide your hand through the loop at the end of the strap. Do the same with the other hand.

Step 2

Hold your palm up so the long part of the strap rests between your index finger and thumb.

Step 3

Wrap the strap under the bar and then back over the top. Continue until you have wrapped the entire strap.

Step 4

Twist the bar toward yourself when you are finished wrapping to tighten the straps even farther.

Tips and Warnings

  • It is best to use weightlifting straps only when you have to or your forearm muscles may weaken. It is wise to wrap your weaker hand first if you don't have a partner to help, because the second strap will have to be wrapped one-handed.

References

Article reviewed by SarahP Last updated on: Dec 5, 2010

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