STRAP IT, WRAP IT AND RIP IT OFF THE PLATFORM!

You've been battling the weights, day in and day out.  You've paid your dues and learned how to "hook grip" the barbell and you're using it daily; but, something is off. Even though you're "hooking" religiously, you've reached a point in your training where no amount of "hooking" is locking your grip to the barbell.  It happens to all us eventually, at least those of us who are constantly battling the barbell in trying to attain higher weights.  So fear not, don't fret, you've finally graduated up to using straps and wraps to rip on the barbell.

To me, the terms "straps" and "wraps" are synonymous. Some will contend that "wraps" are used around the wrists and knees for support - they are correct; however, a "wrap" is what we do with a "strap" so it's the same freaking thing in my book. Semantics aside, using a strap/wrap will launch your lifting to the next level, if you use them judiciously.  Strap use, in my opinion, are a vital part of any weightlifter's tool box of training aids.  Straps help not only with grip but also bolster confidence in achieving new PRs by allowing you the opportunity to attempt higher weights without the limitations of a faltering grip.

Straps/wraps come in various materials, ranging from nylon to leather, along with different styles from stitched loop to non-stitched straight.  In the following photographs, you'll get an idea of the many forms of straps.

(Below are my two favorite straps.  They are looped with taped ends and made of nylon and leather from left to right, respectively.)

Taped end loop straps

(Below is a pair of cotton looped straps with stitched ends.  I particularly don't care for these because the stitched ends are thick and too long for my liking.)

Stitched end cotton looped straps

(Below is a pair of looped straps purchased from IronMind.  These are my personal favorite when doing heavy snatch and clean pulls.)

Looped straps from IronMind.com

(Below is my least favorite style of strap but the most popular amongst high level weightlifters - the non-stitched straight strap.  This particular pair was made from an old nylon web belt.  Old seat belts work well too.  Due to my lack of hand dexterity, I rarely use these straps.)

Non-stitched straight straps

The style and material of strap you decide on using is based upon personal preference.  Plus, some are a little easier than others to administer.  Like I mentioned earlier, I prefer using the stitched loop style (from IronMind - third photograph above) when doing heavy snatch and clean pulls.  However, I prefer only using a taped loop style, which I made at home for heavier snatches but  NEVER FOR CLEANS!  Notice the bold type in that last statement?  Never use straps for cleans because you run the risk of seriously injuring your wrists!

If your training has stalled due to gripping limitations, consider either purchasing or making a pair of straps to help catapult your training to the next level.  So, strap it, wrap it, and rip it off the platform!

* Some personal notes on straps:

- Initially, I could not stand the straps made of leather - they seemed too thick but after breaking them in and cutting them to size, they are my favorite straps to use.

- The non-stitched straight style are a pain in the ass to get into place, but that's mainly do to my lack of hand dexterity.  Many high level athletes (Olympians) predominately use this style of strap.

- Considering the relatively cheap cost of straps (especially, if you're making them a home) I'd recommend purchasing/making a couple different styles to see which style best suits you.

- If you've been weightlifting regularly, you'll realize that your hands take a beating.  If you're training involves "two-a-days" (training twice per day) you'll probably want to consider using straps more so than with only one training session per day.

- Don't use straps as a crutch!  Ultimately, you'll have to get on the platform and pull without them.  So use them when warranted, sparingly, and judiciously -- not with every rep of every set!

- Once again, NEVER EVER USE STRAPS FOR CLEANS!