Also on Meadows Rows: gripping the end of the bar had me wearing out at 10 reps, with a strap got to 15 before I hit actual failure and couldn't lift the bar anymore.
I know this video is about straps, but (liquid) chalk is worth mentioning as it's a great way to drastically increase grip strength and is allowed in competitions.
This video gave short-shrift to Versa-Grips. I love mine. Versa-Grips are quick to apply to the bar, work extremely well assisting with lat pull-downs, and greatly reduce callouses on your palms. They also can be cinched down to act as wrist support straps. Alas, Alan Thrall says he disfavors VersaGrips, but does not say why. Another thing: Rippetoe says cotton lifting straps are junk, and to use seatbelt material.
Pantera- Cowboys From Hell, Alice in Chains - Them Bones, Primus- John the Fisherman and Tool- Sober. Excellent music taste right there, would be a delight to train in that gym
I appreciated the advice about not waiting until the bar feels like its slipping from your grip to strap up. I have always used this as my indicator for when to wear straps. I will be changing that in the future. I mostly use straps for farmers walks these days, and I usually use the figure 8 type on a trap bar for these.
Started using hook grip about a month ago. Painful as hell at first, and had to go down in weight a bit to get used to it, but can already tell it's helping.
Oh man, now I realize that my wrapping technique has been quite poor. I was wrapping it over itself. So probably been making things harder on myself when I shouldn't have.
I remember watching a video where Mark bell suggested to do this. I did it for some time and was able to deadlift way heavier than my normal grip ofc. But now I feel like I cheated myself by not just wrapping it normal and forcing my grip to get some extra work.
@@flabio7074 Yeah I didn't realize why that was bad until this video pointed out that you're making the bar thicker and therefore tougher for no benefit. Not sure why Mark Bell would suggest that, though...
@@flabio7074 for myself, it eliminated grip issues by making it secured to my wrist better. The problem was I was never working on my grip and just ego lifting so I never addressed the root of the issue. The double wrap I think is better for situations you really don’t want grip to mess you up.
I used them when I had golfers elbow for any exercise that required gripping and pulling. I could get away with a much lighter grip and it didn't aggravate my tendonitis.
I’ve used all the above except figure 8s. These days for RDLs I start warmups with Overhand, go to Hook as the weight goes up, then to Versa Grips. Pulling from the floor I do warmups the same way, but on a heavy set I do a few reps OH, a few HG, a couple OH, a couple HG, etc (takes less than a second to switch grip). This really extends my grip endurance. Then I go to Versa Grips. I do like to progress reps and weight on both the unstrapped and strapped parts of the series. I use a 28mm raw stainless WL bar with a great knurl, this really helps. Also, training hookgrip deadlift makes me really confident of my hookgrip at the lesser weight of cleans and snatches. Versa Grips are handy for weighted pull-ups, too. That’s originally why I got them.
Using straps on curls, with getting them twice over the bar, is actually amazing. Almost completely takes the forearm out of the movement, and it's great for those like me who has a problem building a mind connection to the biceps.
Ive met many of them through the years, hardmen in groups, men that grows in numbers, but when on their own and confronted in a similar situation, cowers away
I use hook grip when not using straps (depends on how I'm feeling, but usually up until my last warmup set). I use Versa Gripps for my working sets. They're a lot easier for me to get in place than regular straps. I don't compete in any strength sports, so I'm not all that concerned about training my grip while doing deadlifts.
As a hook grip deadlifter, i do my training mostly with straps and when i max out i use hook grip without any issues, main reasoning is i dont want to kill my thumbs needlessly because it is rather painful going over 2 reps with hook grip
This is a fantastic video Alan. I used to never use straps. However, my hands get so torn up that it’s painful to deadlift effectively. On my heavy singles/doubles days, I don’t use straps. I use straps on every accessory and high rep days to save my grip for the heavy days
Really appreciate this video never really used straps all that much in the past prefer raw but I think my grip is becoming a limiting factor. ty for this information love all the content you've put over the years
Great video! because of this video, I figured out that I have been using lifting straps wrong about 50% of the time. I would sometimes have them on backwards, and not having it running cross my thumb
I use straps anywhere my grip is not the main focus. I train my comp deadlift without and use hook grip and then mixed when my thumb gets too chewed up. Things like shrugs, RDLs, barbell rows and other exercises were my grip will be my limiting factor I will use them.
oh wow i just tested my 1rm yesterday and dropped the deadlift cuz i forgot to bring my straps while my legs and lower back felt completely fine lol.. what a crazy timing that this video was uploaded today!
I’ve never had grip issues, even when using them exclusively during entire training blocks. It prevents my hands from tearing so much, and is just easier in general
Interesting. I try not to use straps, and definitely limit the weight I could pull, but my grip strength is coming up because I don’t use them. Thanks! Great to hear from others...
can we just appreciate at 5:00 we got to faintly hear northlane....there are many reasons we all watch this channel, trying to figure out the music in the background is the main reason
I’m happy to do mixed grip for the rest of my life, I love it. But I’m scared of a bicep tear, that would ruin my life. I can’t afford to take that risk especially as I get stronger. It’s time for straps 😔
Hey Alan, in this video you say that mixed grip does not cause muscle imbalences, but in the past you said that you had muscle inbalance in your back, because you used mixed grip, to the point were you felt that one side of your traps was more developed then the other. I dont mean no hate my question is, if the mixed grip does not cause imbalances, then what caused your inbalance?
Ok, so something that probably should have been mentioned is that some people (like me), need to use straps to compensate for injuries/dissabilities. I for example have a paralyzed index finger on my right hand which means I'm holding onto the bar with about 3 fingers. Before I started using straps I could lift maybe 70kg before my right hand would just give up. After getting them I have been able to push the limit without feeling like the bar is going to rip my right hand off.
When talking about different types of grip, straps and all that, that you should also mention chalk. I get a good 40-50 pounds extra out of my double overhand deadlift when using chalk, so it can often be a good alternative to straps.
I do small strongman shows. I only use straps on high reps deadlifting in competition. In training I will use them for heavy rows training of my hands are beat up. But its helped my grip alot in competition not using them much.
Late comment - I finally got some straps! My DL is pretty low - my top set now is 4 reps at 325lb - but I always do a drop set after 3 working sets and that's where grip strength is a problem. I'm also thinking they would be great for an aux DL day of Romanian, stiff leg, tap & go or just higher volume sets.
Faaaaaaaaaaaaaak, love the Testament Legacy Banner. 1989 Chuck Landis' Country Club. Chuck Billy's voice was so loud, people heard it all the way in Northridge California.
I'm surprised you don't like Versa Gripps (maybe your opinion has changed since this video). It did look like you were using them incorrectly in this video, the strap that holds the bar should be pointing down into your hand, not pointing up to your forearms, and the bar should be between your hand and the strap. I use them for my hypertrophy training and find them to be a great tool for any exercise that grip could be a limiting factor. I've also used straps for many years, but these are way faster to use. Cheers man, great content, and happy holidays.
With the way that you explained how to use the strap, I kept expecting to hear you yell: The next movement that I will name, demonstrate, and conduct practical exercise on is applying the lifting strap.
Alan once said that mixed grip cause imbalances, he change his mind? Im failing reps and dont know what to do. The transition for another grip is a problem, cause if you do only in the last set, you are trainig enough.
1:00 wait what do you mean it doesn't build muscle imbalance despite to contrary popular belief? Didnt you make a video that you felt that your trap muscle is imbalance just by sleeping, laying on your back?
Could you explain someday the difference among bars? Deadlift barbel, elephant barbel, Oly Lifting barbel etc and there use? Why a deadlift world record is so polemic if the athlet use a elephant barbel, for example
Cool video. Thanks for having me!
The part about the straps was my personal favourite.
Change this comment so no one will be able to tell what it was.
There were straps? When was that?
For real
Time stamp?
Nailed🤣lol
Thanks for having me on brotha!
I haven't moved the barbell since 2012
You better not!
You haven't touched a barbell since 2012 also haven't you 😝
(Just a joke, sorry)
Pink man screaming: don't move the barbell
@Casey T 😂😂
Came for a video about strapons. Stayed for a video about men on short shorts. Not what I expected. But not disappointed either.
😂🤣😂🤣
I thought you talked about strap on destiny. Bye love your pic. Trump 2024!
@@JoeyCentral you missed the joke I think
I was going to make that joke but you took it to a higher level. 😆
impeccable impersonation by Jordan. Wouldn't have noticed without name on screen
...what impersonation?!
I thought it was Blake Anderson
Straps are perfect for RDLs, they allow me to really focus on my hamstrings instead of my grip
I do exactly the same thing, i totally agree with you
It’s crazy how much more you can focus on the lift when your mind isn’t preoccupied with “don’t drop the bar”
Absolutely. Love them for this
@@bishopm4401 fr, literally yesterday when I was deadlifting on my last set for the day, I had 3-5 reps in the tank but my grip Gave up.
Also on Meadows Rows: gripping the end of the bar had me wearing out at 10 reps, with a strap got to 15 before I hit actual failure and couldn't lift the bar anymore.
Jordan dressed up as Alan was so good I thought it was Alan dressed up as Alan.
I thought it was just normal Alan
0:58 - 1:04
You have talked in the past about how you personally had a muscular imbalance in your traps due to mixed grip
This confused me too
He doesn’t believe that anymore
I remember him saying the muscle imbalance in his traps was because of a broken and therefor shortened collarbone
Alan has changed his mind a LOT over the last 5 years.
I was shocked when he said thought. I really expected more follow up after that.
I know this video is about straps, but (liquid) chalk is worth mentioning as it's a great way to drastically increase grip strength and is allowed in competitions.
I use chalk. Period.
Rosin also works sometimes.
regular chalk > liquid
I've been powerlifting for 6 years. Why am I watching a strap tutorial?
Oh right, cuz it's Alan.
1:57 You can't call yourself a lifter until you've hit your head on a barbell at least once.
@@ProxyAuthenticationRequired i have done the first but not the second.
Ugh! Three years of lifting and I've never hit my head on a barbell. Alan, what am I doing wrong?! 😞
@@RyanAl92 squats that i hype myself for, i usually hit my head to the fucking bar 1/4 of the time
@@zekicaneksi I'm missing out on those head bump gains. They add more 3D mass for that swolesome look.
@@RyanAl92 gotta shock the central nervous system just before the lift
This video gave short-shrift to Versa-Grips. I love mine. Versa-Grips are quick to apply to the bar, work extremely well assisting with lat pull-downs, and greatly reduce callouses on your palms. They also can be cinched down to act as wrist support straps. Alas, Alan Thrall says he disfavors VersaGrips, but does not say why. Another thing: Rippetoe says cotton lifting straps are junk, and to use seatbelt material.
Pantera- Cowboys From Hell, Alice in Chains - Them Bones, Primus- John the Fisherman and Tool- Sober. Excellent music taste right there, would be a delight to train in that gym
I'm really disappointed there was no replay when you bonked your head.
I appreciated the advice about not waiting until the bar feels like its slipping from your grip to strap up. I have always used this as my indicator for when to wear straps. I will be changing that in the future.
I mostly use straps for farmers walks these days, and I usually use the figure 8 type on a trap bar for these.
I'm thinking about Bedazzling my straps. Trying to up my gym swagger.
Started using hook grip about a month ago. Painful as hell at first, and had to go down in weight a bit to get used to it, but can already tell it's helping.
Hook grip is a pass for me. As a piano player I need my thumbs.
Thumb tape is amazing. Can recommend.
@@bmstylee the pain goes away trust me. You just gotta get past that month of pain
@@rickybeckley7495 It probably does but it crushes the nerves in the thumb. I need the sensitivity in my thumbs to play.
@@ClayHales oh yeah, good call, hadn't thought about that!
1:57 Bonk
Underrated comment already*
Hope he is ok
Ouch!
I do that probably twice a week 😂
Parkway in the background, yes!
Oh man, now I realize that my wrapping technique has been quite poor. I was wrapping it over itself. So probably been making things harder on myself when I shouldn't have.
It’s crazy how you can be lifting for years and a small thing like that you just completely overlook. I’ve been doing the same thing
I remember watching a video where Mark bell suggested to do this. I did it for some time and was able to deadlift way heavier than my normal grip ofc. But now I feel like I cheated myself by not just wrapping it normal and forcing my grip to get some extra work.
@@GalickGon what’s normal about wrapping it over? It defeats the purpose.
@@flabio7074 Yeah I didn't realize why that was bad until this video pointed out that you're making the bar thicker and therefore tougher for no benefit. Not sure why Mark Bell would suggest that, though...
@@flabio7074 for myself, it eliminated grip issues by making it secured to my wrist better. The problem was I was never working on my grip and just ego lifting so I never addressed the root of the issue. The double wrap I think is better for situations you really don’t want grip to mess you up.
Next video: Lifting Belts - When & Why? feat. Clarence Kennedy
I used them when I had golfers elbow for any exercise that required gripping and pulling. I could get away with a much lighter grip and it didn't aggravate my tendonitis.
I’ve used all the above except figure 8s. These days for RDLs I start warmups with Overhand, go to Hook as the weight goes up, then to Versa Grips. Pulling from the floor I do warmups the same way, but on a heavy set I do a few reps OH, a few HG, a couple OH, a couple HG, etc (takes less than a second to switch grip). This really extends my grip endurance. Then I go to Versa Grips. I do like to progress reps and weight on both the unstrapped and strapped parts of the series. I use a 28mm raw stainless WL bar with a great knurl, this really helps. Also, training hookgrip deadlift makes me really confident of my hookgrip at the lesser weight of cleans and snatches.
Versa Grips are handy for weighted pull-ups, too. That’s originally why I got them.
Happy to see Ben the Wizard included here. He's one of my favorite internet strong guys.
Videos just keep getting better . Old school with class keep providing us more with information .
just started using straps for deadlift because i injured my left middle finger, popped a tendon at the base, so i appreciate this video
Upset there was no Eric Bugenhagen
Alan: I used the mixed grip so much so that I developed an uneven back to the point that I could feel it while laying on a bench.
Also Alan: 1:00
glad someone mentioned it!
Using straps on curls, with getting them twice over the bar, is actually amazing. Almost completely takes the forearm out of the movement, and it's great for those like me who has a problem building a mind connection to the biceps.
I love how the "oldschool metalhead" alan is repping parkway drive in the background
Real, it's awesome!
Hook-grip, baby. Let the rest of the gym know that "This guy F&%cks. "
you think hook grip makes you a hardman buddy
@@olynmus100 It does
Oh yes youre so badass because you love hurting yourself for no reason
Ive met many of them through the years, hardmen in groups, men that grows in numbers, but when on their own and confronted in a similar situation, cowers away
@@kjfdfs4327 you just need to get used to hook grip, after few sessions discomfort and pain goes away
oof that head banger at just before 2:00, thanks for the great content alan
I use hook grip when not using straps (depends on how I'm feeling, but usually up until my last warmup set). I use Versa Gripps for my working sets. They're a lot easier for me to get in place than regular straps.
I don't compete in any strength sports, so I'm not all that concerned about training my grip while doing deadlifts.
*"My Hands and fingers are my strap"* - Mark Felix (Arguably never said it, but sure he think of it)
That guy has some big mitts, I felt like a little kid shaking his hand!
As a hook grip deadlifter, i do my training mostly with straps and when i max out i use hook grip without any issues, main reasoning is i dont want to kill my thumbs needlessly because it is rather painful going over 2 reps with hook grip
Isn’t it hard to get accustomed to hook grip then?
Always intelligent quality content. Keep it up, man.
PLEASE do more videos like this. most informative video on this topic out there.
Very informative, thanks! Straps are also really useful for barbell shrugs, if anyone still does those.
Should I use straps with one THOUSAND POUND tire🤔
This is a fantastic video Alan. I used to never use straps. However, my hands get so torn up that it’s painful to deadlift effectively. On my heavy singles/doubles days, I don’t use straps. I use straps on every accessory and high rep days to save my grip for the heavy days
A surprise to see both Brian and Big Loz in the same video, but a welcome one.
Love this style of video.
You’re the most credible man in UA-cam fitness! Always appreciate the uploads
Really appreciate this video never really used straps all that much in the past prefer raw but I think my grip is becoming a limiting factor. ty for this information love all the content you've put over the years
Need an Untamed Strength Spotify playlist!!!
I was glad to see someone using the Sew Easy Straps. For the price, they’re the best.
1:56 for head boop
So straightforward and knowledgeable
Great video! because of this video, I figured out that I have been using lifting straps wrong about 50% of the time. I would sometimes have them on backwards, and not having it running cross my thumb
I use straps anywhere my grip is not the main focus. I train my comp deadlift without and use hook grip and then mixed when my thumb gets too chewed up. Things like shrugs, RDLs, barbell rows and other exercises were my grip will be my limiting factor I will use them.
oh wow i just tested my 1rm yesterday and dropped the deadlift cuz i forgot to bring my straps while my legs and lower back felt completely fine lol.. what a crazy timing that this video was uploaded today!
1:29 Parkway Drive - Wild Eyes in the background.
Didn't you yourself, Alan, experience shoulder asymmetry using mixed grip which is why you switched to hook grip?
figure 8's work the best for me, equal tightness on both hands.. normal straps it's hard to get that equal tightness
I’ve never had grip issues, even when using them exclusively during entire training blocks. It prevents my hands from tearing so much, and is just easier in general
Loved the candito feature! I did not see that coming
Interesting. I try not to use straps, and definitely limit the weight I could pull, but my grip strength is coming up because I don’t use them. Thanks! Great to hear from others...
I had that attitude until I gave myself a case of tendonitis.
would love the same video about the knee sleeves
I feel like I learned a lot from this video, great info!
can we just appreciate at 5:00 we got to faintly hear northlane....there are many reasons we all watch this channel, trying to figure out the music in the background is the main reason
For anyone wondering what song is playing at 1:23, it's Wild Eyes by Parkway Drive.
On heavy shrugs and deadlift ( less than 5 reps) I'm using straps.( Ironmind straps is great)
Cracking soundtrack to this one - Them Bones, and was that Davidian right at the end?
I’m happy to do mixed grip for the rest of my life, I love it. But I’m scared of a bicep tear, that would ruin my life. I can’t afford to take that risk especially as I get stronger. It’s time for straps 😔
Hey Alan, in this video you say that mixed grip does not cause muscle imbalences, but in the past you said that you had muscle inbalance in your back, because you used mixed grip, to the point were you felt that one side of your traps was more developed then the other. I dont mean no hate my question is, if the mixed grip does not cause imbalances, then what caused your inbalance?
think he said it was a broken collarbone
Ok, so something that probably should have been mentioned is that some people (like me), need to use straps to compensate for injuries/dissabilities. I for example have a paralyzed index finger on my right hand which means I'm holding onto the bar with about 3 fingers. Before I started using straps I could lift maybe 70kg before my right hand would just give up. After getting them I have been able to push the limit without feeling like the bar is going to rip my right hand off.
When talking about different types of grip, straps and all that, that you should also mention chalk. I get a good 40-50 pounds extra out of my double overhand deadlift when using chalk, so it can often be a good alternative to straps.
The way to implement several opinions is a great way to discuss a topic!!! Maybe keeping that in moving on.
I do small strongman shows. I only use straps on high reps deadlifting in competition. In training I will use them for heavy rows training of my hands are beat up. But its helped my grip alot in competition not using them much.
GREAT VIDEO...‼👍🏼
1:57 i felt that
I can't suppinate completely without massive shoulder/elbow pain so its all hook/straps for me
Wild Eyes by Parkway Drive at 1:32 if anybody was wondering...
in 2021 its unbelievable how much the sport grew in a matter of 10 or so years
the background music at 12:30 is: psychotic break, from Jerry Cantrell!!!
Late comment - I finally got some straps! My DL is pretty low - my top set now is 4 reps at 325lb - but I always do a drop set after 3 working sets and that's where grip strength is a problem. I'm also thinking they would be great for an aux DL day of Romanian, stiff leg, tap & go or just higher volume sets.
Thanks guys, great informative video.
This sound track is extra 90's awesome.
Faaaaaaaaaaaaaak, love the Testament Legacy Banner. 1989 Chuck Landis' Country Club. Chuck Billy's voice was so loud, people heard it all the way in Northridge California.
I'm surprised you don't like Versa Gripps (maybe your opinion has changed since this video). It did look like you were using them incorrectly in this video, the strap that holds the bar should be pointing down into your hand, not pointing up to your forearms, and the bar should be between your hand and the strap. I use them for my hypertrophy training and find them to be a great tool for any exercise that grip could be a limiting factor. I've also used straps for many years, but these are way faster to use. Cheers man, great content, and happy holidays.
Alice in Chains Them Bones Playing in the background towards the end... followed by machine head, i wish they played this music at my gym :D
With the way that you explained how to use the strap, I kept expecting to hear you yell: The next movement that I will name, demonstrate, and conduct practical exercise on is applying the lifting strap.
Alan once said that mixed grip cause imbalances, he change his mind? Im failing reps and dont know what to do. The transition for another grip is a problem, cause if you do only in the last set, you are trainig enough.
ummm did i just see BiG LOZ row 620 lbs
Cobra Grips are super easy and work well. I use them since I dislocated a finger and my grip isn't back where it was.
I like the figure 8 straps because they help me pretend I'm actually strong.
Aside from singles, Figure 8s for rows and shrugs are godsend though
@@gublaman I enjoy them. I also just love the speed of using them.
Figure 8's for the win.
Did he say strap in or strap on?
1:00 wait what do you mean it doesn't build muscle imbalance despite to contrary popular belief? Didnt you make a video that you felt that your trap muscle is imbalance just by sleeping, laying on your back?
I'm a small woman with arthritic, child sized hands. I do rice bucket exercises to help, but lifting straps are kinda mandatory at this point.
Ever use a 25mm raw aluminum bar? You can get more hand around it, and the knurl works better than it does on plated or anodized bars.
I can't wait for (UK) lockdown to be over and hit the gym again :'(
it won't end invest in a home gym
@@moshuunderwater2624 Great advice...do you have a spare £1000 I could borrow
so I can buy x2 1kg dumbbells hehe
It’s very sad isn’t it 😞
@@mandy7674 maybe try saving up lol
@R B if you can't honestly see the cycle we are going in right now then i wouldn't blame you on having hope that gyms will open again
@Alan Thrall may need a helmet tutorial soon 01:56-:01:58
i had to switch to straps, got tired of wrecking the bars when i squeezed them with my grip.
Could you explain someday the difference among bars? Deadlift barbel, elephant barbel, Oly Lifting barbel etc and there use? Why a deadlift world record is so polemic if the athlet use a elephant barbel, for example
great vid bro it really helped!!!
I have very small hands and found that figure 8 straps are to thick.
Which straps would be thinish?
Ben Claridad's comment about self-work had me laughing pretty hard
Like 50Cent said "Yeah... Yeah... Go get the strap!"
i was that guy who used to fidget around with straps for 2 mins before the lift lol good i watched this video😆😆
I love my versa grips