Lifting straps should be used when grip fatigue limits heavy pulling exercises like rows, deadlifts, and pulldowns. To preserve hand strength, warm up without straps and avoid using them on light sets, presses, or curls. Dedicated exercises like farmer carries and timed holds should be used to train grip separately.
When should you use straps?1. Use them when grip fails first. Your back should not lose a set because your fingers quit early.2. Warm up without them. Let lighter sets train your natural grip first.3. Strap your heaviest pulls. Rows, RDLs, and pulldowns are where straps earn a place.4. Do not use them everywhere. Presses, curls, and light sets rarely need straps.5. Train grip separately. Farmer carries and timed holds let back and hands both progress.
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