If you’re still letting grip strength be the reason your back isn't growing, you’re leaving MASSIVE gains on the table.
This week’s Get Swole Saturday tip is all about weightlifting straps – the most underrated tool in a real Meathead’s arsenal.
Why Use Straps?
Let’s be clear: straps aren’t for every lift, and they’re not a crutch. They’re a weapon. When you're going heavy on pulling movements – think deadlifts, rows, lat pulldowns, shrugs – grip fatigue can kick in before the target muscle is anywhere near failure. That’s a problem.
When your forearms tap out early, your miss out on gains. That’s where straps come in.
The Strategy
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Use straps when training back, hamstrings, or traps to take grip out of the equation and laser-focus on the target muscle.
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Don’t use straps for warm-ups or lighter sets – let your grip work. But once you're in that 80-100% effort range, STRAP UP and GO TO WAR.
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Use straps to isolate the mind-muscle connection. You’ll feel deeper contractions, longer time under tension, and way more control.
Real Talk
Straps won’t make you weak – ego lifting without full stimulation will. Save grip training for its own session or accessory work. When it’s time to BUILD MASS, prioritize the target muscle, not your handshake strength.
So next time you’re hitting heavy rows and your grip is giving out halfway through the set?
STRAP UP, LOCK IN, and FINISH STRONG.
Get Swole. Stay Swole.
- Team MEATHEAD
