What is the purpose of lifting straps?

Lifting straps are primarily designed to assist grip strength during lifts. When performing exercises that involve heavy loading, particularly movements like deadlifts or rows, lifters sometimes find that their grip strength limits the amount of weight they can lift effectively. Lifting straps wrap around the wrist and the barbell, allowing the lifter to secure their grip on the weight without solely relying on their hand strength. This additional support enables individuals to focus on the target muscles of the lift rather than struggling to maintain grip, ultimately allowing for more effective training and progression in strength.

While some may think that lifting straps could increase the weight lifted, their true function is to support grip rather than directly enhance performance through increased load. Additionally, using straps does not reduce dependency on leg strength, as leg drive and positioning are still crucial for effective lifts. Lastly, lifting straps do not have a significant impact on balance during overhead lifts; balancing techniques stem from proper body alignment and technique rather than grip assistance.