Wrist Straps - Yay or Nay?

Many people recommend against using wrist straps while training back… I couldn’t disagree more! Let’s discuss why.

Wrist straps are essential to the back growth puzzle for one simple reason - the strength of your hands and forearms may not be able to lift the weights that your back can!

If your hands and forearms fatigue before your back does in a row or pull-down, you’ve just failed to accomplish the goal of doing a row or pull-down.

This is not a “bad” thing but a simple physics equation.

If you’re moving a ton of load on a pull-down - say, 250+ pounds - should you expect your forearms not to fatigue before your back and arm muscles?

If you think your forearms should be as strong as your back, why?

Why have you decided that?

Doesn’t it seem arbitrary?

Many folks discourage the use of straps for the arbitrary reason that your forearms and hands should be able to hold the weights you’re pulling.

• Why should this be the case?

• Should we be able to hold any deadlift or RDL without straps, too?

• Should our grip need to be as strong as our backs and legs? If so, why?

Straps are likely unnecessary for EVERY back movement, especially any reverse flye or pulling motion that emphasizes the fully contracted position.

Pulling variations done with more momentum and total load should likely include the use of straps to prevent forearm and hand fatigue that may limit output and tension in the pulling muscles.

If you want to train your forearms and hands, go ahead! But do exercises specific to those muscles, like wrist curls and extensions.

Refusing to use straps until your forearms “catch up” to your back (I don’t believe this can happen) is fruitless.

Strap up and watch the back gains begin.