Are straps bad for grip strength?
No.
Lifting straps are not bad for grip strength as long as they are used wisely.
Many believe that straps automatically weaken the grip, but the reality is more nuanced. Straps are a tool that helps ensure the grip does not become the limiting factor before the back and posterior chain.
If used strategically, you can both develop a strong grip and get more out of your training.
Why do people use straps?
The grip is often the first muscle group to get tired during heavy pulling exercises.
This is especially true for:
- Deadlifts
- Romanian Deadlifts (RDL)
- Barbell Rows
- Dumbbell Rows
- T-Bar Rows
- Shrugs
- Lat Pulldowns
Straps make it possible to focus on the back muscles rather than the forearms.
Do you lose grip strength by using straps?
Not necessarily.
If you use straps for every set and every exercise, your grip will naturally be challenged less.
But most strength trainers use straps strategically.
A typical approach is:
Warm-up sets without straps
The grip is still trained naturally.
Heavy working sets with straps
Here you can focus on the back and get more quality repetitions.
Specific grip training separately
Farmer's Walks, pull-ups, and static holds can still be used to improve grip.
Do professional bodybuilders use straps?
Yes.
Many professional bodybuilders use straps on almost all heavy back exercises.
Their goal is maximum muscle development, so they don’t want their forearms to limit their back.
That doesn’t mean their grip is weak. On the contrary.
What if the goal is a stronger grip?
If your primary goal is to improve grip strength, you should not use straps on all exercises.
Examples of good grip exercises:
- Farmer's Walks
- Dead Hangs
- Pull Ups
- Static Holds
- Double Overhand Deadlifts
Straps should be seen as a supplement, not a replacement.
When do straps make the most sense?
Straps are especially useful when:
- The grip fails before the back.
- You train with high volume.
- You want maximum muscle contact.
- You train close to exhaustion.
- You want to focus on technique rather than grip.
Which straps are best?
At MakeIt, there are several models:
StrapIt Standard
The most popular choice for most people.
StrapIt Premium
Extra comfort for high training volume and heavy lifts.
StrapIt Short
Perfect for smaller hands and especially popular for rows and pulldowns.
Danish-made lifting straps since 2014
At MakeIt, we have produced StrapIt lifting straps in Denmark since 2014.
More than 50,000 pairs have been sold to strength trainers across Europe, and all models are developed with a focus on quality, comfort, and durability.
Conclusion
Are straps bad for grip strength?
No.
If used strategically, straps can help you get more out of back training without ruining grip strength.
For most, straps are a tool – not a shortcut.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do straps weaken the grip?
No, not if used strategically.
Do professional bodybuilders use straps?
Yes, many do to maximize muscle contact and training volume.
Should you use straps for all sets?
No. Many only use them on the heaviest working sets.
Can you still train grip with straps?
Yes. Grip strength can be trained separately with exercises like Farmer's Walks and Dead Hangs.
Are straps bad?
No. Straps are a tool that helps you get more out of back training.
Related articles
If you want to learn more about lifting straps, grip strength, and get more out of your strength training, you can also read:
