Weightlifting straps are one of the most debated pieces of equipment in the gym. Some use them for everything – others refuse to touch them. The truth lies somewhere in between.
Here's an honest guide on when straps genuinely help you – and when you should put them aside.
What do weightlifting straps do?
Straps wrap around the bar and your wrist, taking the strain off your grip during lifts. This means your forearms and fingers aren't the limiting factor – and you can fully focus on the muscle you actually want to train.
It sounds simple – and it is. But the effect is significant, especially on heavy, high-volume exercises.
When do weightlifting straps help?
When your grip gives out before the muscle is fatigued – the classic scenario for deadlifts, rows, and lat pulldowns. You don't stop because your back is exhausted, but because your fingers can't hold on. Straps solve precisely this problem.
For high-volume training – many sets and repetitions wear out grip strength. Straps keep you going session after session without your forearms limiting you.
For isolation exercises – bicep curls, face pulls, and cable exercises where you want direct muscle contact without a distracting grip.
For heavy compound exercises – rack pulls, Romanian deadlifts, and shrugs, where the load is so high that your grip simply cannot keep up.
When should you NOT use weightlifting straps?
For all exercises all the time – your grip strength is important and also needs to be trained. Use straps as a tool, not as a default for everything you do.
For grip-specific exercises – farmer's carries, kettlebell swings, pull-ups, and wrist curls are exercises where grip is the primary goal. Here, straps make no sense.
On light days – if the weight doesn't challenge your grip, straps are superfluous. Save them for the heavy sets.
If you are a complete beginner – during the first few weeks of weight training, you should build a baseline of grip strength. After this, you can start using straps selectively.
Are straps cheating in weightlifting?
No – and the question is a bit misunderstood. Weight training is about optimally stimulating the muscles. If your grip prevents you from doing that, straps are a legitimate tool just like a belt, knee sleeves, and chalk.
Most serious athletes – including those who compete – use straps for selected exercises. It's not cheating. It's smart.
How to use weightlifting straps correctly
Use straps for your heavy sets and for isolation exercises where your grip would otherwise limit you. Train without straps on light days and for exercises that specifically challenge your grip.
This gives you the best of both worlds – better performance on major exercises and continued grip strength development.
Weightlifting straps from MakeIt
At MakeIt, we have been producing weightlifting straps in Denmark since 2014. Our StrapIt series is available in standard, short, and premium – and is used by thousands of lifters here at home.
See our weightlifting straps here and find the pair that suits your training.
Free shipping over DKK 649. 100-day return policy. Produced in Denmark.
Frequently asked questions
When should I use weightlifting straps?
Use straps when your grip limits you – typically for deadlifts, rows, lat pulldowns, and other heavy, high-volume pulls.
Do straps weaken grip strength?
Not if you use them selectively. Use straps for heavy sets and train grip strength on lighter exercises – that way you develop both.
What are the best weightlifting straps?
It depends on your training. StrapIt Standard is the most versatile. StrapIt Short is best for cable machines. StrapIt Premium is for the serious lifter who wants maximum comfort.
Can you use straps in competition?
It depends on the sport and the organizer. In most powerlifting competitions, straps are not allowed during the competition itself – but are freely used for training.
