Can you use lifting straps for pull ups?
Yes.
Lifting straps can be an effective tool for pull ups if grip becomes the limiting factor before the back muscles.
Many find their forearms get tired before their lats and upper back finish working. Here, straps can help keep the focus on the muscles rather than the grip.
Why use straps for pull ups?
Pull ups are one of the best exercises for back training, but they also place high demands on grip strength.
By using straps you can:
- Get more repetitions.
- Focus more on the lats.
- Reduce strain on the forearms.
- Increase muscle contact.
- Get more out of your back training.
Straps don’t make the exercise easier – they just help ensure your grip doesn’t stop you before your back does.
When do straps make sense for pull ups?
Straps can be especially useful if:
- You train with high volume.
- Your grip gets tired before your back.
- You want maximum muscle contact.
- You do weighted pull ups.
- You train close to exhaustion.
When should you not use straps?
There are also situations where it makes sense to train without straps.
For example:
- If the goal is to improve grip strength.
- During warm-up sets.
- For specific forearm training.
- If your grip does not limit you.
Straps should be seen as a supplement, not a replacement for a strong grip.
Are straps good for weighted pull ups?
Yes.
In weighted pull ups, grip often becomes the weak factor.
Many experienced strength trainers use straps on heavy sets to fully focus on their back muscles and get more quality repetitions.
Which straps are best for pull ups?
At MakeIt, several models are available:
StrapIt Standard
The most popular choice and perfect for most.
StrapIt Premium
Extra comfort for high training volume and heavy lifts.
StrapIt Short
A shorter model that many prefer for pull ups, rows, and lat 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
If your grip limits you during pull ups, lifting straps can be an effective tool.
They allow for more repetitions, better muscle contact, and more focus on the back, so you get more out of your training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use straps for pull ups?
Yes. Many use straps when their grip gets tired before their back muscles.
Are straps good for weighted pull ups?
Yes. They can help you focus on your back during heavy sets.
Are straps bad for grip strength?
No. Most people use straps strategically and still train their grip at other times.
Which straps are best for pull ups?
Most choose StrapIt Standard, while StrapIt Short is popular for pull ups and back training.
Related articles
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