The + and – of using straps

Grip strength is a common limiting factor when it comes to exercises like deadlifts, back rows, pull-ups etc. One way to work around this limiting factor is by using lifting straps.
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Since forearm strength is mostly out of the picture when you use straps, you can perform better and provide a greater training stimulus for the large back and leg muscles. A 2015 study shows this well. The researchers found that deadlift 1RM is higher in individuals that use straps compared to those that lift bare-handed.
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Now, an obvious drawback of using lifting straps is that your forearms get trained minimally. So if you currently want to prioritize your forearm development, lifting straps are not for you. But for most people out there, it is possible to use straps regularly and still experience good improvements in grip strength.  A simple way to accomplish this is by only using lifting straps when you need them the most: on your heaviest pulling set(s).
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Next to this, it also can’t hurt to have more forearm isolation work if you regularly use lifting straps (think heavy barbell holds, dead hangs, wrist curls, etc.). In a future post, I will share more details about forearm training. So stay tuned for that!
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Reference:
1. Coswig, V. S., Freitas, D. F. M., Gentil, P., Fukuda, D. H., & Del Vecchio, F. B. (2015). Kinematics and kinetics of multiple sets using lifting straps during deadlift training. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 29(12), 3399-3404.44m