07/03/2026
Why I Changed My Mind About Lifting Straps
I used to think using lifting straps meant your grip was weak. I was wrong.
The longer I've trained, coached, and gained experience, the more I've realized they're one of the most misunderstood tools in the gym.
With a conventional deadlift, your grip gets a brief break every time you return the barbell to the floor.
Romanian deadlifts are different.
Your hands are responsible for holding onto the bar from the first rep to the last, which means your grip is under constant tension throughout the entire set.
For most people (unless you're a rock climber), your glutes and hamstrings are capable of producing far more force than your grip can sustain.
That's why I use lifting straps.
They're not a shortcut, and they're certainly not "cheating." They're simply a tool that allows your posterior chain to become the limiting factor instead of your grip.
Could I use an alternate grip? Absolutely. But for Romanian deadlifts, I prefer keeping both hands in the same position. It keeps the movement symmetrical and allows me to focus on what I'm actually trying to trainâmy glutes and hamstrings.
The longer I coach, the more I realize that becoming stronger isn't just about lifting heavier weights. It's about understanding why you're using each tool and each exercise in the first place.
đŹ What's one piece of fitness advice that you've changed your mind about over the years? I'd love to hear it in the comments.
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