I've never used them before but I'm starting to consider it because I would be able to do more on deadlifts if I didn't have to grip all that weight as much and I wouldn't mind doing direct forearm work.
What do you guys think?
I'm thinking about starting to use straps...
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Maybe, but I've never been wholely convinced by them.
You could just change how you grip. If you don't use Gloves consider it, and if you do, consider changing to ones with the little bobbles on them, not smooth, they should provide more adhesion than smooth Gloves.
If you do that as well, then maybe do straps, but I can't attest to their successfullness, as I've never used them.
You could just change how you grip. If you don't use Gloves consider it, and if you do, consider changing to ones with the little bobbles on them, not smooth, they should provide more adhesion than smooth Gloves.
If you do that as well, then maybe do straps, but I can't attest to their successfullness, as I've never used them.
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Christopheel
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i wouldn;t get them until i;ve done a grip specialisation program...if you do get them then you're grip will always be weak and you'll need to do it sooner or later so you might as well as do it now
try this:
Thibaudeau's Hands and Forearms Strength Routine
A) Dynamic "Captain of Crush"
5 sets per hand, as many reps as possible until you reach 15-20
212 tempo (See our FAQ section if you're unfamiliar with tempo numbers.) link
60 seconds rest between each set
You’ll need some specialty equipment to do parts of this program. This particular exercise requires the "Captain of Crush" grippers produced by Ironmind. These grippers aren't your ordinary plastic toys found in sporting goods stores, which only require around 20 to 40 pounds of force to close. These things are brutal!
The COC grippers come in four different "strengths." The so-called "Trainer" gripper requires that you produce 100 pounds of force to close it. The No.1 gripper requires 140 and the No.2 requires 195, while the No.3 requires 280 pounds of force. The dreaded No.4, which only one man in the world has closed, requires 365 pounds of force to be closed completely!
The No.3 and obviously No.4 grippers aren't really useful for most individuals. If you can work up to the No.2 gripper (which will take some time), then hand strength will no longer be one of your weak points. Most people would only need to invest in the first two strengths (the Trainer and the No.1), and maybe a No.2.
For the first exercise we're going to do reps just closing the grippers. You're going to close them several times in a set, just like any other exercise. To improve your hand strength and strength endurance you should do 15 to 20 reps per set. Chances are you won't be able to do that at first. Don’t worry, it’s normal. Simply do as many reps as you can and when you reach 15 to 20 reps you can start to use the next strongest gripper.
B) Paper folding
As many "sets" as possible for each hand
No rest between sets
This next exercise might seem easy or even idiotic… that is, until you try it! It’s a great drill to increase hand strength-endurance and digital dexterity. The objective of the exercise is to hold a sheet of paper in your hand, then using only this one hand, crunch it into a tight ball. If you succeed, try it with two sheets. Add sheets until you're unable to reduce them to a tiny ball.
For this exercise you simply go on until you fail. Don't take any rest between "sets." If you can ball one sheet, go to two immediately and so on. This will build great strength-endurance in your hands.
C) Forearm roll
3 sets of 5 reps
90 seconds rest between each set
This is a classic forearm exercise. I've yet to find another exercise that can build as much strength-endurance and size in the forearms. You'll need a forearm roller, but there's no need to buy one as they're really easy to make. The picture of own roller should help you build your own.
To perform this exercise correctly you must "roll" the weight up and down under control. Don't let it drop down after you roll it up; instead roll it down in a controlled manner. You'll use three sets of five "reps." A rep consists of rolling the weight up, then back down. When you can complete three sets of five reps with good form, increase the load.
D) Isometric "Captain of Crush"
3 sets per hand of max time
90 seconds rest between each set
Once again, using the COC grippers, we're going to work on static endurance. Close the gripper and hold it closed for as long as you can. Aim for 45 to 60 seconds. At first, few will last over 30 seconds, even with the easier grippers, but work your way up slowly.
As you can see, this routine can be performed anywhere as long as you have the necessary material and equipment. I recommend doing it two to three times per week as a supplementary workout. You can perform this short workout at home or even on your lunch break! You can do it in the gym too, but if you choose to do so, do your main workout first. One word of caution: try not to do this workout the day before a pulling workout.
try this:
Thibaudeau's Hands and Forearms Strength Routine
A) Dynamic "Captain of Crush"
5 sets per hand, as many reps as possible until you reach 15-20
212 tempo (See our FAQ section if you're unfamiliar with tempo numbers.) link
60 seconds rest between each set
You’ll need some specialty equipment to do parts of this program. This particular exercise requires the "Captain of Crush" grippers produced by Ironmind. These grippers aren't your ordinary plastic toys found in sporting goods stores, which only require around 20 to 40 pounds of force to close. These things are brutal!
The COC grippers come in four different "strengths." The so-called "Trainer" gripper requires that you produce 100 pounds of force to close it. The No.1 gripper requires 140 and the No.2 requires 195, while the No.3 requires 280 pounds of force. The dreaded No.4, which only one man in the world has closed, requires 365 pounds of force to be closed completely!
The No.3 and obviously No.4 grippers aren't really useful for most individuals. If you can work up to the No.2 gripper (which will take some time), then hand strength will no longer be one of your weak points. Most people would only need to invest in the first two strengths (the Trainer and the No.1), and maybe a No.2.
For the first exercise we're going to do reps just closing the grippers. You're going to close them several times in a set, just like any other exercise. To improve your hand strength and strength endurance you should do 15 to 20 reps per set. Chances are you won't be able to do that at first. Don’t worry, it’s normal. Simply do as many reps as you can and when you reach 15 to 20 reps you can start to use the next strongest gripper.
B) Paper folding
As many "sets" as possible for each hand
No rest between sets
This next exercise might seem easy or even idiotic… that is, until you try it! It’s a great drill to increase hand strength-endurance and digital dexterity. The objective of the exercise is to hold a sheet of paper in your hand, then using only this one hand, crunch it into a tight ball. If you succeed, try it with two sheets. Add sheets until you're unable to reduce them to a tiny ball.
For this exercise you simply go on until you fail. Don't take any rest between "sets." If you can ball one sheet, go to two immediately and so on. This will build great strength-endurance in your hands.
C) Forearm roll
3 sets of 5 reps
90 seconds rest between each set
This is a classic forearm exercise. I've yet to find another exercise that can build as much strength-endurance and size in the forearms. You'll need a forearm roller, but there's no need to buy one as they're really easy to make. The picture of own roller should help you build your own.
To perform this exercise correctly you must "roll" the weight up and down under control. Don't let it drop down after you roll it up; instead roll it down in a controlled manner. You'll use three sets of five "reps." A rep consists of rolling the weight up, then back down. When you can complete three sets of five reps with good form, increase the load.
D) Isometric "Captain of Crush"
3 sets per hand of max time
90 seconds rest between each set
Once again, using the COC grippers, we're going to work on static endurance. Close the gripper and hold it closed for as long as you can. Aim for 45 to 60 seconds. At first, few will last over 30 seconds, even with the easier grippers, but work your way up slowly.
As you can see, this routine can be performed anywhere as long as you have the necessary material and equipment. I recommend doing it two to three times per week as a supplementary workout. You can perform this short workout at home or even on your lunch break! You can do it in the gym too, but if you choose to do so, do your main workout first. One word of caution: try not to do this workout the day before a pulling workout.
Sounds like a lot of Paper to use though for scrunching. He might end up with a 1 ream a week habit 
Sounds partly like the old Squeezing a Sponge Ball technique.
I also saw once a device for such things, which was a thin rectangular metal frame, with 5 spring loaded hooks, for the Thumb and Fingers, to rest in, then you flexed the Digits, and the springs provided resistance.
Don't recall its name though.
Sounds partly like the old Squeezing a Sponge Ball technique.
I also saw once a device for such things, which was a thin rectangular metal frame, with 5 spring loaded hooks, for the Thumb and Fingers, to rest in, then you flexed the Digits, and the springs provided resistance.
Don't recall its name though.
Re: I'm thinking about starting to use straps...
If you can't or won't use a mixed grip for your deadlifts yet, straps are a great option to get there. Using straps early on helps you lift heavier loads progressively. In this way, yes, they are a crutch. That doesn't have to be a bad thing. As you get better and more serious, lose the straps.