Lifting Straps are great!
I tried my lifting straps today for the first time and I was able to go up 5kgs in my deadlift, I did 2 sets of 13 reps with 50kgs and 1 set of 10 reps with 55kgs! I didnt feel like I was losing the grip and I handled the weight perfectly, I know for sure that I’ll go up in weight on my next back day, I did feel that I could go for more reps but I tried to keep my form perfect with the tension in my hamstrings and back, I wish I had always used the straps, try it if you havent as yet. I also used it with my lat pulldowns, 2 sets of 25kgs and 1 set of 30kgs, then dropped to 20kgs for 10 reps, immediately to 25kgs for 10 reps and 30kgs for 5 reps, wow that burned! I then moved unto lat rows and did 3 sets with 16kgs in each hand, 10 reps each, finished with 3 sets of back extensions 2 with a 5kg plate.
I would have done more today but my hubby hurt his neck when doing the deadlifts, I’m not so sure his form is the greatest, but I think he doesnt always appreciate me criticizing him when he is doing his best. I have to say this very non sexist remark, men put too much emphasis on increasing weights without always evaluating form. I truly believe that form grows you along with increasing weights as you go along. But he does get pains in the shoulder, neck, chest and back area quite often, almost like spasms as he keeps describing it. I realise that when he increases his weights, he gets more motivated and he is growing constantly so maybe I’m too critical or I place a bit too much emphasis on form. I also wish that he would listen and take the glutamine and bcaa’s, he only ever takes glutamine when he has an injury or pain.
Maybe he’ll listen if a guy tells him, the fact is that I lift more than most men at my gym, ok maybe some men! I completely forgot to do pull ups today, i really need to focus on building my strength there.
"What you are thinking now is creating your future life. You create your life with your thoughts. Because you are always thinking, you are always creating. What you think about the most, is what will appear as your life."
So think all great things, have no fear, think abundance in money, muscles, happiness and the good life, have a lovely day!
January 26, 2008 at 12:41 am
I agree with you about form being very important, but I would also say that relying on the lifting straps too much is a big mistake and can take away a great amount of strength in your grip and forearms.
January 26, 2008 at 1:24 am
First, I never dead without straps: you’re cheating yourself extra weight that your forearms simply cannot handle if you do not….Second, I would suggest that your blanket statement about men putting more emphasis on increasing weight rather than evaluating form, may be a sweeping generality. Form is my main priority when working any muscle group…
January 26, 2008 at 4:01 am
Get him to participate on an online lifting community like this one. Or post some videos of him deadlifting for evaluation by his peers. Or you could you email him videos of men deadlifting with good technique.
Lifting straps are really good but I always do at least a few sets without them (warm ups or lighter sets) just to make sure my grip doesn’t become weak.
January 26, 2008 at 4:55 am
I like the last part of the blog, inspiring words.