
07/01/2025
Let’s settle this once + for all…
When should you actually use lifting straps?
Because “if you can’t grip it, you shouldn’t lift it” is a cute theory that used to be the hill I stood to die on… until my glutes, lats, + hamstrings stopped growing because my traps + forearms kept taking over.
Here’s my take on it now:
🧷 If your grip is the limiting factor, not the target muscle, strap the f*ck up, provided that your form is SOLID.
🧷 If you’re breaking form just to hang on… strap up.
🧷 If you’re on a top set or high-volume burner… strap up.
🧷 If you have TMJ, tension headaches, or overactive traps… strap up, sister.
But if the goal is grip, or you’re still building base-level strength, earn your reps raw.
Training smarter often means breaking up with black + white “rules” + accepting nuance so you can actually grow the muscles you WANT to grow, rather than the ones that have been doing all of the compensation (ahem, traps + forearms)
Check the post for the quick + dirty strap assessment.
Save it. Share it with your ego-lifting gym sis.
Let your muscles grow without your grip holding you hostage 🤝