Oh, I just saw your reply, IK. When I do workout sets, I do both hands over, until my grip gives, then I switch to over-under. I learned that here :) Since this was a max, I just did it over-under. I have one strap, but I never use it, I will for 1-arm rows, though.

Good for you. An over/over is the best way to go. But when doing a 1rm, an over/under is fine. BUT if you work the over/over grip consistently, you should be able to do your 1rm with an over/over also.

You'll be less prone to injury that way ;)

Oh. Another thing I've learneded here. Do you do deads?

IK, if you guys don't mind a little hyjack, I've heard people connect over/under to injury before. Now I'm an over/over until over/under is needed person, like your speaking of. But what is the injury mechanism with over/under? Does it mean bicep strains because of a tendency for people to flex elbows, or what? Just curious.

Good on ya, John.

On the topic of deads, are there any tricks for them? When I say tricks, I mean like gripping the bar really firmly on benchpress, or holding the weight at the top to strengthen the muscles/tendons?

That's the primary injury that occurs with the over/under grip.

It's pretty much based on poor form, obviously. Like you stated, people trying to bend the elbows more when the load gets too tough, which often happens when people try to 1rm a weight they really can't do.

As a general rule, I stick with over/over as much as I can. But when it comes to some of the very low rep stuff, sometimes I'll do an over/under. But if I feel I can do it with an over/over, I'll use that.

Same here. Thanks for the explanation, IK.

John, on the deads, I'm not sure if this is what you mean, but you can do a "static hold" at the top of a last rep of deads to practice grip endurance. With the ones you are doing over/over. Obviously you have to use your judgement. You wouldn't do that with a max lift but something fairly heavy. Make sure when you do that you stay in a good locked out position with the glutes engaged and the upper back squared back. If you can't do that then don't do the static.

Yes, tips/tricks like that.

You could always sniff some chalk and rub ammonia on your hands. :) And make sure your stance is even. :D Sorry, I had to be the jackass that mentioned it even after you explained it.