chalk/straps for deadlift???

[RobS]

i posted this question in my training journal yesterday and didn't get any responses so i figured i'd put it up in the training section so more people would see it and hopefully i'd get some responses. so, anyways, here is my issue with deadlift:

last friday i pulled 515x1 which tied my old 1rm. i was fairly happy about b/c for whatever reason i wasn't feeling all that strong that day and i was having some trouble with my grip. i use a double over hand grip for as long as i can while i am working up to heavier weights then i switch to an over/under grip when i start to feel like the weight is getting real heavy. with that being said, on friday when i pulled the 515 i felt my grip slipping but i was able to get the weight up and hold it at lock out before setting it back down. after that i gave 535 a try. i was able to get the weight moving but my grip just gave out and i couldn't hold it. it is frustrating b/c this is not the first time this has happened, i know that i am strong enough in the legs and back to get more weight up but i just can't hold onto it. so, i was wondering what everyone thought about the idea of investing in some chalk or straps. right now i don't have anything like that to help me with my grip.

does chalk really help that much? would it be enough to help me keep my grip and get the weight up? also, should i invest in straps? my only problem with that idea is that im worried if i do start using straps my grip strength wont increase and i'll never be able to get the weight up without them. what does everyone think?

[iron_worker]

I would say for max tests using straps and/or chalk would be fine. I would try to keep your work sets without them. Your max DL is really all about your legs and back anyways I would say. Others might have different opinions but I say go for it.

IronWorker

[Kane]

Straps are cheap and not as messy as chaulk, so I vote for them (Haven't used chaulk much so I can't really help). They won't help with grip, but like IW said, use the straps once your grip is gone. In the example you gave, I would've gone strapless up to the 515 and then used the straps for the 535.

IME its best to use the straps when you feel your grip is going, but before its gone.

[Ross86]

^^^ X 2

I use straps when I go heavy. They're cheap. No reason not to on your ME lifts. But like IW said, do your working sets without if possible.

[patsfan127]

see im more of a chalk kind of guy. I think that chalk helps a lot with the grip. But yea straps are a lot cleaner.

[Darkhorse]

Chalk.. I hate straps. I feel "trapped" when I have to squat down for so long cinching those bitches tight vs. slapping some chalk on, getting in position, grabbing and going.

That plus I'm the only one in my gym who isn't a pussy and does unacceptable things -> 1/3 squatting, stopping 3" off the chest benching, using straps for everything, not deadlifting, curling in the squat rack, ect.

i use a double over hand grip for as long as i can while i am working up to heavier weights then i switch to an over/under grip when i start to feel like the weight is getting real heavy.

Perhaps you could try not going all commando w/ fighting through the double overhand during all your warmups, and reserve some of that grip strength for the 10 wheels on up. That's what I do. If I want to work on grip strength, there's ample time after putting up 535 lbs raw.. Perhaps even loading 550 on there and just do some static holds, farmer's walks, ect. Personally, if I had to choose between losing my grip strength during warmups or a 540 lb deadlift raw then grip strength, I'll choose whatever's heavier.

[_Wolf_]

chalk makes a HUGE difference in terms of grip-strength and ability. i have used both straps and chalk and i like chalk a lot more - even if as Kane said: its a lot more messy. yes, i end up after 5-6 sets of deads with chalk all over my clothes but it doesnt bother me.

[widdoes2504]

I also have used both and while each has its place I personally prefer chalk for the heavy work. Yes it is messier, but it works very well for me.

[Darkhorse]

Originally Posted by widdoes2504

I also have used both and while each has its place I personally prefer chalk for the heavy work. Yes it is messier, but it works very well for me.

You guys should try picking up a $3 rosin bag.. The ones that baseball pitcher's use. That's all I get. It leaves almost no chalk behind, but just enough to have a productive workout.

[RobS]

thanks for everyone's input, i actually just decided to order some chalk this morning, it was fairly cheap so i figured i'll give it a try. plus, i don't mind if it a little messy i just wear shitty old t-shirts to the gym anyway, so that's not a problem, and i have used straps a couple of times in the past and just like 0311 i wasn't a big fan of them. now i'm really hoping that the gets here before friday so i can use it when i do deadlifts again.

i'm also going to take 0311's advice and save my grip a little bit by not gutting out the double-over hand grip during my build up sets