Are Lifting Straps Cheating? The Truth About Grip Strength
If you’ve ever strapped up for deadlifts or rows, chances are someone in the gym has said: “That’s cheating.”
So, are lifting straps really cheating? The short answer: No. Lifting straps aren’t cheating — they’re a tool. Used properly, they help you lift more weight, build more muscle, and prevent injuries. Let’s break it down.
Why People Think Straps Are Cheating
The idea usually comes from one place: grip strength. Some lifters believe if you can’t hold the bar with your bare hands, you shouldn’t lift it. While grip strength is important, this argument misses the point.
Training with straps isn’t about replacing grip. It’s about making sure your back, traps, and hamstrings get fully trained without your hands cutting sets short.
What Straps Actually Do
Lifting straps:
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Wrap around your wrist and the barbell
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Reduce grip fatigue
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Keep the bar locked in when pulling heavy
They don’t move the weight for you. They don’t lift for you. They just remove grip failure from the equation.
👉 That’s not cheating. That’s smart training.
When Straps Make Sense
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Heavy Deadlifts → When chasing PRs or high reps.
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Rows (Barbell & Dumbbell) → Keeps tension on your lats, not your forearms.
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Shrugs & Rack Pulls → Strap in for heavy trap work.
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Accessory Work After Grip Fatigue → If your hands are smoked but you still want quality sets.
When to Train Without Straps
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Warm-Ups → Build raw grip strength.
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Grip-Specific Training → Farmer’s carries, static holds, and hangs.
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Olympic Lifts → Cleans and snatches require free wrist rotation.
👉 Straps should supplement grip training, not replace it.
Grip Strength vs Performance
Think of straps like a belt, knee sleeves, or chalk. Nobody says those are “cheating.” They’re tools to help you lift more, stay safe, and train harder.
If you’re training for maximum performance, straps let you:
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Focus on target muscles
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Push more weight and volume
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Break through plateaus
At the same time, grip strength still matters — which is why you should train both.
FAQs: Are Straps Cheating?
Q: Will straps make my grip weak?
A: Not if you mix in raw grip training. Use straps strategically and train grip separately.
Q: Should beginners use straps?
A: Yes — once grip starts limiting pulling lifts. Straps help you progress faster.
Q: Do powerlifters use straps?
A: Not in competition. But in training? Absolutely. They’re a staple in most serious lifters’ bags.
Final Word
Lifting straps aren’t cheating. They’re a tool to help you train smarter, lift heavier, and build more muscle. Use them when grip holds you back, train grip strength separately, and you’ll get the best of both worlds.
👉 Get your pair of Battle Bunker Weightlifting Straps — 18" heavy-duty cotton, padded for comfort, and built for lifters who refuse to let grip failure stop their gains.
