Squatting--with straps?

sbjones · 01-23-2012, 12:51 PM

Anyone here ever tried this? I know that MikeD96 uses straps for front squats, but in the absence of a safety squat bar, I'm wondering if this might be a decent alternative? I hate using a wide/loose grip to prevent left elbow pain.

http://youtu.be/ceqG52ZIrH4

And yeah, I know that the short answer is "Try it and see!" but I thought I'd also ask for expert opinions.

mikestew · 01-23-2012, 06:54 PM

I think front squatting with straps for everyone except those who need the flexibility (ie people who practice the actual olympic lifts) is a great idea. It allows you to hold the weight much more securely than the cross arm style, and allows you to keep your upper back arched a hell of a lot better too

sbjones · 01-23-2012, 10:39 PM

Thanks, Mike. I was referring specifically to "back" squats, but I can see how my post might have been confusing. For what it's worth, I don't really front squat.

Maybe I should start!

**Kryptic** · 01-24-2012, 06:50 AM

The only benefits that my undet-caffinated of straps is either if you lack flexibility or I suppose it could make it easier to dump heave weight?

-Sent from my EVO in full derp mode-

sbjones · 01-24-2012, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kryptic

The only benefits that my undet-caffinated of straps is either if you lack flexibility or I suppose it could make it easier to dump heave weight?

NEVER attempt to post before caffeinating! Safety first, my man. Safety first.

My issue is that the grip I prefer to use--narrow and very tight--hurts the hell out of my left elbow (golfer's elbow/medial epicondylitis). I'm getting Graston treatments for it, but in the meantime, I've been using a very wide/loose grip, which feels very odd.

Also, the guy in that vid appears to be squatting Olympic style as opposed to low bar. He also appears to be strong like bull.

fitzy21 · 01-24-2012, 12:08 PM

Never used straps for back squats before...just going off the video it seems like it could be a useful alternative - I'd caution that it probably be better to use a double looped strap to ward off any slippage of the strap through your hands.

If you have a decent upper back shelf to rest the bar on, and you feel confident that you won't lose your grip on the straps, give it a whirl and let us know how it goes.

MtnJunkie711 · 01-24-2012, 01:58 PM

I think it was mentioned that his wrist was injured so that was why he was using straps.

sbjones · 01-26-2012, 11:27 AM

Tried it this morning with box squats (with chains). Felt pretty good, actually!

01-23-2012, 12:51 PM	#1
sbjones Lightweight Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 201 Friends: (0) Referrals: 0	Squatting--with straps? Anyone here ever tried this? I know that MikeD96 uses straps for front squats, but in the absence of a safety squat bar, I'm wondering if this might be a decent alternative? I hate using a wide/loose grip to prevent left elbow pain. http://youtu.be/ceqG52ZIrH4 And yeah, I know that the short answer is "Try it and see!" but I thought I'd also ask for expert opinions. __________________ My Clutch journal--you'll feel stronger (by comparison) after reading it.

01-23-2012, 06:54 PM	#2
mikestew Lightweight Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Calgary, AB Posts: 307 Friends: (0) Referrals: 1	I think front squatting with straps for everyone except those who need the flexibility (ie people who practice the actual olympic lifts) is a great idea. It allows you to hold the weight much more securely than the cross arm style, and allows you to keep your upper back arched a hell of a lot better too __________________ There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1,2

01-23-2012, 10:39 PM	#3
sbjones Lightweight Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 201 Friends: (0) Referrals: 0	Thanks, Mike. I was referring specifically to "back" squats, but I can see how my post might have been confusing. For what it's worth, I don't really front squat. Maybe I should start! __________________ My Clutch journal--you'll feel stronger (by comparison) after reading it.

01-24-2012, 06:50 AM	#4
Kryptic It's on my "Unimportant Things to-do" List. Space Invaders Champion! Diji Ninja Champion! 3D Championship Golf Champion! Join Date: May 2007 Location: Milwaukee, wEsconsin Age: 30 Posts: 5,764 Friends: (19) Referrals: 5	The only benefits that my undet-caffinated of straps is either if you lack flexibility or I suppose it could make it easier to dump heave weight? -Sent from my EVO in full derp mode- __________________

01-24-2012, 12:08 PM	#6
fitzy21 Lightweight Super Mario Flash HV Champion! Yeti 1 Greece Champion! Avalanche Champion! Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Boston Age: 28 Posts: 594 Friends: (2) Referrals: 0	Never used straps for back squats before...just going off the video it seems like it could be a useful alternative - I'd caution that it probably be better to use a double looped strap to ward off any slippage of the strap through your hands. If you have a decent upper back shelf to rest the bar on, and you feel confident that you won't lose your grip on the straps, give it a whirl and let us know how it goes. __________________ I will not accept defeat

01-24-2012, 01:58 PM	#7
MtnJunkie711 Lucharilla Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Charlotte, NC Age: 26 Posts: 198 Friends: (3) Referrals: 0	I think it was mentioned that his wrist was injured so that was why he was using straps.

01-26-2012, 11:27 AM	#8
sbjones Lightweight Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 201 Friends: (0) Referrals: 0	Tried it this morning with box squats (with chains). Felt pretty good, actually! __________________ My Clutch journal--you'll feel stronger (by comparison) after reading it.

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