Questions about deadlifts

[kat2002]

-When is one supposed to use a mixed grip?

-If you use lifting straps, at what weight did you start using them? And any other opinions about them..when/if they should be used, etc.

[Jypsie]

-When is one supposed to use a mixed grip?

-If you use lifting straps, at what weight did you start using them? And any other opinions about them..when/if they should be used, etc.


I always use a mixed grip because it's easier for me to grip the bar. I haven't had to use straps yet, but I'm sure at some point my ability to lift will exceed my ability to grip and then I will start using them.

[DarkAnimal73]

I always use a mixed grip and only grab the straps on my last heavier sets

[PnW]

:ditto:

[TheDeliverator]

I mix grip from the first set, unless I'm hook gripping.

I don't use straps on deadlifts, ever, I only use straps for pin pulls (to allow myself to use a double-over hand grip with heavier weights). All deadlifts from the floor, from blocks, against bands or chain -no straps.

Personally, I think lifting straps are something that very few people need, and most would be better off never buying a pair.

[Inatic]

I always use a mixed grip and only grab the straps on my last heavier sets
x2

[Marcelo]

I don't go to a mix grip until I start to get into heavier weight. No straps either.

[smuggie]

I use a mixed grip for all pulling work. I have an issue with my hand that stops me from using a hook grip, but when that's cleared up I'll start using it again.

I use straps only for high-rep pulling work when doing RDLs and Dimel DLs. I never use them for CDLs or sumo DLs, because I do those for low reps.

[kat2002]

Thanks all...to this point I've only been doing closed grip overhand..so I'll have to try out the mixed grip/hook grip.

[TheDeliverator]

so I'll have to try out the mixed grip/hook grip.

If you haven't ever tried the hook grip, well, I won't ruin the surprise, but have fun!

Thor hook-gripped her 285x3 clean, and I have hooked a 585 rack pull, and, suffice to say I will never, ever, be that stupid again.

[Aaron_F]

Just to be a complete pedantic wanker,

A hook grip is not a seperate entity from a mixed grip.

The hook grip people are talking about here is actually a double overhand grip to the bar, combined with hooking the thumb under the fingers.

Hooking the thumber under the fingers can also be done with a mixed grip

As hooking is somethign done with the fingers and thumb, regardless of what direction the hands are pointing.

An example of a hooked mixed grip (piccie 1 on the page)
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/2682/hooker1dk.jpg

[TheDeliverator]

You wanker.

[Aaron_F]

only with a hook grip

[char-dawg]

I used a mixed grip, no straps, for a long time - like a couple of decades.

Then I started reading about potential problems with using the same over-under (i.e., mixed) grip all the time, and how it could cause imbalances in your back. This came right about the time I first had to go in for shoulder problems, which stemmed in a large part from my left scapula being out of position. So I thought, hmmm.... And started experimenting.

The usual remedy for an imbalance like this is to start switching your grip up. In other words, if you usually pull left-under/right-over, make it left-over/right-under. I tried that and personally, it feels SO weird that I'd just rather not. Maybe if I'd started earlier it wouldn't be an issue, but at this point, no.

Also tried using a hook grip, but at the heavier weights it feels like there's a real chance of pulling a thumb out of its socket.

So now I use a double-overhand grip all this time. I go strapless until I get up into about the top 75% of what I can use, and then strap up. I haven't had any problems with this method, and I don't feel as though my forearm/grip strength has suffered for it. I still will occasionally pull a heavy weight without straps, and using my old mixed grip, just to test this last, but for me, my grip holding strength is better than my back strength.

[Forged]

If/when I used mixed grip, I'll alternate the direction each set. I use straps for heavier weight because my skin is oh-so-soft.

[smuggie]

If/when I used mixed grip, I'll alternate the direction each set.
This is what I do too.

[Erik]

This is what I do too.

I can't do that. It feels too awkward.

[jackieleigh]

I can't do that. It feels too awkward.


me neither. I have tried to switch the grips and I cant lift the same.

[Forged]

me neither. I have tried to switch the grips and I cant lift the same.

That should tell you something.

[TheDeliverator]

That should tell you something.

It's time to juice?

[Forged]

It's time to juice?

Sure, why not.

[Sportsgirl]

The usual remedy for an imbalance like this is to start switching your grip up. In other words, if you usually pull left-under/right-over, make it left-over/right-under. I tried that and personally, it feels SO weird that I'd just rather not. Maybe if I'd started earlier it wouldn't be an issue, but at this point, no.



I do this about 30% of the time, but I really should start to do it most of the time since it's not a problem for me right now. It does feel weird for me, but I don't notice any strength difference when I change.

Where abouts did you read about this?

[jaleena]

I go to mixed grip over 135lbs. Don't use straps, and my hands are too little for hook grip :lol3:
I only use left under/right over...from the very first time I pulled, going the other direction made me feel like I was trying to launch the bar across the room...too weird.

[JJ29]

I use a mixed grip and what i do is alternate every set so that no grip combo ever becomes too dominant.

[Jared]

When I first started deadlifting, I switched my grip every set. I still have one grip I "prefer", but both are easy for me to use. From a powerlifting standpoint, I would suggest eliminating or using straps extremely rarely on deadlift-type movements. From a bodybuilding perspective, as long as you aren't a total weenie about it, there should be zero problem with using them.