What Are Lifting Straps?

Lifting straps are usually made from tough materials like cotton, nylon, or leather. You wrap them around your wrist and the barbell (or dumbbell) to help you keep a strong grip when your hands start to get tired. They’re super helpful for pulling exercises like deadlifts, rows, shrugs, and lat pulldowns.

They don’t replace your grip strength, but they do take some of the pressure off your hands and let your bigger muscles do more of the work. Plus, they can make your workouts safer and more effective.

Some styles offer more comfort while others provide maximum strength and security. Knowing which type is right for you depends on your lifting style, experience, and goals.

Here are a few great reasons to add lifting straps to your gym bag:

Grip assistance – Perfect for when your hands are sweaty or worn out.
Lift heavier – You can focus more on your back, shoulders, or hamstrings and less on your grip.
Better form – You’re not fighting to hold on, so you can move more smoothly.
Injury prevention – Less strain on your wrists and fingers.
Less fatigue – Save your grip for other movements or days when you don’t use straps.
Versatility – Works on barbells, dumbbells, cable attachments, and even pull-up bars.

Note: We’re not doctors, so please talk to a professional if you have injuries or concerns.

Before you hit “add to cart,” here are a few things to consider:

Material: Cotton is comfy and easy to break in, nylon is super tough and long-lasting, and leather offers a strong grip with a classic feel.
Length and width: Longer straps (around 20″) give you more wraps for extra grip. Wider straps offer more support.
Padding: Some straps come with wrist padding for extra comfort.
Style: Figure 8 straps, lasso straps, and closed-loop straps all have their own benefits.
Durability: Look for double stitching or reinforced areas if you plan to go heavy.
Ease of use: You want straps you can throw on quickly between sets.

Let’s look at the top types so you can find the right one for you.

Types of Lifting Straps

1. Lasso Straps

These are the most common. They loop around your wrist and then you wrap the end around the bar. They’re great for beginners and work well for almost any pull movement.

Pros: Easy to use, great for beginners, adjustable tightness

Cons: Can take time to wrap if you’re moving quickly

Best for: Deadlifts, rows, general lifting

2. Figure 8 Straps

These look like the number 8 and loop around both your wrist and the bar. They’re super secure but not adjustable mid-lift.

Pros: Maximum security, great for max weight

Cons: Less versatile, harder to use for varied lifts

Best for: Strongman lifts, heavy deadlifts

3. Closed Loop Straps

These slip over your hand and tighten as you grip the bar. They’re quick to put on and great for Olympic lifts or fast-paced training.

Pros: Fast transitions, minimal setup

Cons: May not be as secure as other types for very heavy lifts

Best for: Weightlifting, quick transitions

1. Gymreapers Lifting Straps

Cotton build with neoprene wrist padding
Strong grip and long-lasting durability
Good for deadlifts and heavy pulls
Trusted by many lifters from beginners to pros

2. Rogue Fitness Ohio Lifting Straps

Nylon material built to last
Made by a trusted fitness brand
Slightly stiff at first, but break in well
Perfect for anyone wanting pro-level gear

3. IronMind Strong-Enough Lifting Straps

Used by professional strongmen
Heavy-duty cotton webbing
Perfect for max-effort lifts
Very basic design, but extremely reliable

4. Harbinger Padded Cotton Lifting Straps

Soft cotton feel with extra cushion
Great for people who want comfort
Best for intermediate lifters
Budget-friendly and easy to find

5. Warm Body Cold Mind Figure 8 Straps

Designed by Olympic lifter Oleksiy Torokhtiy
Built for max security and grip
Ideal for heavy deadlift days
Unique color and design for a cool look

6. Grip Power Pads Pro Lifting Straps

Leather design with padding
Good for grip and wrist support
Stylish and effective
Excellent for lifters who want a traditional leather feel

7. DMoose Lifting Straps

Neoprene padding and heavy cotton
Comes in fun colors and patterns
Adjustable and beginner-friendly
Popular with casual and serious gym-goers alike

8. Bear KompleX Figure 8 Straps

Great for secure grip with minimal slippage
Best for strongman and powerlifting training
Heavy-duty with reinforced stitching
Strong choice for high-level lifters

Tips For Using Lifting Straps

Use them smart: Don’t rely on them for every lift. Build your natural grip too.
Wrap tight: Make sure they’re snug on the bar, but not cutting off your circulation.
Practice first: Try them out with lighter weights so you can get used to wrapping them quickly.
Pair them well: Use them on back day or any pulling workouts where grip limits your gains.
Take care of them: Wash fabric straps occasionally to keep them clean and fresh.
Try different styles: Don’t be afraid to experiment. Some people love lasso straps, while others swear by figure 8s.
Track your progress: Keep note of how straps help your lifts so you can adjust over time.

Use them when:

You’re lifting heavier than your grip can handle
You’re training back, hamstrings, or other pull-focused movements
You want to reduce fatigue on your hands and wrists
You’re recovering from a hand or wrist injury (with clearance from your doctor)

Don’t use them when:

You’re trying to build grip strength
You’re warming up or lifting light
You’re doing pushing movements (bench press, shoulder press, etc.)
You don’t know how to wrap them properly yet

What type of lifting straps are best?

The best type depends on your workout. Lasso straps are great for general lifting, figure 8 straps are ideal for max-effort pulls, and closed-loop straps are perfect for quick transitions like in Olympic lifts.

What are the best straps for a gym?

Popular choices include Gymreapers for all-around use, Rogue Fitness for durability, and IronMind for heavy lifting. It comes down to comfort, grip, and your personal training style.

Are figure 8 or normal lifting straps better?

Figure 8 straps offer a more secure grip for heavy lifts, while lasso straps are more versatile and adjustable. Pick based on how you lift.

Are gym straps worth it?

Yes! If your grip limits your progress, gym straps help you lift more and focus on the muscles you’re targeting without worrying about your hands giving out.

If your grip is holding you back from lifting heavier or getting the most out of your workouts, lifting straps are definitely worth trying. They can help you push harder, stay safer, and feel stronger — all while giving your hands a little break.

Whether you’re brand new to the gym or a seasoned lifter, the right straps can make a big difference.

Just remember: your grip matters too, so train it on days you don’t use straps. That way, you get the best of both worlds.

Newsletter

"*" indicates required fields

Featured Classes

Bellingham Total Body Workout Classes Bellingham Cardio Kickboxing Bellingham TRX Class Bellingham Core Body Exercise Classes Bellingham High Intensity Interval Training Bellingham Group Strength Training Bellingham Mat Pilates Classes Bellingham POP Pilates Classes Bellingham Zumba Classes Bellingham Yoga Classes Bellingham Personal Trainer

Featured Blog Posts

Why is Breathing Important in Yoga? Should I Do A HIIT Class Every Day? How Long Does it Take For HIIT Results? Questions to Ask a Personal Trainer How Does Yoga Benefit You?

Types of Lifting Straps

Tips For Using Lifting Straps