alternative to chalk/straps
Discussion
at the moment i use liquid chalk i get from myprotein and this has been fine.
that is, untill today when i saw a sign up in the gym saying that chalk is no longer allowed. this is the only gym available to me so can't just change.
i don't really like the idea of using straps for deads but without chalk my grip runs out at around 100-120kg.
is there a third option for grip strength?
please dont just suggest forearm exercises. although my grip IS improving id rather it wasnt the limiting factor on deadlift/ stiffleg deadlift etc
that is, untill today when i saw a sign up in the gym saying that chalk is no longer allowed. this is the only gym available to me so can't just change.
i don't really like the idea of using straps for deads but without chalk my grip runs out at around 100-120kg.
is there a third option for grip strength?
please dont just suggest forearm exercises. although my grip IS improving id rather it wasnt the limiting factor on deadlift/ stiffleg deadlift etc
Surely they don't include liquid chalk in the chalk ban? I use the same stuff mysel and it creates no mess what so ever, which can be the only reason for banning chalk? the mess?
What gym is it? Gyms really shouldn't ban chalk, the gym I work at I sometimes get members complaining about other people using chalk.. to which my reply is to ignore it and get on with training. A bit of white chalk on the bars and plates, not really an issue is it? Thats what I think anyway.
What gym is it? Gyms really shouldn't ban chalk, the gym I work at I sometimes get members complaining about other people using chalk.. to which my reply is to ignore it and get on with training. A bit of white chalk on the bars and plates, not really an issue is it? Thats what I think anyway.
Pre exhaust first,then do slightly lighter reps?
If you want to improve grip try different pull ups.Single arm.Single arm to roof beam.You'll have Circus - Strongman type grip in a few months.
PS I know they'll still work forearms a bit but it's a means to an end!
If you want to improve grip try different pull ups.Single arm.Single arm to roof beam.You'll have Circus - Strongman type grip in a few months.
PS I know they'll still work forearms a bit but it's a means to an end!
Edited by goldblum on Sunday 30th May 23:40
ShadownINja - most people have sweaty hands in summer!
Samdale - why not just wear gloves or use a small towel? If you have VERY sweaty palms it could be Hyperhydrosis,which there are various treatments for.Incidentally one of the progression exercises for grip training with pullups (one arm variety) involves the use of a towel thrown over a high bar,so sweaty palms would not be an issue.
Samdale - why not just wear gloves or use a small towel? If you have VERY sweaty palms it could be Hyperhydrosis,which there are various treatments for.Incidentally one of the progression exercises for grip training with pullups (one arm variety) involves the use of a towel thrown over a high bar,so sweaty palms would not be an issue.
i think the problem they're having is with the mess and the only chalk that gets used (that i know of) is 2 or 3 of us with liquid chalk. never seen any evidence of chalk balls etc being used so the mess is really minimal, tiny amounts on the bars/plate handles etc.
can't see a problem with it myself but dont know what else to do, ask them about it?
can't see a problem with it myself but dont know what else to do, ask them about it?
Sure Grip i've used for years (since 97 in fact) i'm with Shadow on this ref sweaty palms, we used to have to complete up-ward circles on the bars for many an hour so there was no way I couldn't have done this without Sure Grip, sold in good sports shops (and I mean proper sports shops!).
samdale said:
i think the problem they're having is with the mess and the only chalk that gets used (that i know of) is 2 or 3 of us with liquid chalk. never seen any evidence of chalk balls etc being used so the mess is really minimal, tiny amounts on the bars/plate handles etc.
can't see a problem with it myself but dont know what else to do, ask them about it?
I'd ask... it really does make no mess at all from my experience. Maybe use a little less, I only use a few drops and it gets me through a whole session. I don't know how much you're lifting, but when i'm doing deads a few drops is fine for a good 5 reps+ on 150kg; havent tried heavier yet as im recovering from a shoulder injury but I have every confidence it will be fine. can't see a problem with it myself but dont know what else to do, ask them about it?
I used hings called powergrabs when I deadlifted heavy, not as complex as straps and doesn't take away from your grip completely.
http://www.rawpowerfitness.com/item67.htm
http://www.rawpowerfitness.com/item67.htm
samdale said:
at the moment i use liquid chalk i get from myprotein and this has been fine.
that is, untill today when i saw a sign up in the gym saying that chalk is no longer allowed. this is the only gym available to me so can't just change.
i don't really like the idea of using straps for deads but without chalk my grip runs out at around 100-120kg.
is there a third option for grip strength?
please dont just suggest forearm exercises. although my grip IS improving id rather it wasnt the limiting factor on deadlift/ stiffleg deadlift etc
Daft question, but are you using a symmetrical grip or alternate grip?that is, untill today when i saw a sign up in the gym saying that chalk is no longer allowed. this is the only gym available to me so can't just change.
i don't really like the idea of using straps for deads but without chalk my grip runs out at around 100-120kg.
is there a third option for grip strength?
please dont just suggest forearm exercises. although my grip IS improving id rather it wasnt the limiting factor on deadlift/ stiffleg deadlift etc
If you are not using the alternate grip, I'd deffinitely suggest trying it - quite a big difference can be made to what you can lift.
Of course, it's all moot of you're already doing this....
ShadownINja said:
balders118 said:
ShadownINja said:
Interesting suggestions. One problem I have with my chin up bar is the pain in my fingers from the flesh being crushed between bone and metal!
Man up, Problem solved 
Well, I still do it, but it bloody hurts, that's all.
ApexJimi said:
Daft question, but are you using a symmetrical grip or alternate grip?
If you are not using the alternate grip, I'd deffinitely suggest trying it - quite a big difference can be made to what you can lift.
Of course, it's all moot of you're already doing this....
I'd second that - overhand I start to lose out to grip limitation at about the same weight as the OP, but with alternate grip I can lift much heavier. Well worth a try if you don't already do it.If you are not using the alternate grip, I'd deffinitely suggest trying it - quite a big difference can be made to what you can lift.
Of course, it's all moot of you're already doing this....
Quaint said:
ApexJimi said:
Daft question, but are you using a symmetrical grip or alternate grip?
If you are not using the alternate grip, I'd deffinitely suggest trying it - quite a big difference can be made to what you can lift.
Of course, it's all moot of you're already doing this....
I'd second that - overhand I start to lose out to grip limitation at about the same weight as the OP, but with alternate grip I can lift much heavier. Well worth a try if you don't already do it.If you are not using the alternate grip, I'd deffinitely suggest trying it - quite a big difference can be made to what you can lift.
Of course, it's all moot of you're already doing this....
i've tried a friends gloves so am hesitant about those powergrab things, just seem to make the bar too thick without provding much extra grip.
depending on what im lifting i use both grips. if i do say 5x5 deads i'll try and use symmetrical grip but on something heavy like a 1RM partial DL i'd use alternate.
alternate grip on deads if find twists my body slightly or 1 side is lower than the other which i dont really like. maybe i should just practise alternate a bit more and use both ways (left and in for 1 set, left hand out for 1 set etc...) or does it not really matter?
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