How to Use a Weightlifting Wrist Strap

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By Megan Hellam
eHow Contributing Writer

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Wrist straps are used in weightlifting to reduce the strain on wrists and hands. Although many muscle groups can handle heavy weights, hands and wrists often have to grip the weights in order to target a certain area. Using wrist straps enables you to lift heavy weights while supporting your hands and wrists.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Put your hand through the loop in each wrist strap and tighten it around your wrist by pulling on the tail of the strap.
Step 2

Wrap the tail of the strap around the bar or handle of the weight, but be careful not to overlap or tie it in a knot.
Step 3

Hold the wrapped tail along with the bar of the weight beneath your hand's grip.
Step 4

Perform the exercise as you normally would. Wrist wraps can be helpful for weighted pull-ups, dead lifts, power lifting and many other exercises.
Step 5

Once you set the weights down, release your grip from the handle or bar and the tail of the wrist wrap should unwrap easily.

Tips & Warnings

Some wrist wraps have built-in metal supports that help to hold a weight without wrapping the tail of the wraps around the bar. It's best to experiment with different types to determine the most comfortable type.
Don't wrap the tail in a way that would prevent an easy release of the weight. If you're tethered to the weight and unable to release it, serious injury may occur. Consult a physician before beginning any weightlifting program.

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