You have loaded the bar, your muscles are ready, but as soon as you pull, your grip starts to slip.
Does this sound familiar? You're not weak; your hands are just the first to give up.
That's when lifting straps come in handy. They are one of the easiest things to use in the gym, but only if you know how to do it right. If you don't wrap them the right way, you won't get all the benefits. If you wrap them the right way, you'll lift more, hold longer, and train smarter.
We'll show you how to wrap adjustable lifting straps the right way in this guide so that you can get a better grip and better performance.
First, What Are Lifting Straps?
Lifting straps are long, strong pieces of fabric, like cotton, leather, or nylon, that go around your wrists and the barbell or dumbbell. What do they do? To help you hold on to heavy things without your hands getting tired too quickly.
There are many kinds:
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Loop straps are easy to use and good for beginners.
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Figure-8 straps are great for keeping you safe while powerlifting.
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Adjustable lifting straps are the most flexible and can be made to fit any lifter.
Adjustable models are worth it if you work out often because you can change how tight they are to make them more comfortable and effective.
Why Grip Matters More Than You Think
The strength of your grip is what connects you to the weight. Less weight, less control, and more tiredness when your grip is weak. That's why strong grip lifting straps can change the game: they fill the space between what your muscles can handle and what your hands can hold.
Straps let you:
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Push through grip fatigue
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Keep better form when carrying a lot of weight
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Push your target muscles harder without stopping sets early.
Step-by-Step: How to Wrap Lifting Straps Correctly
This is how to feel like you're "glued to the bar":
Step 1: Put the strap through the hole
To make a circle, take the tail end and put it through the loop. This circle will fit around your wrist.
Step 2: Put Your Hand In
Put your hand through the loop so that the strap goes flat across the back of your hand and toward your thumb. This is very important for adjustable lifting straps because the position affects how comfortable and in control they are.
Step 3: Put it on the bar
Put your hand on the bar, then pull the end of the tail under the bar first, bringing it toward you. This under-wrap is very important for making tension.
Step 4: Wrap it up tight
Wrap the strap around the bar one or two more times. Make it snug, but not so tight that it cuts off blood flow.
Step 5: Lock and twist
Turn your hands a little bit toward you. This makes the straps tighter and keeps your grip in place. You're ready to lift with confidence now.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Wrapping too loose – Too loose wrapping means no grip support, which makes the straps useless.
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Wrapping too tight – Wrapping too tightly can cut off blood flow and make you uncomfortable.
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Wrong direction – Always start wrapping from below the bar, not above it.
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Skipping practice – wrapping straps quickly takes some skill, so practice before doing heavy sets.
Choosing the Right Pair
When you're looking for straps, pay attention to:
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Heavy-duty material that lasts (cotton for comfort, leather for strength)
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Stitching that is stronger for longer life
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You can change it to fit perfectly.
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A strong grip lifting strap design that does not slip
Keep in mind that the best straps should feel like an extension of your hand, not like a separate piece of gear.
🏁 Final Thoughts
It only takes a few minutes to learn how to wrap your straps the right way, but you'll be able to lift for the rest of your life. Adjustable lifting straps help you lift more, hold longer, and stay in control, whether you're trying to break your deadlift record, do heavy rows, or finish a set of shrugs.
Once you know how to wrap, you'll see why so many lifters swear by strong grip lifting straps: when your grip is strong, you can do anything.