Anyone ever tried lifting straps on a RowErg?

[Sandeman]

This weekend I saw some weightlifters (strongman competition) on TV and they all used lifting straps.

For those who don't know what I'm talking about, something like this (hope this works):

Or if the image embedding doesn't work check the picture on this site:
https://www.t-nation.com/training/tip-k ... ng-straps/

And now I'm wondering if something like this is ever used on a rower and if it's a good idea (or not).

I personally have the feeling I could drive a LOT harder (maybe even 50-100% harder) if I wasn't limited by the grip of my hands on the handles.
Could this be something to try out? Or is it a bad idea (just get stronger hands man!).

Curious as to what you think

[JaapvanE]

I have experimented with them. They are pretty cheap and I had an issue with an injury that prevented me from getting a full grip on the handle.

The good thing is that you get a decent grip with them. when used correctly, you really don't have to exert too much finger strength to push really hard. The downside is that they are designed to be used around a barbell or olympic bar, which can easily rotate. So getting them tightly wrapped around the handle was a bit of a hassle. And they slipped slightly, which is OK when doing 10 powerlifts, but not when you are doing 1000+ strokes. Once I got the hang of it, I could correct it, but to be honest, I rather row without.

[Sandeman]

Ok, good points. Thanks for your reply

[mitchel674]

Funny how world class rowers seem to manage without these. If you feel you can row "50-100% harder" with these, perhaps you are doing something wrong.

Do you have an injury that prevents normal grip strength?

[Sandeman]

No, my hands are actually quite strong compared to my friends.
But when I'm rowing really hard I don't feel my legs doing much work, while my hands and arms do get tired quickly.
I feel I could be able to push my legs way harder than my hands would be able to hold on.
And that doesn't seem very strange to me as legs are way more powerful than hands.

[mitchel674]

No, my hands are actually quite strong compared to my friends.
But when I'm rowing really hard I don't feel my legs doing much work, while my hands and arms do get tired quickly.
I feel I could be able to push my legs way harder than my hands would be able to hold on.
And that doesn't seem very strange to me as legs are way more powerful than hands.

Perhaps this is a technique issue. You sound like you are pulling too hard with your arms. Your legs should be doing at least 60% of the work of rowing. Your hands and arms should just be hanging onto the handle without a tight grip. You should be feeling the pull of the drive from your legs in your latissimus muscles and not your hands and arms.

[Sandeman]

Ok, thanks. Next session I'll try to concentrate a bit more on keeping my arms more relaxed.
I'll also check if I'm not using my arms too soon (before the legs are done). This conversation makes me think I might be engaging the arms a bit too soon.

[MartinSH4321]

I used metal hooks when I overstressed one of my forearms and it worked ok, straps will propably get loose.

As others said, forearms shouldn't be the weak link with normal grip strength when rowing.
Do you hold the handle tight the whole time? This would kill your forearms pretty fast. It's enough to just hold the handle loose with the finger tips, and hold tighter only during the drive (but still not very tight).

[Dutch]

You definitely do not need lifting straps on a rower. It sounds like you need to strengthen your forearms by using an ez barbell for curls and also do some wrist curls and reverse wrist curls for forearms.
When rowing use a hook grip with out the thumb clasping round the handle. When you are doing the recovery slacken your grip and and grip when pulling back.

[gvcormac]

Easiest way to strenghten grip/forearms is "Farmer's walk." Just pick up a pair of dumbells, or toolboxes, gym bags, or anything heavy with a handle, and walk around. Arms straight and to your sides.

[Sandeman]

Thanks for all the tips. I'll keep them all in mind for the next couple of sessions.

[Carl Watts]

Interesting topic.

I'm not sure what most people do but I don't really grip the handle at all and my fingers really only hook the handle. Thumbs are not involved at all.

[Tsnor]

Strongly agree with comments above on grip. (and with Carl's "interesting topic" comment).

Pulling a 1:47.5 500m should have significantly less pressure on your hands/arms than hanging from a chin-up bar.

Try to get ZERO arm pull (do all arm hang instead) until your legs are down and hip swing is well under weigh. Don't bend your arms early -- that makes your arm muscles fight with your legs, and your arms will lose, you waste energy and you go slower.

On recovery (moving towards the fan, no load) on slower pieces trying "playing piano" with your fingers on one hand. Alternate hands. This really help keep your grip loose (hands and arms).

IF your stroke rate is 22 or less during the 500 then look into a higher rate of strokes/min. For 500m higher stroke rates (high 20, 30s, even 40s) are faster. Higher rate gives less torque at same split. If your rate is low then going to a higher rate (and having aerobic conditioning to hold power at the higher rate) will get you faster.

IF your drag factor is high (see display drag factor on PM5, say above 150) then try setting your drag factor lower. If you are sitting with the damper set to 10 then google drag factor, you do not want damper set to 10.

[Dangerscouse]

If it was possible I'd leave my thumbs in another room when I row, as they just get in the way, apart from possibly during a really short intense distance.

[KeithT]

I think you got your answers but I have used lifting straps for lifting and at times for pull-up if the bar is too smooth but I would never even think about using on a rower. I like others grip lightly and don't use thumbs and this stays the same even if I am pulling at a sub 1:20 pace - sure I might grip a little harder then but you never really want to be gripping hard on the rower. I have seen many CF athletes have their arms and forearm pumped and tired after rowing as they over grip the handle. Now as I say all this I find the one comment interesting about using them if dealing with some sort of injury or strain - could help reduce some grip pressure/fatigue.