MG crew · Bodybuilding · The mirror and the pump.
Updated October 2026 · 3 min read
“My forearms give out before my back does on rows. Should I get straps or grips?”
That’s exactly what straps and grips are for. Your back can usually pull more than your hands can hold. Here’s how I use each one, and which I reach for on which exercise.
- Straps give the most hold: they lock your hand to the bar. Best for your heaviest pulls.
- Grips put a rubber pad between hand and bar. Quicker on and off, more bar feel.
- Gloves pad your palms for comfort but add little extra hold.
- Do your first sets without anything so your grip still gets stronger.
Why your grip quits first
Your lats and upper back are big muscles; your forearms are small. On heavy rows, pulldowns and deadlifts, your hands tire long before your back gets the work it needs. Straps and grips close that gap.
Lifting straps
A strap loops around your wrist, wraps around the bar and gets trapped under your hand, so the strap does most of the holding. Our Might&Glory Heavy Duty straps are military-grade cotton, 45cm long and rated up to 100kg per hand. The lighter camo straps are a good first pair.
- Loop the strap around your wrist. Tail coming out from the thumb side of your hand.
- Wrap under the bar. Feed the tail under the bar and back towards you.
- Roll and grip. Roll your hand forward to tighten, then grip over the top.
Lifting grips
Grips put a textured rubber pad between your hand and the bar, so friction does more of the holding. No wrapping, so they go on and off in seconds, and you keep more feel for the bar. Great for pulldowns, rows on machines, shrugs and high-rep pull-ups.
Gym gloves
Gloves pad your palms and protect against blisters, but they add a layer between you and the bar, so they don’t give much extra hold. Good for comfort on high-volume days, not for your heaviest pulls.
What I use, exercise by exercise
- Deadlifts, rack pulls, shrugs: straps on the top sets.
- Heavy barbell and dumbbell rows: straps or grips.
- Pulldowns and machine rows: grips.
- High-rep pull-ups: grips.
- Light back work and warm-ups: nothing. Let your grip work.
What I’d put in your bag
Military-grade cotton, 45cm, up to 100kg per hand.
Shop now →Might&Glory Camo Lifting Straps
Lighter beginner straps.
Shop now →Might&Glory Lifting Grips
Pebbled rubber pad, slim wrist strap, metal wire buckle.
Shop now →Might&Glory Heavy Duty Gym Gloves
Leather palm for comfort on high-volume days.
Shop now →
Stringer, shorts, grips and heavy duty straps in one tap. Free UAE delivery over AED 350.
Questions people ask me
Are lifting straps cheating?
Not in training. They let your back keep working after your grip gives out. Do your lighter sets without them so your grip still improves.
Will straps make my grip weaker?
Not if you use them only for your heaviest sets. Train without them on warm-ups and lighter work.
Grips or gloves?
Grips for more hold on heavy pulls. Gloves for palm comfort. Many lifters have both.
What size lifting grips do I need?
Our Might&Glory grips come in Regular, for wrist sizes 5 to 7 inches. Measure around your wrist bone.
Can I use straps for pull-ups?
You can for high-volume back work, but most people find grips quicker and easier on pull-ups.
Keep going
- Heavy pulls: Arif’s deadlift guide
- Stringer, tank or rag top? My guide to bodybuilding tops
- Pull-ups on the rig: grips, gloves and wraps with Shamil and Layla
- Everything for the pump: the Bodybuilding hub
This guide is general training information, not medical advice. If you have an injury or ongoing pain, talk to a physiotherapist or doctor before training.
Abdulla is an illustrative MG crew character created for our brand. The coaching here is written by the MG Activewear team.
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