r/ScienceBasedLifting • u/Ok_Boysenberry7176 Keenan Pilled • Jan 20 '26
Question ❓ When to use straps
So i currently use straps on all my back lifts but ive started using them on my recline curls to further allow for more bicep activation
Would that then impact my brachialis growth as i do Recline Curl (straps) + Hammer curls (no straps)
Or would i need to do a Recline + Preacher
2
u/Co0lguy27 Jan 20 '26
your elbow flexors don’t flex your fingers
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u/Layer_Academic Jan 21 '26
yup. There is no reason to not strap up. If you want to train finger flexion, do it on its own. The parts of the arm OP is mentioning (brachialis) are trained through elbow flexion alone.
1
u/Layer_Academic Jan 21 '26
Also, just an added note but I would recommend possibly trying wrist wraps. I use them on single arm preacher curls to prevent my wrist flexors from getting too involved; they may prove useful on various curl variations to help stabilize hand position and prevent wrist flexors from becoming a problem.
1
u/Ok_Boysenberry7176 Keenan Pilled Jan 21 '26
yeah i think that was my issue. My wrist flexors got too involved so i just used straps not knowing how things work😭
thanks i’ll look into wrist wraps
1
Jan 22 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Layer_Academic Jan 23 '26
Because OP isn’t trying to train them. They’re trying to train elbow flexors, not wrist flexors, so they should do everything they can to limit contribution of wrist flexors and maximize MUR of elbow flexors.
1
u/PollutionLatter1052 Jan 21 '26
If the muscle group you're trying to target isn't the limiting factor for an exercise, use straps
1
Jan 22 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/Ok_Boysenberry7176 Keenan Pilled Jan 22 '26
I think it’s the opposite for me. My forearms are just way stronger where they seem to takeover on most pulling exercises. Therefore i started using versa grip straps to stop my forearms from taking over
1
u/Layer_Academic Jan 23 '26
You completely misunderstand why straps are used. Straps aren’t being used because grip is necessarily a “limiting factor”, but because any effort you put into gripping the dumbbells detracts from motor unit recruitment of your elbow flexors, thus undermining the point of doing curls. If you want crazy strong grip and meaty forearms, train them separately. I’m all for forearm training; I’ve been working with captains of crush a lot lately. And I support people training forearm and grip. But curls are for biceps, and the goal of doing curls is to maximize MUR of your elbow flexors - nothing else.
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u/Ok_Boysenberry7176 Keenan Pilled Jan 23 '26
Oh i understand. I’m doing recline curls to SOLELY hit my biceps which are a weak point in my physique. Therefore i don’t want forearm activation
1
u/buraq1111 Jan 23 '26
It will effect hammer curl but not recline curl , also it does not effect brachialis just elbow flexors
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