🔥60+ Years Strong: Deadlifting 315 x 31: An Experiment💥

My Deadlifting Experiment was this: Using lifting straps has become very popular among lifters performing deadlifts. I had never used them myself because I always believed they were a form of “cheating”—an aid that assists the pull rather than relying on one’s raw grip (or using liquid chalk to reinforce grip). I bought my leather lifting straps in Harajuku, Tokyo, in the late '80s while I was living and working there. I use lifting straps during back and trap exercises due to the forearm grip giving out before the targeted muscles fatigue.

Note: I changed my workout attire to signify a transition between workout sets and a change in lifting gear, particularly for the last two sets (using chalk, then straps).

1st Set: Street Clothes (glasses attached; lol). No Lifting Gear. No Warm-up. 315 x 6
2nd Set: Workout Attire. Lifting Belt. Liquid Chalk. Music. 315 x 10
3rd Set: Workout Attire. Lifting Belt. Lifting Straps. Music. 315 x 15

Conclusion: Using lifting straps makes it easier to pull the weight off the floor because your hands are essentially attached to the bar. Had I used straps during my first set, I could have completed 20 reps—5 more than I’ve ever done in my life with 315 pounds. In my view, using lifting straps is a form of cheating because you’re not relying on your own raw grip strength. I had to catch my breath a few times while resting the bar across my thighs—something made possible by the straps—which allowed me to perform more reps. Maintaining a strong grip throughout deadlifts is half the challenge.

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