Review Article
Are you here to read about the 6 Differences Between Lifting Straps And Workout Gloves? If Yes, use the table of content below and scroll to the bottom. Otherwise, sit back, relax and enjoy this lifting-straps-or-workout-gloves-brain-session.
Strength training is a great way to enhance and preserve your muscle mass. Some strength trainers make use of weightlifting accessories i.e. Wrist Straps, Lifting straps, Squat Pads or Weightlifting Gloves, while others prefer to go bare skin. Honestly, it all depends on whether you consider “calluses as threat to your skin or as badges of honor”.
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Table of Content
What are the differences between Lifting Straps and Workout Gloves?
Most weightlifting enthusiasts are faced with the dilemma of choosing whether to wear “weightlifting straps or workout gloves”.
Whether you choose to use lifting strap or weightlifting glove in the weight room, all that matters most is your form and specific outcome eventually. That being said, both Lifting Straps and Weightlifting Gloves have their benefits respectively.
Before we dive into the 6 Differences Between Lifting Straps And Workout Gloves, let’s go over these weightlifting accessories first — to have a better understanding of how they work and why they have become widely popular among weightlifting enthusiasts.
Lifting Straps
The most significant advantage of using the Lifting Straps, Weightlifting or Gym Straps (whatever name you choose to call them) during strength or weight training is mainly to enhance bar security — to prevent heavier weights from slipping or dropping off from your hands.
Lifting Straps are basically pieces of cloth or leather sewn together. It is meant to be wrapped around your wrist while the other end is attached to the weight. Essentially, Lifting Straps are meant to provide additional support and grip while lifting weights.
They are not used only by weightlifters and strength trainers; athletes, casual gym users and bodybuilders also make use of them.
How does it work
It ties your hands to the weight, thus reducing the risk of the weight slipping or dropping out from grasp — which could potentially lead to a major physical injury.
Types of Lifting Straps
Lifting Straps typically come in three types of design:
- Single Loop Strap
- Lasso Strap
- Figure 8 Strap
Single Loop
The single loop lifting designs are very convenient and versatile. They are made for the left and right hand and are great for weightlifters who want quick release — they are easy to get off as opposed to lasso and figure 8 straps. The problem with this type of strap is that, they have low bar security when doing the snatch, clean and jerk. This is definitely not the strap to use if you have a weak grip.
Lasso Straps
Just like the single loop strap, lasso straps are also made for the left and right hand. This type of strap is very common among weightlifters. It is not hard to come by lasso straps in the gym. They are great for Deadlift, Dumbbell Base Movements and Weighted Pull-Ups.
They are versatile and provide extra security to any lift. The downside with this type of strap is the fact that, it is not easy to do a clean dish during weightlifting.
Figure 8 Straps
This strap is the most secure and least versatile lifting straps. The figure 8 straps are specifically designed for Deadlifting. They are double looped design, thus, they are meant to go round the wrist twice through the bar. In other words, there is no quick release with the figure 8 lifting straps. That being said, they are great for strong-men-type-pulling and Deadlifting.
Since the figure 8 strap is double looped, it becomes difficult to do a clean dish during weightlifting. See visual presentation in the video below.
Why You Should Wear Lifting Straps
Like i made mention earlier, some weightlifting enthusiasts belong to the school of thought which suggest “lifting straps should not be used as they are regarded as cheating.”
There is an element of truth in this school of thought to a certain degree, as weightlifting straps are not permitted in powerlifting.
However, in small competitions and powerlifting training(s) — they are acceptable.
In other to determine whether you need to use weightlifting straps or not, you need to first define your goals ( what do you want to achieve with your weight or strength training).
No doubt, lifting straps are beneficial as they help in gaining strength during prep sessions. They also helps in reducing hand calluses and blisters.
Workout Gloves
If you are doing strength or weight training and have no issues with weight dropping off from your hands during weightlifting. Then you can use workout gloves as an alternative to lifting straps.
They also provide support (in terms of grip) and make movement during lifting more comfortable. That being said, Workout gloves are best suited for individuals who like to lift light weights.
It is important to note that workout gloves may eventually weaken your grip strength if used for lifting heavy weights continuously (as propounded by weightlifting enthusiasts) — so if you think this is an issue, i suggest you stick to Lifting Straps.
Types of workout gloves
There are different design types of workout or gym gloves. Check out our A-Z guide to weightlifting Gloves article to learn more about weight lifting gloves. If you are looking for specific brands of weightlifting gloves. Check out this 10 Best selling weightlifting gloves on Amazon.
In the meantime, what are the benefits of wearing a workout glove?
4 Benefits of Wearing Workout Gloves
The benefits of wearing workout gloves are outlined below.
- Workout gloves help reduces calluses and blisters which often occur after a long period of weightlifting
- It helps to enhance grip and comfortability during weightlifting
- Hand and wrist stress during heavyweight lifting is reduced
- workout gloves offer wrist support and protection
Lifting Straps vs Workout Gloves
Regardless of whether you use lifting straps or workout gloves, we can agree that they both almost serve the same purpose. Although, there are a few notable differences between them; these differences will guide you in deciding which among these weight lifting accessories will enable you achieve your weight or strength training goals.
6 Differences Between Lifting Straps And Workout Gloves
| Lifting Strap | Workout Glove |
|---|---|
| Used for lifting heavier weights | Used for light weights |
| Good for Powerlifting i.e. Deadlift, CrossFit, Weighted Pull-Ups or Shugs training | Good for bodybuilding |
| Prevents weight from dropping off during weightlifting | Relieves pressure placed on the hand and reduces calluses and blisters during weightlifting |
| Provides support to the wrist | Provide support to the palm and wrist |
| Three major design types - see types of lifting strap above | Five major design types |
| Cannot be attached to a wrist wrap | Can be attached to a wrist wrap |
Final thoughts
Both Lifting Straps and Workout Gloves have their respective benefits and differences — they both offer valuable assistance in the gym during bodybuilding, strength or weight training.
Despite the debate surrounding these duo, it is undeniably that, Working Gloves and Lifting Straps both share similar objectives but yet unique in their respective ways.
The final choice on whether to use Lifting Straps or Workout Gloves rests on individual needs (intent and goals) — thus, consider your “Gym Goals” and make a decision based on that.
I hope this helps!
These gloves are mostly sold in pairs. You will hardly find anywhere that sells a single glove