Holding Heavy Weights Help

[Newwmn3]

Hi fellow Cathletes! I have just completed Week 2 of the STS series and am loving every second. I am, however, having a very hard time holding on to the heavy dumbbells during leg work. I am very small (5'3, 103 lbs) and have tiny hands. I use 2 35 lb dumbbells for deadlifts and 40s for squats but I have a VERY difficult time holding onto the weights long enough to finish the set. My legs don't tire and my forearms handle it pretty well but my grip falters terribly. I'm afraid that my tiny hands are causing the issue and am not sure what to do. Does anyone have any suggestions? I am going to pose this same question to Cathe and hope that someone can give me some guidance. Thank you!

Christin

 

[tlc93]

Do you use lifting gloves? That might give you the grip you need.

 

[Newwmn3]

Do you use lifting gloves? That might give you the grip you need.

Great thought. Yes, I have tried that and, unfortunately, it makes it even tougher for me because it reduces my grip even further. (It puts an additional layer in between the dumbbell and my hand.)

 

[bayerngirl]

You always can go lower in weights I have the same problem, bought weight lifting straps which helps my small hands.

 

[Newwmn3]

You always can go lower in weights I have the same problem, bought weight lifting straps which helps my small hands.

Ooo! I am not familiar with weight lifting straps. What kind do you have? How do they work?

 

[bayerngirl]

Ooo! I am not familiar with weight lifting straps. What kind do you have? How do they work?

My straps are so old, I don't have a clue? I think we bought ours in Germany. I am pretty sure, they sell them on amazon or any sports store. The streps do make a difference, I am 5'1.

 

[bayerngirl]

This is what I found on amazon : http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_s...fting+straps&sprefix=weight+lifting+s,aps,236

Hope this helps!

 

[bayerngirl]

These look similar to the ones I have : http://www.amazon.com/Valeo-Fitness...1454059&sr=8-13&keywords=weightlifting+straps

 

[Newwmn3]

These look similar to the ones I have : http://www.amazon.com/Valeo-Fitness-Cotton-Lifting-Natural/dp/B00118666C/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1421454059&sr=8-13&keywords=weightlifting straps

Thank you so much! Stupid question, I am sure, but do they come with instructions on how to use them? I have never seen anyone use them before so I'm at a bit of a loss.

 

[bayerngirl]

That's not a stupid question They should come with instructions. I'll see if I can find instructions on how to use them for you. Give me a minute, ok!

 

[bayerngirl]

Here is a video:

 

[Newwmn3]

Here is a video:

Fantastic! I will definitely get some and give them a try. Thank you very much for all your help!

 

[bayerngirl]

You are very welcome! They do make a difference. Let us know, how you like them.

 

[MeghanK]

Work on your grip strength.. you can buy a grip strength builder for like $10....
Also do HEAVY FARMERS CARRIES

 

[lrusso]

Haven't read all responses, has anyone mentioned wearing a weighted vest?

 

[nckfitheart2009]

Hi christin,
I agree with lrusso. You consider adding a weighted vest. It does come in handy while doing STS.

This would enable you not to lift heavy barbell over your head.

Any load over 30-35 kg, especially for your mass and height would compromise safety. Especially if you are working out with no one spotting you.

You can add the vest later when you are ready to for heavy loads though.

 

[bayerngirl]

I do have the vest, it's great for squats. But not for one arm rows and so on

 

[Newwmn3]

[

I do have the vest, it's great for squats. But not for one arm rows and so on

Awesome! What weight do you ladies use for the vest? I think that it would help a ton for squats, lunges, etc. Now, if someone could please just invent one that would help with rows, etc., we'll be all set!

 

[bayerngirl]

Work on your grip strength.. you can buy a grip strength builder for like $10....
Also do HEAVY FARMERS CARRIES

It has nothing to do with grip strength, my hand are short and the handle from the dumbbell is to fat/bulky. I can lift very heavy, they don't make heavy DB's with not so bulky handles. Once you go up in weight, the dumbbells get bulkier.

 

[bayerngirl]

[


Awesome! What weight do you ladies use for the vest? I think that it would help a ton for squats, lunges, etc. Now, if someone could please just invent one that would help with rows, etc., we'll be all set!

Like I said, I have the Cathe vest but hardly use it. I love my barbell. I prefer dumbbells and my barbell. Use the straps for rows. I use the strap when I go heavy like 45 pounds1 arm row and up. Like