Note: straps are the only A.G.M. (attention getting mechanism) allowed in the gym. Gloves are completely unacceptable. Take the gloves and your skirt off, sissy.
Years ago I never left the locker room with out my wrist straps in hand. I used them for every pull, for every row, every clean, every pull up. I continued this for several years and went through several pairs wearing out the cotton straps after a few months. A coach I worked with turned me on to some old leather straps he had. I later decided to make my own. The pictured pair is made from two old belts that I cut down to about 30″ lengths and simply taped the ends together. In a minute or less you’ve got your very own bullet proof straps. To make more supple and protect the leather, I will rub them down with some shaving cream every few weeks.
Materials: (2) 30″ lengths cut from leather belts, duct or electrical tape.
Part 2: Why I use them less frequently. A few years ago when I began with kettlebells the first thing to fail on my snatch attempts was my grip. Exposed was my weak grip. Since starting kettlebell work, I use the straps much less. Although weaker than I would like, my grip has gained strength. A direct benefit from sparing use of straps.