So I'm at the point that I can't do my full reps in one set in a row because my hands can't hold the bar the entire time.

I'm going to try to mess around with an underhand/overhand grip when it starts failing, but I don't think it's going to help too much.

My forearms, wrists, etc. have always been weak. They are disproportionately skinny (all of my appendages are) compared to my trunk. I am sure years of gaming (leads to carpal tunnel?) has not helped, nor the times I have injured myself falling down drunk.

Besides straps, because I have none, and can't afford any, are there any alternatives besides the months it might take to increase strength in my forearms/hands? I don't currently do anything for them, I have the smallest Captains of Crush grippers, and know of grip routines to improve strength, I've just been hoping I wouldn't need to do it any time soon.

Honestly if it is just your grip you probably just have to suck the pain up...eventually your hands will grow accustomed to it.

Straps can help but you may develop a dependency to them, but they should only really run you a couple of bucks max.

Are you using chalk?

It's not that it's causing me pain, it's just that they literally will give out and I'm lucky to set the bar down on my last rep before it falls out of them.

Who the fuck has chalk at home?

I would get and use chalk before getting straps...straps weaken the grip while chalk just takes the moisture out of the hand giving better grip which sounds like it could be the problem

And chalks p cheap

Can't afford it.

I think its like 3-5$ for a block that will last for a decent bit...but if no chalk switch grip is the best way to go

How many reps per set we talking?

Change grips to over under..I can barely do 315 for 1 /w a double over..but /w under/over I can do 425x14 or something

Alright, I did the last few under/over and it went well. I was just hoping the over/over would help them get stronger.

@ Dan - 3 sets / 5 reps

Keep doing it until you can't use an over/over then switch.
Also do some high rep DB rows...20-40

Follow the advice on changing grip (and trying out chalk if you want) to get better results; straps will make a difference, too. Your grip strength will itself get stronger over time; generally speaking, grip strengbth is an overall indicator of upper body strength. So if you get stronger through your upper body, you should see grip strength and endurance improvements. A reasonable "cheat" is to work on strengthening your wrists and forearms. Butmaking natural changes in strength takes longer than using equipment, so for leg-building, equipment can make a big difference

Don't use straps, please. They're only making a weakness weaker.

This post has been edited by 7_Deadly_Sins on Thu - Mar 18 2010 - 19:13:35

I use straps on shrugs so I can keep over/over when doing above 315 for reps, but never deadliftin

That's np

Still have no chalk, still have no straps, changing grip helps a bit.

I'm thinking I should get something for the knees for squatting, something feels a little off now that I am lifting more than my body weight.

What for?Knee sleeves or wraps can help you lift more but if you are just trying to get in shape there is no reason to use them.