
What Figure‑8 Straps Look Like + Example Products:
TMJ Apparel Pro Figure 8 Lifting Straps — heavy‑duty figure‑8 straps with a double‑loop design, built to secure barbell firmly to your wrists for heavy pulls. Good for deadlifts, shrugs, rows.
Bear Grips Lifting Straps for Deadlift & Rows — a more classic pair aiming to reduce grip fatigue and let you focus on target muscles rather than hold strength.
Heavy‑Duty Nylon Figure 8 Lifting Straps — rugged straps for heavier lifts and strongman‑style training, with reinforced stitching and durable material.
AQF Neoprene Padded Figure 8 Lifting Straps — features padding for wrist comfort; useful if you plan to do multiple heavy sets and want to reduce wrist pressure.
Figure 8 Lifting Strap are a type of lifting strap where the design forms a “double‑loop” (looks like a “8”) that loops around both your wrists and the barbell. This design locks the bar to your hands/wrists securely, rather than relying only on finger/forearm grip strength. Because of the secure grip, figure‑8 straps allow you to lift heavier weights or do more reps of pulling exercises — like deadlifts, rows, rack pulls, shrugs — without grip strength being the limiting factor.
They’re especially popular in powerlifting, strongman, and heavy deadlift training — when maximal grip strength and bar control matter more than quick release or frequent re‑gripping.
Because you’re “locked in” to the bar, it’s hard to drop the bar quickly — so figure‑8 straps are not ideal for lifts where you might need to bail out (e.g. Olympic lifts, dynamic reps, or safety‑conscious lifts).
Over‑relying on straps can reduce development of natural grip strength (forearms, fingers) — so many trainers recommend using them only when grip becomes limiting.
You need the right size — if straps are too large or too small, they may slip or not lock properly. Some designs include padding or thicker material to improve comfort for heavy lifts.