Lynx Grips: Our Most Versatile Piece of Training Equipment
Written on April 26, 2010 at 4:56 am, by Eric Cressey
Back in 2006, Indiana Pacers Strength and Conditioning Coach Shawn Windle told me about a new piece of training equipment and connected me with the company that made it. A week or so later, my first pair of Lynx Grips arrived in the mail – and I’ve been using them extensively ever since. In fact, I found Lynx Grips to be so versatile that when the opportunity to buy a small portion of the company arose, I wrote a check immediately.
Originally, the grips were positioned as a better alternative than lifting gloves, especially for females who didn’t want to develop “man hands” from lifting heavy stuff. They certainly prevent the issue completely. My fiancee loves them – and actually refers to them as her “tacos.”
The more I used them, though, the more I realized that we could integrate them in our strength and conditioning programs with a multitude of other benefits.
I recommended Lynx Grips to my online consulting clients who trained in places (i.e., commercial gyms) that didn’t allow chalk – and the grips made it easier to pull heavy without losing one’s grip during sweaty training sessions. Problem solved.
Conversely, we also started using the Lynx Grips to make grip strength exercises harder – by doubling or even tripling them up to thicken a handle. Another problem solved.
Then, we turned around and used the grips to make things easier on the hands again – but wrapping them around the connector chains we use for reverse sled drags. This made it easier for us to haze interns (you’ll notice him pick up the Lynx Grips at the 2:05 mark of this video). Problem solved…again.
Lastly, we have certain bars – the giant cambered bars, safety squat bars, and farmer’s walk bars – that are slightly thinner than other bars, so our muscle clamps don’t keep the plates from sliding during one’s set. Slide a Lynx Grip in the small space between the clamp and the bar, and you’re good to go. Yet another problem solved. Look closely, and you’ll see four of them being put to good use in this medley:
I’m not the only one who feels this way. Dozens and dozens of collegiate and professional sports teams are using Lynx Grips on a daily basis in our strength training programs.
What’s the take-home message? Lynx Grips are the real deal: versatile, convenient, durable, and affordable. Check them out HERE.
(I’d recommend you pick up two pairs – which is four total grips – so that you can double or triple them up for grip work.)
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Lifting heavy weights doesn’t give you “man hands” unless you’re lifting heavy weights and taking male hormones, too. Everyone can use some calluses. We use towels to do a lot of the same grip training work. The advantage: they never make the lift easier and who cares if you lose one.
I’m interested in getting some of these for my wife. Besides the ability to double or triple them up to increase bar-width, are there any advantages over gloves?
I don’t mind my calluses, personally, but I do train at a gym that does not allow chalk. Something that would help me hang onto the bar would be great. My wife on the other hand, does not enjoy her calluses.
Any particular reason you use the connector chain
without an added strap instead of gripping the chain directly on those reverse sled drags? Is it simply a case of not wanting to shorten the already artificial constraints imposed by dragging on a finite indoor space?
I’ve been using them for the last 3 years after I received a free pair in a supplement order. They are perfect for doing pulls/chins and try, as EC suggests, doubling them up and doing your walking DB lunges! When I first started doing that, a couple times I had to dump the weight momentarily, chuck the grips, pick up the DB’s and continue lunging; awesome for grip. Tried using them for DL’s but after a year of use the tops get kinda “shiny” and a bit slippery for me on heavy lifts. Buy’em and love’m!
Shoulda been called “the most versatile piece of training equipment that isn’t a barbell or power rack” but nice post anyway. I never would have thought those things had so many uses.
I have a pair of Fat Gripz and those are great for grip work as well changing stress distribution in pressing variations, which might be helpful to those with shoulder issues.
Have had Lynx Grips for a couple years and love them (as does my wife). Lynx contacted me after a few months for specific feedback as well, which was a nice touch.
Had the same thought as Jason on the taco comment!
I have a pair too, and like them. Like EC said, I have a few female clients that do not want their hands to look as though they workout. Not thought about doubling up to make a fat bar, good idea.
I have found that chalk is better for slippery hands, but when you do not have that option these do work well.
Hello , good day ! May i know where can i get the lynx grip in singapore? i tried using amazon.com but amazon doesn’t support my shipping to singapore..
April 26th, 2010 at 6:34 am
How are these different from jar openers? This isn’t like Valarie waters selling furniture sliders for more because hers are green, is it?
April 26th, 2010 at 11:31 am
Lifting heavy weights doesn’t give you “man hands” unless you’re lifting heavy weights and taking male hormones, too. Everyone can use some calluses. We use towels to do a lot of the same grip training work. The advantage: they never make the lift easier and who cares if you lose one.
April 26th, 2010 at 3:17 pm
Hey Eric,
I’m interested in getting some of these for my wife. Besides the ability to double or triple them up to increase bar-width, are there any advantages over gloves?
I don’t mind my calluses, personally, but I do train at a gym that does not allow chalk. Something that would help me hang onto the bar would be great. My wife on the other hand, does not enjoy her calluses.
April 26th, 2010 at 5:15 pm
How well do these help with deadlifts compared to chalk?
April 26th, 2010 at 7:26 pm
Eric,
Any particular reason you use the connector chain
without an added strap instead of gripping the chain directly on those reverse sled drags? Is it simply a case of not wanting to shorten the already artificial constraints imposed by dragging on a finite indoor space?
April 27th, 2010 at 6:49 am
I love my Lynx grips. I’ve been using them for a couple of years and wouldn’t want to work out without them.
April 27th, 2010 at 6:50 am
Hmm, when my wife refers to her taco it doesn’t have anything to do with lifting!!
April 27th, 2010 at 6:50 am
Hi Eric,
thks for Optimal Shoulder Performance.
Pls say hi to Mike.
– raj, Singapore
April 27th, 2010 at 7:12 am
Thank for letting me know about this great new product.
Rick Kaselj
http://www.ExercisesForInjuries.com
.
April 27th, 2010 at 7:49 am
Eric,
Since you own some of the company, can you guys make a bigger size so that bigger hands can use them more easily?
April 27th, 2010 at 8:19 am
I’ve been using them for the last 3 years after I received a free pair in a supplement order. They are perfect for doing pulls/chins and try, as EC suggests, doubling them up and doing your walking DB lunges! When I first started doing that, a couple times I had to dump the weight momentarily, chuck the grips, pick up the DB’s and continue lunging; awesome for grip. Tried using them for DL’s but after a year of use the tops get kinda “shiny” and a bit slippery for me on heavy lifts. Buy’em and love’m!
April 27th, 2010 at 8:20 am
Shoulda been called “the most versatile piece of training equipment that isn’t a barbell or power rack” but nice post anyway. I never would have thought those things had so many uses.
I have a pair of Fat Gripz and those are great for grip work as well changing stress distribution in pressing variations, which might be helpful to those with shoulder issues.
April 27th, 2010 at 8:30 am
I thought you were going to say:
Our most versatile piece of equipment is…
A BARBELL!
but, no…you didn’t.
April 27th, 2010 at 11:04 am
Have had Lynx Grips for a couple years and love them (as does my wife). Lynx contacted me after a few months for specific feedback as well, which was a nice touch.
Had the same thought as Jason on the taco comment!
April 27th, 2010 at 9:55 pm
I have a pair too, and like them. Like EC said, I have a few female clients that do not want their hands to look as though they workout. Not thought about doubling up to make a fat bar, good idea.
I have found that chalk is better for slippery hands, but when you do not have that option these do work well.
June 21st, 2011 at 12:01 pm
Hello , good day ! May i know where can i get the lynx grip in singapore? i tried using amazon.com but amazon doesn’t support my shipping to singapore..