The first thing we consider when testing a barbell is what each bar is designed for. The majority of barbells are designed and knurled for versatility to be used for general lifting. But specified barbells, like trap bars or powerlifting bars, have their own purposes. So, we tested each barbell for its performance in its intended purpose. Give the bar or dumbbell a rotation inward to further tighten your grip and then you should be good to go.' There’s more than one way to skin a cat, and there’s definitely more than one way to situate your grip when you row. To find the right rowing grip, you need to know what your options are in the first place: Choose Your Hand Position

CrossFitters will appreciate the versatility of this barbell, which can accommodate powerlifting and weightlifting thanks to its varied grip and bearings that make for a great spin. Again Faster gave this bar extra durability with a hybrid self-lubricating bearing-bushing design, too, since they know you’ll be putting it through its paces. Lifting straps also increase the amount of weight you can lift. 'Lifting straps make holding heavy objects easier by improving grip strength, minimising fatigue and thereby building strength, particularly on pulling movements,' says Smith. 'Typically, they are used on heavy sets only, and not so much during warm up sets or lighter sets.' Neutral: A neutral grip involves maintaining alignment between your hand and forearm; your palms face one another. We like the attention to detail with a 28.5mm diameter (the exact diameter of competition barbells), whereas most others are 28mm. This may not seem like much, but it’s enough to throw you off on meet day. REP’s bar is available in either hard chrome or cerakote, though you’ll pay more for the cerakote option. If you’re working in a garage gym or somewhere humid, it may be a good idea to invest the extra money in the cerakote finish for extra rust resistance.Still, it seems that fat grips may well help you on your journey toward forging stronger forearms and grip. If your grip has become a limiting factor in your lifts — or if your forearms are that lagging part of your physique — you might want to snap some fat grips on the bar and get lifting. References If you take the overhand grip support and take it up a notch, you get the hook grip. To achieve this, you position your fingers slightly differently from the overhand grip, placing your hands over the bar and your thumbs under and around it but keeping your thumbs under the rest of your fingers instead of over them . The moderate knurling won’t shred your shins as much during deadlifts or hands during higher-rep sets. This is available in five-foot-long options if you’re working with a narrow space like a garage stall. But it’s not all great. This grip requires more elbow flexion, and it can put more stress on your elbows leading to cranky elbows. Plus, because of the increased biceps engagement, you may run the risk of bicep tears when going hard and heavy. Overhand bent-over barbell row

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fna3FUxZGp8&t=1s Video can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: BRAND NEW BARBELL— Again / Faster Pursuit Olympic Bar Review (2023) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fna3FUxZGp8&t=1s) Best for deadlifts, as they offer a lot of whip, aggressive knurling, and a sometimes smaller diameter. Squat Bars Like most training strategies, when it comes to fat grip training, there are certain things you need to keep in mind to ensure you’re getting the most out of it. https://youtube.com/watch?v=h5SEWJ4iEj4 Video can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Swiss Bar Bench Press (https://youtube.com/watch?v=h5SEWJ4iEj4) https://youtube.com/watch?v=ziu-2N1mlY4 Video can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: 3 Easy Tips to Improve Your Bench Press (https://youtube.com/watch?v=ziu-2N1mlY4)

Proven to Get Big Biceps & Forearms Fast

Regardless, fat grips can enhance your training and lead to better overall gains in strength and hypertrophy. ( 1)( 2) This is because your hands and forearms are under a greater amount of tension for a longer period of time, and increased time under tension is beneficial for muscle gain. This bar is a worthy choice for those with the money, space, and inclination to train deadlifts with such specificity. It has some of the most aggressive knurling on the market and basically no flex. Most barbells have a diameter of 25-29mm (about 1 inch). There are fat bars (which are sometimes called axle bars) that have 2” diameters or greater, but they aren’t available in many commercial gyms. They’re also not convenient for home gym owners with limited space who don’t have room to store more than one barbell. Your lats are the biggest muscles in your upper body and are responsible for the lion’s share of your pulling power. Well-developed lats also contribute to the iconic V-taper aesthetic. Some data has shown that the following grip orientation results in substantial lat activation: ( 1)

Bars are almost always going to be made from steel. However, as we mentioned earlier, the quality of steel can vary, and this is what leads to different tensile strengths for different bars. Other important materials to look for are the bearings or bushings and the finish. Bushings vs. Bearings

Coach’s Tip: As you tire out, you’ll find yourself tempted to lift your torso upright. Fight that urge and stay in a solid hinged position throughout. By training your grip with fat grips, you can increase your ability to hold onto the barbell or pull-up bar for longer, thus reducing the amount of time you have to stop for breaks and helping you complete a workout in a shorter amount of time. Exercises You Can Do With Fat Grips Strength training is less about muscular mastery and more about perfecting a specific movement. Exercises like rows and pulldowns may not be as intricate as a sumo deadlift or snatch, but you should still prioritize good form to consistently gain strength. PSI >— Decent for beginners, but it might be worth spending a bit extra to make your investment last. Different bar diameters and length options from five to seven feet are useful for those who are limited in their workout space, and the chrome finish will be satisfactory for most lifters throughout the life of the bar as long as you keep up with the maintenance.