The Bear Grips weight lifting hooks help me pull more weight without my grip being a limiting factor.

Some may say that using lifting hooks is cheating but I disagree.

I use them in moderation when pulling heavy so that I can get all my reps in before my grip gives out.

And more importantly, they help me workout around my elbow injury.

Let’s check them out!

Specs

Table of Contents

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Hooks: Steel with non-slip coating

Padding: 1/4″ thick breathable neoprene padding that prevent the grips from digging into my wrists

Straps: Thick velcro strap keeps hooks wrapped tightly around my wrists

Features

The steel hooks are lined with rubber that comes in different colors.

This prevents the hooks from slipping and protects my equipment from scratches.

I’m showing you the back of the hooks so you can see the wide strap it uses to secure around my wrists when I velcro it down.

Here’s what the outside of the strap looks like fully opened.

The inside has neoprene padding that’s comfortable even when I secure the straps real tight.

How to Use Weight Lifting Hooks

Using weight lifting hooks is straight forward (easier than weight lifting straps).

Each strap is labeled right and left so there’s no confusion.

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I set the strap on my wrist, insert the strap through a D-ring, and press it down so the velcro keeps it on.

This is what the back side of my hand looks like and you can see the velcro strap going through the D-ring.

I like that the padding sits above and below the strap so they’re not digging into my wrists.

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Here’s what it looks like when the hook rests on my palm.

Then I set the hook on whatever equipment I’m gonna use: Dumbbells, barbell, trap bar, cable machine attachments, pull up bar, etc.

Weight Lifting Hooks vs Straps

The biggest difference between weight lifting hooks and lifting straps is that the hooks aren’t flexible like the straps.

So I can’t wrap the hooks around equipment like I can with wraps.

I love wraps but they still force me to use my grip which isn’t helpful at the moment with my elbow injury.

The hooks completely eliminate my grip from heavy lifts and keep my elbow pain-free.

Using Weight Lifting Hooks Around Injuries

I’ve been nursing right elbow pain (Golfer’s elbow) so I’ve had to modify my workouts.

This includes weekly treatments with a Fiix elbow device that scrapes the inside of my right elbow.

I also avoid anything where I grip or carry a lot of weight since that involves using the forearm muscles that insert into my elbow.

So the Bear Grips weight lifting hooks have been very helpful on pull days.

Farmer Carries

For farmer carries I set the lifting hooks under my weight.

They even work around thick handles like the ones on my Trulap adjustable dumbbells.

This way I can still get the benefit of doing weighted carries without my elbow flaring up.

The weight lifting hooks also work well for carries on other equipment like sandbags, kettlebells, or weight plates with handles.

Shrugs

The hooks also come in handy when doing heavy shrugs.

I set the hooks on the cambered area of my Exponent Edge bar and shrug away.

Can I use the hooks on a regular weight lifting barbell for shrugs? Of course…

But I prefer placing my hands on the Edge bar’s angle because it feels better on my elbow.

Deadlifts

bear grips weight lifting hooks trap bar

I prefer to deadlift with a trap bar and the hooks do what they’re supposed to do.

They hook under the bar’s parallel grip handles and all I have to worry about is pushing up as hard as I can.

Grip strength is eliminated so my whole focus in on my legs.

Rows

Continuing with pull exercises, here’s how I set up when doing seated cable rows.

I set the hooks on the Ultimate Row Handle and pull towards me.

My Voltra cable machine has 200 lbs of resistance so the heavier I go, the harder I can hit my back without worrying about my grip.

Pull Ups

I wouldn’t recommend using weight lifting hooks on pull up bars.

The reason I say this is because if I fail a pull up, I won’t be able to get off the pull up bar with weight pulling me down.

Only time I’d recommend them is when you have a short pull up bar where your feet can touch the floor.

My PRx rack has two pull up bars: a kipping pull up bar (above my head in the pic) and a pull up bar in between the uprights.

When I use the short pull up bar my feet are free to touch the floor so I can bail easily.

Weightlifting Hooks Pros & Cons

Pros

Heavier lifts: Hooks let me focus on my lift without my grip strength being a limiting factor

Injuries: Helps me to continue lifting around my upper body injuries

Steel hook: Hook is made out of steel for durability

Blisters: Reduces hand blisters since grip is not involved

Comfortable: Padding is thick enough so that straps aren’t digging into my wrists with heavy lifts

Inexpensive: Affordable way to increase lifts

Cons

Not flexible: Unlike straps, I can’t wrap the steel hook around a barbell or handle for better grip

Bear Grips Discount Code

Bear Grips weight lifting hooks aren’t expensive which is always a plus for home gym owners.

They sell for $29.99 but you know I’m always trying to save you a buck whenever I can.

Click here and use coupon code SHREDDED for a 10% discount.