Traction cuffs

Traction cuffs

— straps that wrap around the wrist and barbell (or machine handle) to "relieve" some of the load from the grip and allow the back or bicep to complete the set when the fingers give out. They are most often used in deadlifts, barbell rows, lat pull-downs, and heavy shrugs, especially in the final working sets. They are similar to lifting hooks in purpose, but cuffs usually provide a more "natural" feel of the bar and better control over rotation, although they take a bit more time to wrap. Example: in bent-over barbell rows, you can maintain technique and the desired weight without reducing the load just because your grip is tired.