Grip failing now - what are my options?

[coreJack]

Did Romanian deadlifts with 190lbs today, and grip nearly caused me to miss a few reps. I know 190lbs is probably too light for grip failure with deadlifts, but with RDLs, there is no resetting between reps, plus I'm doing 3x5. What's happening is that the bar rolls from the base of my fingers into the first knuckle, and I can hold it there for some time, but obviously it doesn't feel nearly as secure.

So what are my options here? Does chalk make a big difference for guys with naturally dry hands? I have some climbers chalk from when I was rock climbing - I assume that's pretty much the same as what lifters use?

What about mixed grip? If I switch to that, should I do a slight deload so that I can focus on form (making sure tricep is contracted to eliminate the bicep from trying to lift the weight)? Or is it preferable to use double overhand grip with straps? Or switch to hook grip with thumb trapped under index finger?

[kali]

my grip was weak at first, then it got stronger. straps will never allow you to further develop your grip.
i use mixed grip mostly now, and no didnt have to deload, form should be fine, just dont bend the elbow which you shouldnt do anyway, thats all, then the bicep is ok and wont get damaged if thats the concern.
i used to do romanians, mostly they really work the lower back, not the grip!

[22Alpha]

Not really sure what's the difference betweeen Romanians and conventional...

I do conventional DLs all the way. Mixed grip allows you to DL more.

I read on T-Nation that doing DB rows will improve grip strength, I'm doing some on workout A days and seeing how it works. My current weight for DL is 203.5pounds/92.5kg.

[Wlfdg]

Use a hook grip like an Olympic lifter.

[coroho]

First try the chalk, then try mixed grip. That helps most people hang on to the bar for some time.

[MDR2]

I'm not sure about everyone else here but the weight that I deadlift is heavy enough compared to the weight I curl that no matter how much I may WANT my arm to be bent at the elbow during a mixed grip attempt, it's just not going to happen. So don't worry about your bicep, your body will quickly figure out that your arm needs to be straight, mainly since it has no other option.

[guru]

You'll have to try chalk to see for yourself how much difference it makes. I thought my hands were dry before. After using chalk I changed my belief.

The sequence imo -

Double overhand grip w/o chalk.
Hook grip without chalk.
Double overhand with chalk.
Hook grip with chalk.
Mixed grip.
Mixed grip with chalk.

[knoted]

I was doing high rep RDLs for a while. Grip failure was quite common at the start, long before hamstrings and lower back gave out. Doing them quicker helped, but just stick with it, your grip will improve. Definitely get your chalk out too.

[hardestgainer]

The only long term solution is to get a stronger grip. The short term solutions have already been mentioned. For your situation, I would switch to mixed grip and do supplementary grip work.

[eLvarouza]

Chalk is critical. I'd use chalk before switching grips. I've found that gym chalk works better to keep my hands dry than rock climbing chalk, but that may be a difference in the type of chalk I was using.

[coreJack]

Thanks for the tips guys. coroho, guru, eLv, I'll try chalk next workout and post feedback here.

[Baker]

i use straps for rdl's because for me they are an assistance exercise to work the hammies, glutes & lumbars (although they work the lats & traps too)...grip endurance is not the goal with these for me. brad gillingham uses straps for rdl's, that's good enough for me. i also use straps on high rep deads (5 & up), but mixed grip for singles.

[s0ku]

I just ran into the same problem as you. Someone recommended that you hold the weight longer after the lift to help develop forearm strength. Gonna try this in the future, after I add some chalk.

[silentbob]

I whole-heartedly recommend the Captains of Crush hand grippers. I work with an ex-strongman who used to DL 700Ib+ - he laughed at my "pointless little grippers" when he first saw them. Then he tried them, then he ordered himself some!

I've only been training with mine for 3 weeks now, but my grip is definitely improving. I pulled 140kg x 5 the other day without losing my grip at all, compared to having to reset my grip several months ago just pulling 100kg.

[ricepower]

As baker said, dont be afraid to use straps.

Romanian deadlifts are best done as a high rep exercise with medium weights. You should not really be in the situation where 5 reps will break your grip. It seems the weight is too close to your actual deadlift weight, and as so it would be superior to be doing actual deadlifts both from a safety and training standpoint.