Correct Deadlift Grip

First and foremost, I highly recommend straps. When performing pulling exercises, grip strength is often the biggest limitation on training intensity and weight, and straps are incredibly effective for improving grip.

There are several types of straps, including regular straps, weightlifting straps, and figure-of-eight straps. I recommend using palm-protected straps. They're very convenient and can be wrapped with one hand, eliminating the need for multiple wraps like with regular straps.

Because of their large contact area, they offer a good feel and greater friction than regular or weightlifting straps, allowing for a better grip. Unlike figure-of-eight straps, which can cause you to become stuck in your hands at full effort, I'm afraid.

Because of these advantages, palm-protected straps have a wider range of applications, including deadlifts, rows (with barbells, dumbbells, and other equipment), and pull-ups. It's recommended to buy synthetic materials rather than cowhide, which absorbs sweat, smells, and warps easily.

Pushing and pulling differ in how they are used. Using a belt for pushing is not recommended. The barrier between your palms and the barbell doesn't improve grip stability and actually increases the risk of slippage. As long as you use a full grip, slippage generally won't be an issue.

Another important note: wrist guards don't need to be too tight. Too tight will be uncomfortable and won't improve performance.

In addition to belts, I highly recommend a waist belt, especially for heavy lifts like squats and deadlifts. This isn't because they offer significant protection or prevent injury, but rather because they help stabilize the core and maintain intra-abdominal pressure, which can improve performance and training results.

In reality, most protective gear won't protect you from injury. The key to avoiding injury is performing the exercises correctly. If you perform the exercises incorrectly, no protective gear will be able to protect you.