Tow straps & tow aids

History of Towing Straps & Towing Aids

Early Origins of Grip Training

The idea of taking the strain off the grip during heavy pulling movements is older than many think.

As early as the early 1900s, strongmen such as Eugen Sandow, Louis Cyr, or Hermann Görner used improvised leather loops or cloth straps to gain more control during heavy pulling and lifting movements.

These primitive predecessors of lifting straps were usually made of:

• Leather strips
• Hemp or jute ropes
• Cloth bandages

Their purpose back then was the same as it is today: to be able to move more weight without the grip failing.

What are pull straps & pulling aids?

Lifting straps and pulling aids are training accessories that support your grip during strength training. They are fastened around the wrist and wrapped around the barbell, rowing handle, or pull-up bar to strengthen the connection between your hand and the weight. This relieves pressure on the forearms and prevents your grip from giving out prematurely—especially during heavy pulling exercises such as deadlifts, rows, or lat pulldowns.

Unlike training without assistance, lifting straps allow the target muscles (especially the back) to work more intensively without grip strength becoming the limiting factor. This makes lifting straps suitable for both beginners who want to stabilize their technique and experienced strength athletes who want to lift heavier weights or achieve more repetitions.

Modern lifting straps are available in a variety of designs, including classic lifting straps, figure-8 straps, and hook straps. Depending on the material, padding, and design, they offer different levels of support. This makes them a versatile and compact aid for effective, powerful, and safe training.

Why Towing Straps & Towing Aids? – Benefits at a Glance

• Move More Weight
  Grip strength is often the limiting factor in heavy pulling exercises. With the right pulling aids, you can control more load without your forearms fatiguing prematurely.
• Better Technique & Control
  The improved connection to the bar keeps exercise execution more stable. This is especially helpful for rows, deadlifts, shrugs, pull-ups, and lat pulldown variations.
• Protection Against Overuse
  Pulling straps reduce strain on the fingers, wrists, and forearms—ideal during long or intense training phases, rehab training, or for those with sensitive grip structures.
• More Focus on the Target Muscles
  With a reduced “grip limit”, you can better focus on your back, neck, or hamstrings—crucial for effective hypertrophy training.

Benefits of Towing Straps & Towing Aids

Lifting straps and lifting aids provide effective support to make your strength training safer and more effective. They reduce the demand on your grip strength and allow you to move heavy weights in a controlled manner without your forearms fatiguing prematurely. This makes them particularly valuable for exercises such as deadlifts, rows, pull-ups, or lat pulldowns.

The improved grip allows you to focus entirely on the target muscles—ideal for progressive muscle building and back training. At the same time, they help you maintain cleaner technique and perform more repetitions, making your overall workout more efficient.

Lifting aids are suitable for all training levels—from beginners looking to stabilize their form to experienced athletes moving heavier loads. Thanks to durable materials, comfortable padding, and long-lasting stitching, they provide an optimal grip, high comfort, and maximum safety during every workout.

Who are tow straps & tow aids suitable for?

• Strength athletes
• Powerlifters
• Bodybuilders
• Functional training athletes
• Athletes with grip weakness or injuries
• Anyone who wants to train their back more effectively

Whether in the gym, home gym, or powerlifting setup – lifting straps are an affordable yet extremely effective tool.

What to look for when buying

Material Quality

High-quality stitching, durable fabric, and comfortable padding ensure longevity and comfort.

Intended Use

Depending on your training:

• heavy powerlifting → Figure-8 / Tow Hooks
• everyday strength training → classic lifting straps
• maximum flexibility → Grip Pads

Comfort & Fit

Padded wrist support, straps of a comfortable length, and non-slip material are essential for a good training experience.

Why buy resistance bands & pull-up aids from Shark Fitness?

Wide selection of high-quality brands. Durable and versatile lifting aids for every strength training routine – from classic lifting straps and figure-8 straps to lifting hooks for maximum loads.

Expert advice and a fast Swiss delivery network.

Over 30 years of experience in the fitness and strength sports sector.

Whether you train at home, in the gym, or in performance-oriented strength training – we have the right lifting straps & lifting aids for your training goals.

Have you seen a product online and are still undecided?

Come by, give us a call, or send us an email – our fitness experts will be happy to help. Together, we’ll review your requirements and let you know if the desired pulling aid is on display in one of our shops. There might even be an alternative that suits your training style even better. After a personal consultation on-site at the Shark Fitness Shop in Wil (SG) or Wettingen (AG), you’ll have all the important information you need to choose the optimal pulling straps & pulling aids for your training.