Is it true that the use of lifting straps for back workouts will cause the forearm muscles to weaken?
Although the debate on this issue remains inconclusive, I believe that this is true. Lifting straps alleviates some forearm fatigue resulting from back exercises. Consequently, with less challenge to the forearms, they will not grow in strength in proportion to, or syngergistically with, the back. They may even atrophy to some degree. On the other hand, since the forearm muscles are so much smaller than the back muscles, they tend to fatique much more easily, thus interfering with greater development of back strength and, if you choose, size. The best of both worlds (developing both forearm and back strength) would be to use straps during back workouts and therefore challenge the back to a greater extent; subsequently, be sure to perform strengthening exercises specifically for the forearms.
