Overhand Versus Underhand Grip

In strength training, the way you grip weights can significantly influence which muscles are activated and how your exercises perform. Understanding these differences can help enhance your workouts.

The overhand grip, also known as a "pronated" grip, involves positioning your palms away from your body. This grip is often employed in exercises like pull-ups, lat pull-downs, or overhead presses.

Using this grip activates muscles such as the latissimus dorsi (lats) and upper trapezius. Research suggests that an overhand grip can improve shoulder stability and scapular retraction, often emphasized in physical therapy.

Alternatively, the underhand grip, also termed "supinated," involves positioning your palms towards your body. This grip style is used in exercises like bicep curls or rows.

The underhand grip emphasizes activating the biceps and targets muscles in the lower and mid-back region, thereby complementing exercises that require additional bicep engagement.

Selecting either the overhand or underhand grip depends on your training goals and the specific muscles you aim to target. Both grips are beneficial and frequently featured in various workouts.

“Many of our workouts at Fitness Blender feature both grip styles, highlighting their unique advantages.”

Healthy Shark is a blog & weekly newsletter that curates trending news and products related to health and wellness from around the web. We also gather content from various sources, including leading health professionals, and deliver it directly to you.

Please note that we may receive compensation if you purchase any products featured in our newsletter. Healthy Shark is not affiliated with, nor does it endorse, any health professionals whose content may appear in our newsletter. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.

The information provided is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information available is for general informational purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information presented and assume no liability for any errors or omissions. The content is subject to change without notice. We encourage you to verify any information with other reliable sources and consult your physician regarding any medical conditions or treatments.