What do wrist straps do?

Jeff Murray, personal training director and founder of Ambition Fitness, replies: Wrist strapping is used by gymgoers in a misguided attempt to improve performance in pulling exercises, such as wide arm unassisted pull-ups (otherwise known as chin-ups). The idea behind using straps is that by wrapping the wrist tightly, the strap and not the muscles of the forearm will take the weight, allowing the participant to achieve more pull-ups while not fatiguing the forearms. It could be argued that the powerful back muscles will work more prominently, however shouldn't the overall goal be to strengthen all the muscles together?
Personal trainers can make excellent use of wrist straps as a tool to assist a weight lifting client while doing an exercise such as a chest press with a bar. They will provide support for a weak wrist allowing the client to build confidence, the trainer to keep total control and achieve good technical performance.
jeff@ambitionfitness.com; 020 7630 5930