What does "raw" lifting mean to you?

[TheJimi]

Spotted this on my tube travels tonight - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19FXJ2rUenM

He flags it as a "raw" lift, but to my sensibilities, how can using a belt and straps (which are assistance tools - imo) be classed as raw?!

Surely "raw" means no assistance apart from chalk? (which is a leveller since everyone's skin has differing oil levels)

Probably opening a can of worms here...

Edited by TheJimi on Wednesday 2nd March 22:34

[TurboHatchback]

To me raw also means nothing but chalk.

[InductionRoar]

No can of worms here. He is wrong and you are right.

I find it odd how (some) raw lifters will often belittle the achievements of other lifters who use belts, straps etc yet are quite happy to overlook the fact they take steroids themselves.

Now that is a can of worms...

[didelydoo]

Raw is generally accepted to be belt and chalk. (Though Americans do it differently....)

[TheJimi]

Yeah, that's what I understand myself but I strongly disagree with the concept.

How can using a belt equate to "raw", when a belt offers fairly significant degrees of assistance?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not dissin' belt or strap users, it's the belted/strapped "raw" idea that drives me nuts

[Zoon]

Without a lifting vest.

[didelydoo]

TheJimi said:

Yeah, that's what I understand myself but I strongly disagree with the concept.

How can using a belt equate to "raw", when a belt offers fairly significant degrees of assistance?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not dissin' belt or strap users, it's the belted/strapped "raw" idea that drives me nuts

I'd say chalk gives you more of an advantage than a belt though (on deadlifts anyway)- does that mean chalk's not raw?

Naked lifting is the way forward.

[TheJimi]

Really? Chalk's an advantage?!

Nup, disagree dude. Some people have naturally very oily skin and some people sweat more than others. Chalk levels the field, imo - it's not an advantage.

A belt actively enhances and assists, as does straps. Big difference, in my opinion.

[didelydoo]

TheJimi said:

Really? Chalk's an advantage?!

Nup, disagree dude. Some people have naturally very oily skin and some people sweat more than others. Chalk levels the field, imo - it's not an advantage.

A belt actively enhances and assists, as does straps. Big difference, in my opinion.

I do my dead lifts beltless- without chalk, it'd be much harder at the top end. Huge advantage grip wise.