Thread: grip strength...

if you have no interest in competiting in a sport that requires you to have a strong grip (basically competitive lifting), then why not break out the straps? Train your muscles with the weight you need to produce the greatest amount of tension.

If you are concerned about your grip, the do some extra work at the end of the workout for it.

If you are going to compete in lifting, start training your grip more seriously.

I have never done any isolation on my "grip", instead I stopped using straps when working back, it does does wonders.

You could use straps, but I still think it's prudent to work on your grip strength so you don't have to rely on straps. I hate using straps and I refuse to do so for whatever reason.

Originally Posted by Prince

I have never done any isolation on my "grip", instead I stopped using straps when working back, it does does wonders.

You can say that again.

I have had dedicated days for grip strength because mine was just THAT bad. My grip suffered after I bought a pair of VersaStraps (the best ones Ive ever used), but I used them with every thing that I did, even presses.

What Cow said reminds me of what a fellow lifter/friend said about straps. He said that he didnt like using them because one day youre going to go to the gym and forget your straps on a day youre gonna need them. Therefore, your workout would suck.

Unless your grip is as bad as mine (couldnt hold 225lbs with an alternated grip), Id agree with P-Funk with doing some grip afterwards. Prior to that, do as much as you can without them, then use them when it's time.

Do deadlifts. After your last rep, shoulder shrugs. What could be more demanding on your grip strength?

I don't use straps. Strangely enough, grip has never caused me to cut any lift short. People laugh, but I've duct taped two double-strength spring grips together. I play with them from time to time. I can reel off 19 reps in my right hand. Most men, some much larger than I, can't squeeze off one.

Just try it. You'd be amazed, I think.

Meh, I just use gloves. WAY more comfortable. No more cold weights in your hands, no more sweat problems, no more damaged hands, etc.

I do some gorilla hangs for the stretch in my back and occasionally do farmer walks though. Deadlifting keeps my grip strength high enough at the moment.

Originally Posted by Witchblade

Meh, I just use gloves. WAY more comfortable. No more cold weights in your hands, no more sweat problems, no more damaged hands, etc.

What a pussy.

I enjoy me some static holds(BB and DB) and plate pinch grips. I may try some soft gripping today and see how it goes.

a few weeks of static holds and i could notice the difference in grip strength big time
i used to only be able to get 4 deadlifts with 315 before my hands would blow open and the bar would hit the ground. now i can get 3 solid sets of ten without the hands struggling. Its fantastic

i advise doing exercise that target the grip muscles, forearm muscles, with reverse wrist curls, wrist curls and hammer curl.

Originally Posted by fufu

I enjoy me some static holds(BB and DB) and plate pinch grips. I may try some soft gripping today and see how it goes.

I like those exercises as well. Towel chinups of various kinds are another favorite of mine. It's a great way to throw in some extra pulling and volume for chinups while hitting the grip. I've also done seated rows with a towel before. Gorilla hangs are fun too; I usually do them with on hand or both hands but only three fingers.

Originally Posted by CowPimp

I like those exercises as well. Towel chinups of various kinds are another favorite of mine. It's a great way to throw in some extra pulling and volume for chinups while hitting the grip. I've also done seated rows with a towel before. Gorilla hangs are fun too; I usually do them with on hand or both hands but only three fingers.

Gorilla hangs! I used to do those alot a few months ago, I should get back in the habit with less fingers. I forgot to bring some long socks to the gym today, wanted to use them for some soft gripping.

A strong grip will help you live longer...therefore train your grip...don't use straps...

lol, I'm serious, Alwyn mentioned a study that said grip strength was directly related to longevity of life. He didn't go into a lot of detail in the book though...just made mention of it.

Originally Posted by CowPimp

... Towel chinups ...

When i first joined IM and posted my workout and problems i too had troubles with grip, i took some advice from cowpimp and it's all good now. I was new to deadlifting and it held be back for a little while. the best things for my grip was deadlifting and towel chins.

also for a while i found my grip became stagnant again (after adding around 40 pounds to be deadlift). I was working in the 4-6 rep range and grip started to hold me back, i dropped the weight and worked in the 10-12 rep range for a while, did 2 weeks in 12,12,12 deadlifts, then 2 weeks 10,10,10,6 (higher weight), and then 8,8,8,6,6 (yeah alot of sets...). by the time i got back to the weight i was using in the 4-6 rep reange my grip had improved immensely. May have been at the sacrifice of not as much ham / trap progression though - but i think the higher rep sets have will allow for more progression now that i can hold onto heavier weight.

Originally Posted by Witchblade

Meh, I just use gloves. WAY more comfortable. No more cold weights in your hands, no more sweat problems, no more damaged hands, etc.

I do some gorilla hangs for the stretch in my back and occasionally do farmer walks though. Deadlifting keeps my grip strength high enough at the moment.

What are those?

Originally Posted by CowPimp

I like those exercises as well. Towel chinups of various kinds are another favorite of mine. It's a great way to throw in some extra pulling and volume for chinups while hitting the grip. I've also done seated rows with a towel before. Gorilla hangs are fun too; I usually do them with on hand or both hands but only three fingers.

I like that idea!

Originally Posted by JimSnow

What are those?

Gorilla hangs are just hanging from a pullup bar. You can use a weight belt, do it with one hand, wrap a towel around the bar, or reduce the number of fingers used to hold yourself up to make it harder.

Farmer's walks are very simple. Pick up some weights and walk with them. Try to maintain good posture.

Originally Posted by CowPimp

Gorilla hangs are just hanging from a pullup bar. You can use a weight belt, do it with one hand, wrap a towel around the bar, or reduce the number of fingers used to hold yourself up to make it harder.

Farmer's walks are very simple. Pick up some weights and walk with them. Try to maintain good posture.

Already do the farmer's walks w/100lb. dbs. Just didn't have a name for them.
That's a hellava exercise!!! I'd like to setup some simulations for some of the events for "The World's Strongest Man" event to augment my training. Another thread?

What his name... Mario Puzo (something like that) has a phenominal body!!!
What is his name? Polish guy.

Originally Posted by JimSnow

Already do the farmer's walks w/100lb. dbs. Just didn't have a name for them.
That's a hellava exercise!!! I'd like to setup some simulations for some of the events for "The World's Strongest Man" event to augment my training. Another thread?

What his name... Mario Puzo (something like that) has a phenominal body!!!
What is his name? Polish guy.

Mariusz Pudzianowski

Originally Posted by CowPimp

Mariusz Pudzianowski

That's him. I botched that name!