A cool feat of strength that you can do is rolling up a frying pan. If you want to learn how to do this, pick up the November issue of Men’s Fitness and check out the short “How-to” piece I put together for them, on page 24, called Roll Up a Skillet.

Like many feats of grip strength, this is one where if you learn to engage the rest of your body with Radiant Tension, you will be able to perform the feat better.

What’s Radiant Tension?

I talk about Radiant Tension in this kettlebell press article I did last fall. (Here’s the accompanying radiant tension video).

Radiant Tension is a skill. It’s not as easy as clenching your teeth and squeezing the bar as hard as you can. That’s not what it is about. You have to be able to turn it on and off as you need to.

Here’s an example with a feat you might have a bit more experience with than rolling up a frying pan…card tearing.

When ripping a deck of cards, you want to use radiant tension when starting the tear to keep the cards tight together, to get the initial tear started, and to involve the larger muscles of the torso in the feat.

However, once the tear is started, if you are too tight, it can be tough to keep the tear going. What results is you get the initial break going and then stop. The. you throw another jolt of power into it and it tears a little more, and you essentially keep starting and stopping over and over until you tear the whole way through the deck.

Through practice, however, you can understand how much Radiant Tension is necessary to grip the cards and get the torso muscles involved, and also to keep the tear going fluidly.

If you need help learning how to tear cards, no resource on the planet will give you the level of detail my Card Tearing eBook gives you. From Techniques, to Progressions, to Exercises, I’ve got everything you need to know in order to start “cutting the deck” with extreme vengeance.

In a much more standard form of lifting, such as the Bench Press, Radiant Tension can instantly increase your bench by 10 to 20 pounds by learning to manage the tension. Like I said before, it is a skill that needs to be practiced.

Often when I see it discussed in other locations, Radiant Tension is described as “squeezing the bar as hard as you can.” While a new person who has never tried to employ Radiant Tension may indeed end up putting forth that kind of exertion in order to build a connection between the mind and the body, I think squeezing at that level of intensity all the time is actually a waste of energy and at the very least an unnecessary distraction.

I actually used to “squeeze as hard as possible” on many lifts when I performed them, but after playing around with this concept in the last year or so I’ve found that I get just as good if not better results by moderating the level of exertion and changing it depending on the movement I am doing and how much radiant tension I need on that day.

For instance, on the bench, if I squeeze too hard on the bar, it feels like I have trouble lowering the bar and my shoulders end up hurting. Whereas if I just tense my hands slightly, I can begin to feel that familiar sensation of tension radiating back and forth from my core and torso out to the bar and back in, feeling more stable, stronger in the movement, and having less stress in the shoulders.

Like I’ve said a couple of times, tension is a skill that needs to be practiced. This past summer, I was training a dude named Jim who would get on the bench and the bar would be all over the place. The first day I mentioned squeezing the bar, his form improved greatly and he was able to repeat the form much more easily. Gradually we worked outward away from the torso and began using systematic pulsing of the glutes in order get even more confident with the bar, perform more reps, and pack on more muscle.

Remember, tension is a skill you can practice to help you out in all of your strength endeavors, whether you are tearing cards, bending a frying pan, or powerlifting, there’s a place for it. You just have to use it and practice it in order to make it work best for you.

Incidentally, in this issue of the magazine, on page 20, there is another short piece by Ben Bruno called, “Curl More Weight, Increase Your Strength Immediately” that pretty much covers the same principle of Radiant Tension. I will let you check the magazine out yourself to see what I mean.

All the best in your training.

Jedd

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Check out the results of the Classic Strongman Feats Tournament…

Week 5 Bracket Video

Ending Score Totals

David Wigren – 7 Points * WINNER – $100
Cameron Bailey / Darrin Shallman – 5 Points – * WINNERS – $50 Each
Mike Rinderle – 4 Points – * WINNER – $50 worth of Steel from SteelBenders.org
David Horne – 3 Points
Richard MacLean / Jason Steeves – 2 Points
Daniel Reinard – 1.5 Points
EJ Livesey – 1 Point
Christopher Smith – .5 Points

Winners, please send me your paypal addresses so I can get your prize payments to you!

Jedd

• Classic Strongman Feats Tournament – Week 2 Submissions
• Phone Book Tearing Submissions
• Man of Steel Winners Announced!
• Classic Strongman Month – Week 2
• Diesel Grip Challenge: Week 10

This week, I have a brand new Diesel Iron Master Nomination to pass along – Dennis Rogers.

This nomination came in from one of the visitors to our site and RKC-certified Kettlebell Instructor, Eric Moss.

If you have never heard of Dennis, just read the note I got from Eric below, and you will understand how impressive, inspiring, and awesome Dennis Rogers is!

Eric Moss, RKC

From Eric Moss, RKC: “I would like to nominate Dennis Rogers. While many within the grip and performing strongman world tend to be large in size, Dennis is of average stature (not a whole lot bigger than me). But Dennis is definitely not average in strength. His power is both humbling and inspiring. Humbling because he makes a living doing the impossible and inspiring because you know that it is not trickery or illusions but is in fact real because it happens right before your eyes.”

Eric, I couldn’t agree more. I am happy to call Dennis a friend, and am honored to give him this recognition here at DieselCrew.com.

Within five minutes of receiving this nomination, I sent Dennis an email telling him about the Iron Masters Program, and asking him to take part. He agreed and I took a few minutes to write down some questions to help us get to know him more.

While I had spoken with Dennis many times in the past, there were many questions that I had never covered with him. Dennis took the time out of his busy schedule to answer every question I sent him as well as send me a handful of images from his collection over the years. They are outstanding!

I hope you enjoy reading the following interview as much as I have conducting it.

Dennis 2 Weeks Before School Started (Junior Year) Note how small he is…

Jedd: How did you get started in strength and fitness?

Dennis: I saw the iron game as a means to fit in. I was approximately 4’11” and 79 pounds when I entered high school. In addition, I have a slight case of Scoliosis which was really emphasized during that time because of my slight build.

Needless to say I was not only picked on, I was down-out-right bullied on an ongoing basis. I was even put in the shower during gym class fully clothed.

To top it off I was uncoordinated, so I didn’t exactly do well at team sports. Before I knew it I was reassigned to Special-Ed gym. I was told it was so I could assist the kids who were really handicapped (physically) – but I saw the “writing on the wall.” However, as I learned early in life, there is a reason for everything. After all, it was in “Special-Ed” that I discovered weight-lifting. So, you might say that class became a real blessing in my life.

I began training on a regular basis. Almost instantly I moved away from the basic exercises that are part of most routines. You know what I mean: strict barbell stuff- military presses, bench pressing, squatting, etc. It wasn’t that I didn’t think they were effective – I know they are. It was because structurally they weren’t comfortable to me. I had a good feeling right off the bat of what I felt would work for me so I went for it.

So instead of the exercises that I saw in the body-building magazines, I was doing things like one-hand snatches and clean and jerks, heavy one-hand concentration and preacher curls, one-hand benches on a universal machine, heavy continental style power-cleans, and arm-wrestling with weights via the low pulley on a cable-crossover machine. They became opponents for me rather than a routine, and I always loved challenges.

By the time I was 17, I got a manual labor job and had incorporated overhead lifting with 120 pound drums of salt (I weighed 118 at the time), and carried heavy weight for distance – which helped not only my strength, but muscular endurance and balance as well. I did all this without the knowledge of what the oldetime strongman did or the importance of strengthening the stabilizers.

Dennis and teammate – the legendary Dave Patton (early 80′s)

As a senior, I was whipping everyone I knew in school and in my neighborhood at arm-wrestling. Arm-wrestling was fun to me. So fun that I did it for many years winning a slew of State and Regional Championships and then went on to become a U.S. Open, National and World Champion.

It was actually at an arm-wrestling practice that I first became interested in performing feats of strength. One night, one of the heavyweight guys broke the binding of a phonebook and ripped it in half. I couldn’t wait to get home and try it. After succeeding, I searched for information on feats of strength finding only bits and pieces in a few books and muscle mags. However, despite the lack of information, I retired from arm-wrestling and put my focus on performing feats of strength.

Soon I was ripping phonebooks lengthwise, tearing decks of cards in half in seconds, scrolling steel bars, driving nails through wood with my fist and so forth. I had found “my thing” as they say.

Jedd: 2. What keeps you going? Why do you continue to do what you do?

Dennis: A lot of people asked me what keeps me doing what I do- since I am 54 now. Really what keeps me going is not so much the desire to accomplish more in the strength world, but to use my strength and accomplishments to help others. I love to inspire and motivate others- especially young people. And as Jan Todd once inscribed in a book of mine, “Strength is a gift that inspires…” It’s so true… strength feats inspire and captivate so that one may then share what’s in the heart.

Dennis with friends Laird Hamilton and Gabby Reece, at their home in Malibu, Sept. 2010

As with any gift, if you practice and perfect it, as time goes on it can open many doors. I have been able to meet many people and build some great relationships in various areas such as Corporations, Schools, Churches and the Entertainment World.

Jedd: 3. What are some of the biggest accomplishments you have had over the years, what are you most proud of?

Dennis: I am most thankful that I have been able to see so many lives changed over the years because of the platform God has given me. This is where my greatest focus has been and still will be.

Concerning the strength game, I am most proud of being looked at as a leader in the movement to revive the oldetime strength performer, and of my many students and their outstanding accomplishments. The greatest joy to any coach is to see his/her student become greater than he/she.

Dennis & Erik Vining (one of Dennis’s students) after Dennis completed a 10″ wrench “S” bend

Related to my awards and feats of strength accomplishments, I am honored to have been presented the Vic Boff Highest Achievement Award at this year’s Association of Oldetime Barbell and Strongman Dinner, as well as receive a special association (AOBS) recognition – the “Super-Strength Athlete” award in 1993 for preventing two U.S. Air Force T-34 Aircraft from taking off. Then of course, I am grateful for my accomplishments (previously mentioned) in arm-wrestling.

Dennis in 1993 preventing two U.S. Air Force T-34 Aircraft from taking off

Receiving AOBS Special Achievement Award- Super Strength Athlete”, from Vic Boff for stopping T-34s from taking off.

Concerning feats of strength, below are a handful of my favorite accomplishments in addition to the aforementioned:

Stopping four Harley Davidson Motorcycles (Human-Link style, 2 per arm) at
full throttle for 12 seconds

One arm standing preacher curls of 98 x 10 and 117 x 1, both @ 148 pounds bodyweight.

Dennis Rogers, breaking chains in a performance at the annual AOBS dinner

Breaking free from official Police handcuffs, and various setups of chains, padlocks (as many as 5 locks at once) and shackles

Various Wrenches Twisted up Like Spaghetti

Bending both 8″ and 10″ adjustable wrenches into the shape of an “S” *

Notching a deck of plastic coated poker cards *

Ripping a deck of plastic coated poker cards into 8ths*

* Done on multiple occasions

Jedd: Dennis, you are a true Iron Master. Thanks so much for taking the time to complete the interview. Your story, going from an uncoordinated kid, to a World Class Arm Wrestler, and then on to one of if not the best Strongman Performers of all time, is INSPIRATIONAL.

If anyone would like more information on Dennis Rogers, see his performing schedule or even to book him at an engagement, check out his website, 88 Pounds.

Serious Hammer Curls, Dennis Rogers Style, performed before Slim “The Hammer Man” Farman

Diesel Universe – If you would like to nominate someone as an Iron Master, email me, TODAY!

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If you didn’t get a chance to see the show, sign up for the Grip Strength newsletter below because I will be sending out links to download it either today (Sunday) or tomorrow.

Thanks everybody!

How to Bend Nails | How to Tear Cards | Feats of Grip Strength Explained | How to Build Your Own Equipment | How to Lift Atlas Stones | The Sh*t You’ve Never Seen | Sled Dragging for Athletes | The Road to the Record DVDSimilar Posts:

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The Arnold take place in a HUGE convention center covering I don’t know how many blocks in the city of Columbus Ohio. The event started out as mainly a bodybuilding deal, but it has expanded over the years to include Powerlifting, Olympic Lifting, and Strongman contests as well as Martial Arts, Fitness and other competitions.

SEE THE REST OF THIS COOL POST AFTER THE JUMP

This year, they are also including their first ever Grip Contest on the main stage, called Mighty Mitts. I was lucky enough to get an invite and I am honored. I have been training hard and am geared up to get on the stage.

Now, here’s the deal. If you’re not prepared for the Arnold Classic weekend, you won’t maximize your experience, so here’s a few points to consider to get the most out of the Classic.

Take Water

It is extremely dry in the event center. They do sell water there, but it is like $8 a bottle, so pack your own and bring it with you.

Take Snacks

There’s very few places to eat outside the event center in the hallways, and it’s kind of expensive. There’s tons of free samples of hundreds of different supplements like shakes and bars and powders, but you can only handle so much of that stuff and some of it tastes like a pencil eraser during the SAT’s. So pack some good stuff to take in with you.

Bring Your Camera

There are lots of photo opportunities at the Arnold. There are Bodybuilders, MMA Fighters, Pro Powerlifters and Strongmen, Pro Wrestlers and dozens of Fitness chicks. They will often let you get a picture with them for free, but sometimes they do charge. Either way you’ll have photos that will last you a lifetime.

Wear Comfortable Cargo Pants

Get yourself a pair of loose fitting cargo pants with lots of pockets. This way you can easily carry your water, snacks and camera among other things. Make sure they are loose fitting and not a set of butt huggers. There are plenty of feats of strength to try in the event center, and you don’t want the seam in your ass to tear while trying to do them.

Bring a Back Pack

You may get the opportunity to get some free shirts and other swag while you’re at the Arnold. You’ll turn around and see some fitness model throwing them all over. Fight for the free shirt and stuff it into your pack. Aside from free stuff, you may want to buy shirts and stuff at the seemingly thousands of tables that are there, and the last thing you want to do is carry that stuff around in your hands all day. Now, if your back pack has the Care Bears on it, leave it at home. Some booths will hand out free plastic bags if you need them.

Try the Grip Gauntlet

Each year I have gone, the GNC booth holds the GNC Grip Gauntlet featuring IronMind Grippers, IronMind Rolling Thunder, and the Blob. If you lift the Blob, 207 on the Rolling Thunder, and close the #3 Gripper, you get a real nice gift certificate – I think it’s like $50 or $100! What’s a Blob? Check out this article = = > What is the Blob?

Bring a Towel

A lot of greasy sons-of-guns get their hands on the Blob over the course of the weekend. I mean THOUSANDS of people try this thing. The Blob is hard enough with the ultra-slick stove paint they put on it. It will just be harder if it is covered in hand sweat, so bring your towel to wipe it and the Rolling Thunder off before you make your attempt. A trip through the Gauntlet is worth just the opportunity to meet and shake hands with the Gillingham brothers.

Bring Some Cash, but Take a Deep Breath

You will have opportunities to buy a lot of cool stuff at the Arnold, so bring some cash or a credit card, but take it easy. Don’t just buy on impulse, because you could end up going off the deep end. If you are going with a friend, tell them to monitor your spending. Know what you want to look for, but set your limits.

Bring Your Diesel Shirt

When you walk through the event center, if you see me make sure to give me a holler, and wear your Diesel shirt so I can spot you easier.

Check out Mighty Mitts

Mighty Mitts will be taking place between events at the Arnold Strongman Competition on Friday Afternoon and Saturday evening. I will be competing with 10 of the top dudes in the world. Many, I have competed against in standard Grip competitions. Others, I have met before, but never competed against, and still others I have never met and never competed against. Some of these guys have tremendous Grips on them and have done awesome things Grip-related in the past, just never competed in standard contests before. With this event being all thick bar, it is going to be something to behold!

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You spend a lot of time on your feet at the Arnold and there is almost nowhere to sit down except on the floor, so make sure your shoes are comfortable or else your feet will be screaming by the end of the weekend.

Steal a Seat

It is a cut-throat process getting a chair in front of the stage. You basically have to swoop down immediately once someone stands up. This may mean if you are traveling in a group that you might get split up. The seat is worth it to give your feet a break, so steal your buddy’s seat if you have to.

Cell Phone on Vibrate

If you get split up from your crew, it’s very hard to meet back up, and it is so loud that it is almost impossible to hear a cell phone ring, so set the thing on vibrate and put it in your hip pocket so you will feel it.

Wallet in Hip Pocket

Not sure what the crime rates are at the Arnold Classic, but there are pick-pockets everywhere. it is slightly harder for someone to pick your pocket if you stick your pocket in your front hip pocket than your back pocket or leg pocket. Don’t stick it in a zipper pocket in your book bag. They are too easy to unzip by someone else while you walk and you will never know it. It’s a shame this tip even has to appear here, but it is a sad truth. Awareness is preparedness.

Alright, my friends, it’s just about time for me to hit the road and be on my way to Columbus, Ohio. If you have any more tips for the better of the order, then please leave a comment in the comment box below!

Thanks a ton and have a great weekend, especially if you are at the Arnold.

And if you see me and I don’t see you, yell, shout, hit me with a rock, poke my eye or something to get my attention. It’ll be nice to meet everybody.

Read about last year’s Arnold Classic = = > Arnold 2009

Arnold Classic Weekend Special on the Card Tearing eBook = = > 33% off on Card Tearing eBook Just $19.97!.

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