Never Before Done Grip Strength Combo Feat

I’ve had my eye on a few goals this year, along the lines of grip strength feats.

The biggest one, I crossed off my list earlier this month – the Inch Dumbbell Clean.

I also recently was successful for the first time pinching 2x25kg plates.

Well, I took that one a little further, but doing a combo feat with the Inch Dumbbell, as well.

Inch Dumbbell Plus 2x25kg Plate Pinch

Training has been going very well, and I am very thankful. Probably 95% of my work has been dedication to King Kong. Luckily, the events have lined up well with the extracurricular feats I’ve been working on as well.

Now, it is Deload time, in preparation for King Kong.

If everything goes well, I will hit some PR’s on the King Kong events.

And maybe even go for some other cool feats, once the competition is out of the way.

How’s your training going?

Feel free to leave a comment below to let us know where you’re at, as the year winds down.

All the best in your training.

Jedd

Inch Dumbbell Clean

On 10/2/18, I became, to the best of my knowledge, the 5th or possibly the 6th man in modern times, and perhaps ever to Clean the Inch Dumbbell to his shoulder in one movement from the floor. The term “Clean” infers that no part of the body aside from the one hand and grip strength are used to pull the dumbbell to the shoulder-catch position.

There have been 2 other men that I know of who have done this for sure: Mark Henry and Laine Snook. Ryan Green and Rich Williams have also pulled it to their shoulder, but in Ryan’s case the bell hit his chest first slightly and in Rich’s case the bell his his hip crease.

To me, both of those feats are legit cleans, and I respect all these men for what they have done. I also seem to remember there was someone else who performed a Clean of the Inch Dumbbell, with either no contact with the body, or only incidental contact, but my mind is drawing a blank.

I encourage everyone who watches this video to subscribe to my channel and hit the bell for notifications about future videos.

Also, please share this video with your friends, on your favorite forum, or put it up on your preferred social media platform.

For more information on the Inch Dumbbell, please check out these links…

Buy an Inch Dumbbell here: Where to buy an Inch Dumbbell

Buy my DVD that shows you how to train to lift the Inch Dumbbell: Inch Dumbbell DVD

Join my grip strength instructional site and invest in yourself and your training, for the best grip strength information in the world: The Grip Authority Membership Site

Is there a magic number you have to hit on the Rolling Thunder to be guaranteed you’ll lift the Inch Dumbbell? Is it a 1-to-1 relationship? And does the Rolling Thunder even work well for preparing you to Lift the Inch Dumbbell?

I cover all of this and more in today’s videos:

For more grip strength QnA Videos, be sure to subscribe to my channel here: Jedd Johnson on YouTube.

Training to Lift the Thomas Inch Dumbbell?
Grab This DVD Today!

This Week in Grip

Episode 36

In episode 36, we talk about Gripmas, the LA Fit Expo, and many of the other competitions that are set to close out 2017 and get 2018 rolling with plenty of Grip Power! We also look at some of the biggest feats that went down in the past week, including a deep set #4 close by a gripster named Artur Tumaguzhin.

Next week, we plan on covering the Inch Dumbbell. What questions do you have on the Inch? Leave your questions below, or in the comments section on YouTube.

Thanks for watching and all the best in your training.

Jedd

Beginner Grip Training: Basic Thick Bar Work

This is the latest installment in my Beginner Grip Training series. Up to this point, I’ve already touched on Plate Pinch Grip Training, and Gripper Training, but did you know that even if you don’t have a single piece of grip strength training equipment, you’ve got perfect access to in just about ANY gym around?

It’s true – you can work Thick Bar in your next workout, and this video shows you how.

Thick Bar Training in Any Gym

What questions do you have about Grip Training, Thick Bar Work, etc? Leave a comment below – I’d love to hear from you.

All the best in your training,

Jedd

The WRONG Way to Train for the Inch Dumbbell

This is probably gonna surprise some people, but I’m dead serious about this.

People are always asking me, “Hey, how much do I need to lift on the Rolling Thunder to know I’ll be able to lift the Inch?”

To me, the RT and the Inch are so different, there’s no way to even give a good number.

In fact, if you’re training to lift the Inch Dumbbell by using the Rolling Thunder, you’re wasting your time.

To be honest, basing your training to lift the Inch around Rolling Thunder training, is easily the biggest mistake you can make.

Here’s my top 3 reasons why the Rolling Thunder doesn’t work to get you strong enough to lift the Inch:

1) The Action Doesn’t Match Up

Although the Rolling Thunder spins, the action doesn’t match what happens when you try to pick up the Inch Dumbbell.

2) The Pull Height Doesn’t Match Up

When you lift the RT to lockout, most people only have to lift it about 8 inches or so. When lifting the Inch, the pull distance is at least doubled, so the time under tension factor is much more intense on the Inch.

3) Specificity is the Key

There’s no single factor that can help you lift the Inch Dumbbell than actually having one to train on. People knock their head off the wall trying to build thick bar strength with the Rolling Thunder only to be stopped in their tracks when they cross paths with one.

To give you an idea of how it worked with me, I trained my butt off for over the year using the RT and other tools, and failed to lift the Inch on many occasions.

Once, I bought one, I lifted within like 2 months.

Naturally, I don’t expect everyone to run out and buy an Inch Dumbbell, because of their expense.

However, if you do intend to one day lift the Inch Dumbbell, I do expect you to pick up this video: How to Lift the Inch

My Inch Video will set you straight on proper Inch Dumbbell training.

• The best drills to do with the Inch Dumbbell so that you lift it faster
• The best tools on the market to use for lifting the Inch – believe me, I’ve got just about all of them
• One single drill to do that can make the Rolling Thunder worthwhile for training to lift the Inch
• And there’s TONS of other great tips and tidbits in this full-length DVD

Now, I’m going to be completely honest with you…

I feel so strongly about the information in this video, that if you DON’T have it in your collection, I have to doubt
your desire to ever accomplish this renowned feat of strength.

Inch Dumbbell DVD

Pick up your copy of the Inch Video, in digital format or hard copy DVD today by clicking here.

All the best in your training.

Jedd

Several Years ago, Zach Coulter, an avid grip competitor and steel bender during the mid-2000’s, decided to try to make an Inch Dumbbell replica out of 8″ round-stock steel for the bells with the thick handle welded into place.

With giant cylindrical heads and a 2.5″ handle, Coulter produced an extremely hard Inch Replica.

Over the years, I’ve tried many times to lift the Coulter Bell, never getting it completely to lockout without having my hand butted up against the back bell to reduce rotation.

I have gotten better though! In March this year, I broke it a few inches off the ground, before it toppled out of my grip.

Struggling with the Coulter Dumbbell

Then, in June of this year, I got it to mid-shin, before it squirmed away from the lock of my fingers.

In the video below, Eric Roussin also gets a nice pull on it, as well.

Coulter Dumbbell Attempts at NAGS Championship

And in December, after months and months of thick-bar emphasized training, I was able to get it a bit closer to knee height before it popped loose.

However, Andrew Durniat, the current owner of the Coulter Bell, took it to another level. Not only did he stroll over and do a 360-degree spin, effectively saying “IN YOUR FACE, NAPALM!” he also added 22lbs to it.

Check this out:

Andrew Durniat Destroys the Coulter Bell

There’s so many great challenge implements out there, to test your grip strength with.

And no matter how strong you think you are, there’s always someone stronger.

That’s what keeps me going, knowing that there’s always dudes out there like Andrew Durniat who are stronger than me in certain disciplines, and I will continue to train them all, with the objective of reaching and surpassing them.

All the best in your training.

Jedd

How to Lift the Inch Dumbbell
click the Banner Below:

I’ve got a sale going on right now, on my DVD, “How to Lift the Inch Dumbbell.”

Grab it today and you’ll save yourself $20, and you’ll be instantly closer to lifting what was once considered “the unliftable dumbbell.

The Thomas Inch Replica Dumbbell, at 172lbs, with a nearly 2.5-inch handle, is a massive construction of cast iron that has tormented grip enthusiasts for too long.

This DVD gives you the weapons you need to do battle with the Inch.

From technique and grip application know-how, to training drills and programming expertise, the next time you face the Inch Dumbbell, you can rest assured that you will be ready.

Order Your Copy

^^ Click the Image Above ^^

You’ve struggled with the Inch Dumbbell long enough.

It’s time to ram your sword into the heart of the Inch Dumbbell, right now.

Grab this DVD today, and get the knowledge you need to take the Inch Dumbbell down, and conquer one of the most widely known feats of grip strength in the world today.

All the best in your training,

Jedd

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How to Lift the Inch comes in Both Hard-Copy and Digital Format
Don’t want to wait for shipping?
Order your digital copy, and start planning your attack on the Inch Dumbbell, today.
Click Below.

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I recently got a call from Dennis Rogers, inviting me to perform at the annual banquet/gala of the AOBS.

From their site: “The Association of Oldetime Barbell and Strongmen (AOBS) is the arm of WLO that focuses on education regarding Iron Game history and drug free sport, while the parent (WLO) concentrates on the development of the sport of weightlifting and amateur athletes, especially for national and international competition. The organization produces an quarterly newsletter and hosts an annual gala the educates, entertains and provides an opportunity to visit with legends of the Iron Game and old time friends.”

The WLO, or Weightlifting Org., Inc., is “… a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit corporation. It was created to educate the public and public institutions regarding the nature, benefits and history of weightlifting and related activities; the hazards of drug use and benefits of drug free sport; and to develop amateur athletes for national and international weightlifting competition.”

You can learn more about WLO and AOBS here.

I am totally honored to be invited to perform this year. In the past, true legends of strength and strongmanism have performed at the AOBS dinner, including names like Slim “The Hammer Man” Farman, Dennis Rogers, Stanless Steel, “The Human Vise” Pat Povilaitis, and Steve Weiner, just to name a few.

I feel particularly privileged to be chosen to perform this year because I’ll be doing something a little different, in my presentation.

I’ll be performing feats of grip strength, with popular grip challenge items, like the Inch Dumbbell and 50-lb Blob.

50lb Blob (right-hand) Inch Dumbbell (left-hand)

Since finding out about this incredible opportunity, I’ve totally re-examined my training, and have taken some emphasis away from my Grip Sport competition preparation (the King Kong of Grip is taking place on October 24th), and more toward refining some of my specialty feats with the Blob and Inch Dumbbell.

As a result of keying in on the Blob and Inch Dumbbell, my performance has truly skyrocketed, and I’m breaking through barriers that have been in my way for several years.

Here’s a couple examples…

Blob Deadlift for Reps

In 2009, out of nowhere, I decided to go for 40 repetitions in the Blob Deadlift. I don’t remember why anymore, to be honest. Well, I ended up miss-counting and only got 39, but that’s not important.

What’s important is it took my 6 minutes. Here’s the video from 2009:

50lb Blob for 39 Reps (2009)

I had stumbled upon this video after not watching it for quite some time, and when I watched it and saw that it took me 6+ minutes to get to 40 reps, I honestly couldn’t believe it. I remember thinking back then that this was pretty much unbeatable.

What a fool I was. There have been times in my life where I have gotten complacent, and this, obviously, was one of them. As I watched myself struggle to get to 39 reps, like a man with concrete boots trudging uphill through a quagmire, I knew that I could beat this.

So, the next workout, I dragged the Blob back out and went for 40 reps again, as fast as I could. Here’s the video:

50lb Blob for 40 Reps

It’s like my Dad always said to me as a kid. “You can never rest on your laurels.” In other words, you can never feel that what you’ve done is enough. You’re always capable of more. You need to know that you can surpass what you’ve done in the past with the right training.

Inch Dumbbell Rows

Another feat I just recently FINALLY was able to reach, involves Inch Dumbbell Rows.

I have been able to perform a Side Dumbbell Row with the Inch Dumbbell since the mid-2000’s. I think I got my first one in 2007.

Here’s another case, where I was letting my mind get the best on me.

For nearly 8 years, I’ve been stuck at 1 Rep. In fact, I remember a few times thinking that I’d NEVER be able to get 2 reps, meaning 2 consecutive reps, without dropping and/or re-gripping the Inch Dumbbell.

Inch Dumbbell Rows (2011)

Again, what a fool I can be sometimes! Why would I ever think that something is impossible? Talk about mentally painting myself into a corner. Unbelievable.

Finally, for the first time I was able to perform 2 consecutive reps in the Inch Dumbbell Row. Here’s the video:

Inch Dumbbell Rows

I’m still not totally pleased with these, as there’s quite a tilt going on, but I’ll continue to work on them.

Here’s the thing guys, take a lesson from my mistakes, and get your head right with your training.

The mental side of training is HUGE. If you’re head isn’t right, it will keep you from attaining your goals.

And you can’t rest once you hit a certain mark. You can’t get complacent. You can’t hit a goal and just get comfortable. Keep pushing hard and keep growing.

Get your mindset locked in, starting today.

And if you need help with that, stay tuned for a message from me next week called Mental Muscle.

All the best in your training.

Jedd

P.S. Wish me luck at the AOBS on 10/17/15!

Training to Lift the Inch? Get This:

Training to Lift the Blob? Get This:

As I always say, don’t EVER count yourself out.

At the beginning of last Thursday’s session, I was questioning if it was even a good idea to train with all the aches and pains I had all over my body. It was hard getting warm, and it seemed like even the equipment was working against me, as my Pull-down Machine was giving me a hassle and so was my Glute Ham.

It would have been easy to just say, “Screw It,” and wrap the session up before it even started, but Luke was making the drive down, so I just put my head down forged ahead.

The resolve paid off BIG TIME, as I had what I can only describe as my absolute best day of thick bar training in my lifetime.

I’ve rarely been able to even Deadlift 2 Inch Dumbbells more than once in my lifting career, so to be able to carry them multiple times in one session is out of this world for me.

What’s crazy is my best DIFW probably would have been my first one, but I wasn’t prepared to even walk them. They just felt good when I stood up, so I decided to take a few steps and had to set them down because I ran out of platform to carry them on.

My training has definitely been dialed in as of late. I thank God for that.

After years and years of Inch Dumbbell Frustration, it is nice to have finally carried these beasts a few times the other day. I pretty much carried them on Thursday, in that one session, just as many times (if not more) than I have carried them in all the rest of my life, put together.

Next time, I gotta get them outside for some REAL distance!

All the best in your training!

Jedd

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Are You Training to Lift the Inch Dumbbell? This DVD Will Help You:

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Inch Dumbbell DVD

I’m excited to announce that I have a new DVD coming out soon on How to Lift the Inch Dumbbell.

This is a topic that readers have been asking me about for several years.

For many, Lifting the Inch Dumbbell is a lifetime goal of theirs.

For others, it’s something that they think they might never be able to reach, because it is so challenging to lift.

Well, I say, STOP PUTTING THE INCH ON A PEDESTAL.

With this DVD, everyone, from newbies in the world of Grip, to wily veterans who’ve set the Inch as their next goal, and even to the gripster who bought the Inch on a whim and is unsure how to go about working with it, will understand how to train on the Inch Dumbbell.

To be the first to get your hands on this DVD, add your information to the box below:

Here are some of the things you’re gonna learn when you pick up this DVD:

1. Inch Dumbbell Lifting Styles

There are 4 main ways to lift the Inch. You’ll learn exactly what they are, which one provides you with the most mechanical advantage, and which ones are more challenging.

2. Getting a Good Grip on the Inch

Do you just “Grab n Go?” They you might be making it harder on yourself to lift the Inch. You’re gonna learn the way you should apply your grip to maximize your grip strength, and also how to take advantage of the elastic properties of your hand skin.

3. Taking Advantage of Your Strengths

: You may not know it yet, but you may not be truly taking advantage of your individual strengths when you try to lift the Inch. You’re going to learn the three grip variations you can use on your attempts so you CAN take better advantage of your strengths and make lifting the Inch easier.

4. Inch Training Alternatives

What if you don’t have an Inch Dumbbell Replica yet? Does that mean you’re outta luck? No way! There’s plenty of good implements you can use to build Inch Lifting hand strength, you’ve just gotta know which ones are legit, and which ones are a waste of your time. You’ll find all that out here.

5. Inch Training Drills

There is SO MUCH you can do with your Inch Dumbbell, but you might not have thought of it yet. In 10 years of Inch Dumbbell training, I’ve discovered dozens of ways to work with the Inch. You’re gonna learn my absolute best Inch training drills so you can waste less time and move closer to the Inch faster than ever.

6. Inch Implement Drills

If you’ve bought a bunch of gear and you’re not sure what to do with it, no worries. You’ll soon see some High Impact drills you can do with things like the Rolling Thunder, Wrist Wrench, Gulley Grip, FBBC Crusher, Shot Loadable and Plate Loadable Dumbbells, and MORE!

At this point, your mouth MUST be watering to get your hands on this DVD.

Well, I’m not even done shooting this thing yet, so there’s gonna be EVEN MORE once this thing’s done.

While it’s not 100% complete yet, I’m at the stage where things are going to accelerate very quickly.

Make sure you’re on the Inch Dumbbell DVD List so you’ll know when it comes out ASAP.

For now, I’ve got a little bit more filming, quite a bit of editing, and some uploading and mastering to do.

All the best in your training!

Jedd

To me, the greatest thing about lifting weights is the never ending ways to challenge yourself.

Just when you accomplish one goal, there’s any number of other things you can do to make yourself better.

In the Fall of 2014, I pushed myself to the limit with 20-Rep Squats.

I wanted to see how far I could go.

I started with 225-lbs, and over the course of about 10 weeks, I worked my way to 355-lbs. I only got 16 reps with that, however, as on my last rep I strained a hamstring/groin muscle.

But I had no regrets. Sometimes an injury happens when you’re trying to see what you limits truly are.

After a couple months of rehab, recovery, and rebuilding, I decided I was ready for another round of 20-Rep Squats, only this time i was gonna do it a little different.

Instead, this time, the goal would be to hit 20-reps of Goblet Squats with the Inch Dumbbell.

Here’s my best effort to date in max reps: 13 with the 176-lb Inch Dumbbell on loan from John Eaton:

Goblet Squats are a great exercise. While they are usually used as a precursor to Back Squatting by using lighter weights, they can also be used for heavy training as well. On top of using the Inch Dumbbell for Goblet Squats, I was also using the 200-lb Kettlebell for Goblet Squats for a time this year as well. You can see some videos of that here => 200-lb Kettlebell Goblet Squats.

What’s interesting about Heavy Goblet Squatting, especially with a circus-style dumbbell such as the Inch Dumbbell, is that a part of the bell lies on your stomach.

So, not only is breathing difficult due to the dumbbell being held at chest height, you’ve also got the additional challenge of breathing through the belly against the lower portion of the dumbbell at the same time.

I liken this challenge to performing multiple repetitions of Atlas Stone lifting. The difference is, you never drop the stone to re-grip or load it atop a platform. Instead, it’s like you just keep going from the lap to the chest-load position.

Stone Lifting Technique: The Chest-Load

Above, Steve Slater lifts a stone to the chest-load position. Going from lap to chest-load like this feels VERY similar to Inch Dumbbell Goblet Squats.

It makes for an awesome physical challenge, and that’s what it’s all about, for me, when it comes to strength training.

I’ll keep you updated on the 20-Rep Inch Dumbbell Goblet Squat Saga.

Speaking of the Inch Dumbbell, next week, I will be shooting a DVD on that very subject. If you’re training to lift the Inch Dumbbell, make sure you sign up for updates about it using the form below.

Lift the Inch Dumbbell – Sign up Below:

All the best in your training.

Jedd

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Are You Training to Lift the Inch Dumbbell? This DVD Will Help You:

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Thomas Inch was a performing strongman who lived during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. He is most well known for his challenge dumbbell, an all-one-piece, cast-iron dumbbell with a nearly 2.5-inch handle, weighing 172-lbs.

To this day, replicas of what is now know as the Inch Dumbbell, remain one of the biggest challenge items in Grip.

After a short break from Inch Dumbbell Training, due to very sore shoulders that were causing pain every time I tried pulling something off the floor, I have resumed my Inch Dumbbell Training.

The Inch is never a simple feat for me. It is always something I need to have my mind right for. But I am working hard to make it easier all the time.

Here are some of the Inch Dumbbell feats I have tried and attained in recent training:

Inch Dumbbell + 55-lb Anvil

The Robo Blob is a Fatman Blob replica machined from a raw steel billet. It is pretty tough for me to lift, but not nearly as tough as some of my other Blobs, especially the Handle Blob.

Inch Dumbbell + Half 115lb Block Weight

This half 115lb Hex head has been around for a long time. Its sides actually slope out every so slightly, amking it a bit tougher than some other straight-sided blocks.

Inch Dumbbell Rows

These lifts all took place inside of one workout. I am trying to hit the Inch as many times as possible throughout the week. The idea is to make lifting it feel easier and easier and easier.

It’s time “Lifting the Inch” is no longer up on such a high pedestal.

All the best in your training.

Jedd

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Are You Training to Lift the Inch Dumbbell? This DVD Will Help You:

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In September, my friend from Finland, Juha Harju put up a video of himself lifting the Inch Dumbbell in one hand while doing a #3.5 Silver Bullet Hold at the same time.

I have written about this type of training many times in the past, and it is called Bi-Polar Training.

Here are a couple of examples of past articles on Bi-Polar Training:

• Bi-Polar Strength Training
• Bi-Polar Training: Inch + Kettlebell Flip

This feat was called “Feat of the Year” by someone on Facebook, and the name stuck.

I tried the feat and couldn’t quite get it at first, but with time, I was able to get it.

I then challenged Juha to perform the feat both hands: the gripper in one hand and the Inch in the other, and then reversing the combination within 2 minutes of completing the first one.

This has been a crazy challenge for me, as it combines two of my poorest events, but it has been great seeing the progress come along, brotherrr.

First Attempt at Feat of the Year (Misses)

The FRUSTRATING Feat of the Year Challenge

First Successful Feat of the Year & First Attempt at Double Feat of the Year

First Official Double Feat of the Year

Training this feat has unfortunately slowed to an absolute HALT.

At some point along the lines of performing this feat, I strained something in both shoulders, either a triceps muscle, a lat muscle, or worst yet, a rotator cuff muscle.

At this point, deadlifting anything off the floor has become impossible to do without substantial pain, so I have shut down most one-handed grip lifts from the floor in order to give the injured tissues time to heal.

What this also means is that I can’t train most of the lifts in the King Kong of Grip Challenge taking place at the end of this month.

I was really looking forward to it, but I would rather write this one off in order to get back to 100%.

I will still be running the Pennsylvania Leg of the King Kong here at my place in Wyalusing though, and not competing will enable me to run a more organized contest and help out the new competitors.

So, if you have been kicking around the idea of competing here, by all means come over and go for it, brotherrr!

All the best in your training.

Jedd

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Are You Training to Lift the Inch Dumbbell? This DVD Will Help You:

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Making 2014 MY YEAR

If you are not yet subscribed to my YouTube Channel, click that link in order to do so.

I hope you have been having a great year. I set out to make this year MINE from the get go, and I am loving it.

One of my initiatives going forward to make more posts here at the site to share more of what is going down in my training, but being a subscriber to my channel is the absolute best way to make sure you are not missing anything.

Here are some cool things I am pretty proud of that have taken place this year, but I haven’t had the chance to post here.

Inch Dumbbell Plus 10lbs

The Inch Dumbbell weighs 172-lbs and has a handle that is 2 & 3/8″ in diameter. There are many ways to add weight to an Inch Dumbbell, but perhaps the strictest way to do so is to actually set the plates on top of the globes. Any rotation of the dumbbell whatsoever and the plates will fall right off, so this method shows you have excellent control of the implement.

Earlier this year, I was able to hit a lift on Inch + 10lbs.

Robo Blob Lifts

Last last year, I partnered with a local steel company to get Fatman Blob Replicas made. Our replicas, currently called Robo Blobs, are machined directly from steel billets and carved to the perfect flawless shape of a Fatman Blob.

For the longest time, I could get NO AIR underneath my Robo Blob, until finally after several months I was able to break it free from gravity’s hold. One small break was all I needed.

Order your own Diesel Robo Blob Here

Shortly after, I was able to lift the Robo Blob with about 2.5pounds added, as well.

Monster Dumbbell Curls

Over the last couple of years, I have expanded my obsession from not just developing a strength in the lower arms in the form of tremendous grip strength, but big and strong arms OVERALL. This year I have decided to set myself a goal of 20″ arms COLD, meaning not with a pump, but just walking around, regular sized.

I have been told that this is an IMPOSSIBLE goal by some, at least impossible to do it without chemical assistance, but I am determined to do so with the use of a mix of training methods, including heavy training, high volume, and other extreme tactics.

So far, the strength improvements are coming along nicely, as this year I was able to set some new PR’s in the Dumbbell Curl. Below is a set of 80-lb Curls.

A few months later, I was also able to curl 85’s.

One objective I set out for is to keep the Dumbbell Curls strict. Often, when people post Dumbbell Curl videos, there is a substantial amount of throwing going on, and I try to avoid that as much as possible.

There’s still a lot to catch up on. Like I said before, make sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel, and be sure to sign up for my email newsletter as well.

All the best in your training.

Jedd

Want to Order a Robo Blob? Go here => Diesel Robo Blob

Want to Build Big Arms? Answer the Call to Arms today.

I am going out of town this weekend to visit my sister, so I want to learn more about you so I can help you out more with your training in the future.

Be sure to sign up for further updates on Grip Strength Training.

Thanks for filling out the survey and Happy Memorial Day.

Jedd

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Special Offer from My Mad Methods until June 15:
Free Tank Top with a 24/48-month Digital Subscription

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Grip Sport and Grip Training are just plain awesome. The equipment that is used to develop a world class grip ranges from plain to extravagant, from simple to complex, and from basic to scary.

One of the scariest pieces of training equipment that exists is the Inch Dumbbell. Its scariness comes from many things. First and foremost is the fact that its weight and size will intimidate you. They will get into your mind and make you think before even touching it that you probably do not have any chance to lift it.

Then, once you try to lift it, several times in succession, and watch it merely spin out of your grip and never leave its original spot, it starts to work its way into your head even deeper, down into your psyche, and it owns your thoughts and haunts your dreams until you cross paths with it again.

I am one of the few who owns an Inch Dumbbell, and one of the very rare who owns two. I have owned these pieces of iron for nearly 10 years and to this day they still give me heart-ache and frustration.

Occasionally, I will mark my progress with my Inch Dumbbell training by shooting and uploading a video to YouTube and just about every time someone stumbles onto the video and ask questions like “What is the Inch Dumbbell?” “Why is the Inch Dumbbell so Hard to Lift?” and many other things.

In order to help bring some clarity to the situation, I shot a video describing exactly what the Inch Dumbbell is and discussed some of the history of the dumbbell, and other important pieces of information around it.

Of course, as always happens when you try to put an informational video like this together, you miss certain points or leave certain things out, so I will be adding the pertinent information here in an effort to make everything as complete as possible.

Naturally, if you have any further questions, let me know by leaving a comment and I will tackle your question at a later date.

Basics of the Inch Dumbbell

Thomas Inch: The Inch Dumbbell is named after the famous performing strongman, Thomas Inch (1881 – 1963), who was born in Scarborough, England. Inch would take this and other challenge dumbbells with him in his act and challenge many a by-stander to lift it, with the great majority never breaking it from the ground, just as is the case today in most cases.

Important Note: The Original Inch Dumbbell designed by Thomas Inch is now owned by Kim Wood. So now, any Inch Dumbbell that you see will be a replica.

Statistics of the Dumbbell: The Inch Dumbbell weighs 172 lbs, 9 oz. and has a handle with is 2.38 inches in diameter and 4 inches in length. Replica Inch Dumbbells often have a handle that is slightly thicker, 2.47 inches in diameter, but can of course vary in dimensions slightly. Regardless of the variation, all Inch Dumbbell Replicas are hard as hell to lift. If you have never witnessed an Inch Dumbbell, a soda can is a close indicator of the handle size. The Original Inch’s handle circumference is 7.5 inches with most replicas being closer to 7.75, while a soda can circumference is about 8.25 inches. For more info on the Inch Dumbbell, check out the great article at the BodyBuilding.com website.

To truly understand the dynamics of the Inch, they can’t be just read off a piece of paper or website page. They must be seen in action. With that, I give you my Inch Dumbbell Movie, where I discuss the Inch Dumbbell and its defiant nature in detail.

The Inch Dumbbell

Stay tuned for the Inch Dumbbell Training DVD coming soon. Add your email below to make sure you’re notified the instant it comes out:

Feat Objectives with the Inch Dumbbell

In the video above, I show a feat where the Inch is lifted with cans on the globes. This is an advanced feat of Grip Strength. Below, I will list the common feats associated with the Inch Dumbbell.

One Hand Deadlift: The principle objective with the Inch Dumbbell is to lift it to a full deadlift, one handed. This means that you have tremendous static open hand strength to be able to control the action of the dumbbell long enough to pull it to the erect position.

Double Inch Deadlift: This is the next step up, and if you can do this, it shows that your grip is evenly balanced in both hands for the most part.

Inch Deadlift with Cans on Globes: As mentioned in the video above, being able to stand up with the Inch Dumbbell in hand while also being able to keep cans balanced on the globes shows that you have extreme control over the rotation of the dumbbell, plus the cans force you to keep it level, which is a much more difficult way to lift it. When lifted with a tilt, other factors come into play making the lift easier.

Double Inch Farmers Walk: It’s one thing to lift something up. It’s another thing altogether to pick it/them up and walk away with them. This has been one of the main events in the Mighty Mitts contest for several years, although this year it seems to have been taken out for a slight change.

Inch Clean and Press: One of the ultimate goals for anyone who toils with the Inch Dumbbell is to one day clean it to the shoulder and then press it overhead. This, after all, was the main challenge Thomas Inch had for those who took their tries on his challenge dumbbell. To this day, there have been some who have cleaned the Inch to their shoulder and then further either pressed it, push-pressed it, or jerked it overhead one-handed, including Mark Henry and Ryan Green, two of which happened in the early 2000’s when I was first learning about Grip.

As a natural progression to the Clean and Press, the Inch Dumbbell can also be “continentaled” to the shoulder and then pressed, push-pressed, or jerked it overhead. A continental involves pulling the Inch Dumbbell off the ground one handed and then using the body one or more times to assist in getting the Inch to the shoulder in order to launch it overhead. I recently watched Matt Brouse do this on Facebook. Awesome.

Below are some of my best efforts with the Inch Dumbbell trying some of the various feats shown above.

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Inch Dumbbell Single Hand Deadlift: Inch Hustles

In this clip, instead of carefully approaching the Inch and digging in the grip, I move over to it and try to apply the grip more quickly in order to replicate the rush of a medley even in a grip contest.

Related Article: Thick Bar Strength Training Methods

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Double Inch Farmer’s Walk (DIFW)

In this clip, I set a PR of about 8 feet in what can probably best be called a Double Inch Dumbbell Shuffle…

Related Article: Double Inch Farmer’s Walk Progress

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Inch Dumbbell with Cans on Globes

This is something I was just recently able to accomplish. It’s hard to deadlift the Inch with the cans on them without hitting the cans on my leg or the crotch of my pants, so I generally need to pull my arm out away from my body in sort of a rowing motion.

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Inch Dumbbell Continental

This is a feat that I have rarely trained. There’s no real reason, except that I train for so many other feats. Even with the assistance of the body to get the dumbbell to the shoulder, this feat is still tremendously difficult.

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Bi-Polar Training: Inch Dumbbell with Kettlebell Flip

This is a feat I’ve never seen anyone else duplicate, or even try for that matter. Here, I lift the Inch and hold it while I forward flip and catch a 95-lb kettlebell, a feat in itself I’ve only seen done by a handful of awesome strength enthusiasts.

Related Article: Inch Dumbbell Feats of Strength

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These are just a handful of my most impressive Inch Dumbbell feats. In some ways, they are top of the line, but in others, they pale in comparison to what some of the other greats in the world are doing. Surely, there is much more to come in both my Grip career and theirs, and surely the limits will continue to be pushed beyond what they are now in all directions.

Stay tuned for the Inch Dumbbell Training DVD coming soon. Add your email below to make sure you’re notified the instant it comes out:

All the best,

Jedd

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Are You Training to Lift the Inch Dumbbell? This DVD Will Help You:

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Double Inch Farmer’s Walk

DIFW – Double Inch Farmer’s Walk
Lifting two Inch Dumbbells at the same time and then walking with them.
I have done a few short walks with two Inch Dumbbells. This one took place in December before I took John Eaton’s Inch Dumbbell to Chris Rice’s place so that he could train on it. Big Thanks to John Eaton for letting me borrow it for a few months.

It was great getting some practice on two Inch Dumbbells while my second one was away for a while with Ryan Pitts and Adam Glass. Adam sent mine back in early January and its handle is much slicker than both of the ones shown above, and the DIFW’s have not come as of yet. Texture on the handles is an incredibly important element of the lift, especially if you do the lift level.
I am drilling this hard and frequently as often as I can as it is the first event at Mighty Mitts.
So who is going to the Arnold and who will bee checking out Mighty Mitts? Post below in the comments.
All the best in your training,
Jedd

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Are You Training to Lift the Inch Dumbbell? This DVD Will Help You:

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Double Inch Farmer’s Walk

DIFW – Double Inch Farmer’s Walk
Lifting two Inch Dumbbells at the same time and then walking with them.

I have done a few short walks with two Inch Dumbbells. This one took place in December before I took John Eaton’s Inch Dumbbell to Chris Rice’s place so that he could train on it. Big Thanks to John Eaton for letting me borrow it for a few months.

It was great getting some practice on two Inch Dumbbells while my second one was away for a while with Ryan Pitts and Adam Glass. Adam sent mine back in early January and its handle is much slicker than both of the ones shown above, and the DIFW’s have not come as of yet. Texture on the handles is an incredibly important element of the lift, especially if you do the lift level.

I am drilling this hard and frequently as often as I can as it is the first event at Mighty Mitts.

So who is going to the Arnold and who will bee checking out Mighty Mitts? Post below in the comments.

All the best in your training,

Jedd

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Are You Training to Lift the Inch Dumbbell? This DVD Will Help You:

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