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Posts Tagged ‘wrist strength’

Beginner Grip Training: Basic Hammer Movements for Wrist Strength

Wednesday, May 10th, 2017

Beginner Grip Training Video Series

We are getting deeper and deeper into this series on Beginner Grip Training Methods. We’ve looked at entry-level plate inching, some of the aspects of gripper training, and even a thick bar training method you can do in just about ANY GYM. Now, it’s time to look at a way beginner grip trainees can work on developing their wrist strength.

Basic Sledge Hammer Movements for Wrist Strength

Sledge Hammer Levering can put a lot of torque on the wrist, and if you go too heavy, too soon, you can experience undue pain from the drills. In the video below, I show you some things you can do right now, as a beginner grip trainee, that are safe and entail less risk.

I hope today’s installment in the Beginner Grip Training Series has been helpful.

If you’ve got additional questions on developing your grip strength, be sure to leave a comment below, or contact me directly.

Either way, I look forward to hearing from you.

All the best in your training.

Jedd

Ready to Graduate to Bigger Hammers?
Then Get the Workout That Will Show You How:
Pick Up The LEVER BIGGER HAMMERS WORKOUT HERE

Tags: sledge hammer training, sledge training, wrist strength, wrist training
Posted in Grip Sport, grip strength, Grip Training, hand strength, how to buid wrist strength, how to improve grip strength, sledge hammer training, wrist strength | 1 Comment »

If You Want a Strong Grip, You NEED These

Tuesday, April 7th, 2015

When you read the title of the post, you probably thought I was going to try to sell you some kind of new training equipment out on the market when.

That’s not it at all.

If you want a truly strong grip, there is one thing you need to have that you might not be doing in your training.

I know for a long time when I first started, I left this out, and because of it, my numbers suffered.

Since then, I no longer make that mistake, because I keep this in my training on a regular basis now.

No, it’s not a special piece of equipment.

It’s actually much more simple than that…

If you want a strong grip, you NEED strong wrists.

Think about it this way…

Many of the muscles that control your grip run through your wrist.

So, all the power is running right through that joint.

If you’ve got good wrist strength, that power will pass through well.

If you neglect your wrists, they’ll stay weak, and that means you’ll never reach your potential with your hand strength.

If you don’t have good stability there, you’re SCREWED.

So, the question is, how do you train for wrist strength?

One way is with Sledge Hammer Levering.

Sledge Hammer Levering involves gripping a sledge by the handle and then lifting the head up and down, under control, using wrist strength.

Chances are you already have a Sledge Hammer. If you don’t you can use any type of leverage device.

A mop or mop handle will work great.

Even a baseball bat can do the trick.

Remember, your objective is to work against leverage through a variety of angles, in order to make the wrists as strong as possible.

Because if you don’t have strong wrists, there’s virtually NO WAY you can have a strong grip.

If you want ideas on how to build wrist strength, check this out: Lever Bigger Hammers.

All the best in your training.

Jedd


Bring Up Your Wrist Strength TODAY
Click the Banner Below:

LBH Header Banner


Tags: how to build wrist strength, sledge, sledgehammer, wrist strength
Posted in grip strength, how to buid wrist strength, sledge hammer training, wrist strength | No Comments »

Pinch Block Curl – New NAGS Event

Wednesday, May 7th, 2014

This year at the NAGS Championship, the annual championship for North American Grip Sport, there will be a new event introduced, the Pinch Block Curl.

This event is a hybrid event, meaning it will test more than one discipline of Grip Strength.

It primarily tests wrist strength, just like a Plate Curl does.

It also tests thumb strength in having to pinch lift the Pinch Block Curl apparatus and keep it steady in the hand throughout the range of motion, and finger strength to support against the leverage.

On top of that, there is a requirement for a strong and mobile forearm.

With all of these facets of ability being tested, this event will be very interesting to watch indeed.

Diesel Power Products, my new equipment branch, is supplying the Pinch Block Curls for NAGS Championship, and they are now in production.

In fact, you can buy one here in my store: NAGS Pinch Block Curl.

This piece of equipment, while sure to become a hit within Grip Sport, just as the Sledge Hammer Choke has, will also prove to be useful in training for one of the most enigmatic feats of Grip Strength that is out there – The Plate Curl.

The Plate Curl is just like what it sounds – you pick a weight plate up by the rim and attempt to curl it, just like you would a dumbbell, with bicep strength. This lift, of course, demands tremendous wrist, finger and thumb strength in order to complete it, especially when moving beyond the 25lb/10kg plate to the 35lb/15kg and the 45lb/20kg plate.

For a quick demonstration of how the lift will be performed at NAGS, watch the video below.

Demonstration: How to Perform the Pinch Block Curl

For a quick video on how a Plate Curl is performed, watch the video below, a demonstration from the Grip Strength Challenge I used to hold here on the site.

How to Do Plate Curls

To get your Pinch Block Curl shipped to you as quickly as possible, order today => Pinch Block Curl (PBC)

All the best in your training,

Jedd

Tags: finger strength, pinch block curl, pinch curl, plate curl, strong fingers, thumb strength, wrist strength
Posted in feats of strength, Grip Sport, grip strength, grip strength competition contest, grip training equipment gear, how to improve grip strength | 11 Comments »

Wrist Developer Common Questions and Answers

Thursday, October 31st, 2013

The Wrist Developer

The Wrist Developer is a training tool designed and sold by David Horne’s World of Grip and from time to time sold here at DieselCrew.com. It is a spring-loaded device that is used to strengthen the position of Reverse Style Nail and Short Steel Bending.

The Wrist Developer is aptly named because it certainly builds strength and stability in the wrists. On top of this, it also can help you build improved strength throughout the upper body, depending on how you use it.

The Wrist Developer has been around for many years, but there still remains quite a bit of confusion around it. To help clear up some of the misunderstandings about how the device works and the methods to train with it, I put out an all-encompassing Training Video/DVD in 2012 => How to Train with the Wrist Developer. This video shows you how you can use the WD as a way to increase your general wrist strength, bring up your reverse bending, as well as strengthen your entire upper body.

As you can see, with the variety of ways the Wrist Developer can be utilized and the many ways it can be used to bring up each skill (wrist strength/stability, reverse bending, upper body strength) it is a very good investment and takes up very little room, as long as you understand its proper use.

Here is a quick run-down of some of the most common questions I get or find being asked.

Common Wrist Developer Training Questions

How is the Wrist Developer Used?

The main objective of the WD is to grip the handles with one hand in front and one hand behind, as in the grip taken on a nail or steel bar when using the Reverse bending Technique. From there, the handles are moved together so that the loading bars separate, stretching the spring. The repetition is complete or the attempt is “good” when the guard on the back of the device touches the rear loading arm.

How Are the Levels of the Wrist Developer Determined? How is the Wrist Developer Spring Adjusted?

With the Black spring, or equivalent, the lowest setting is called Level 3. You then move the rear spring hook up one notch to get level 4. For level 5, you move the rear spring hook back down one notch and then move the front spring hook up one notch. For level 6, you move the rear spring hook upwards again to get Level 6.

So, every time the spring is on equal notches in the front and back, your spring level is a multiple of 3 => 3,6,9, etc.

Here is a video demonstration of how the spring hooks are moved in order to get level 3, 4, 5, and 6 (and beyond).

Video Demonstration: How the Wrist Developer Spring Levels are Changed

Is it acceptable to glue the suede wraps to the handles? They tend to slip a lot.

For the purposes the Wrist Developer even in a grip contest and for Wrist Developer records lists, glue on the handles is not permitted. What is permitted is suede wraps with rubber bands wrapped tightly around them.

Slippage is definitely something to contend with when training on the wrist developer. One of the things I show in the Wrist Developer DVD is how to get the wraps on there as tight as possible using wrapping strategies from nail and steel bending which comply with WD performance standards.

The good thing about having the wraps against the bare steel and paint of the WD handles is that it forces you to squeeze the handles hard, which actually will help you exert more force into it. This will lead to better overall strength bending performance. But like any technical lift, it takes time to perfect.

Adhesives, glues, etc., are not permitted in competition or for records purposes, but certainly they can be used as a training method. If you have no desire to compete or measure yourself against others who have tested themselves on the WD, then by all means, use whatever you want to keep the wraps in place. Just keep in mind that if you get used to tapes or glues on the handles, you will see a drop in performance on the WD.

Can the Wrist Developer be Used to Train Double Overhand or Double Underhand Bending Techniques?

While the Wrist Developer can be used with the hands in the positions of DO and DU bending, the size and shape only permits these techniques in a limited way. You can certainly accomplish variations of Double Over and Double Under with the WD, but it is very cumbersome.

Is the WD Effective at Developing Strength for Reverse Bending

Yes, it certainly can be, but it depends on how you use it. There are distinct differences in how to use the WD, depending on your actual goal. This is the information that makes the WD Training DVD so valuable.

If you own a Wrist Developer, I can help you maximize your training results with it, through the use of my video. Many people do not realize just how technical of an event the Wrist Developer is, but are amazed how much stronger they can get on it with just a couple of easy technique modifications and slight changes to their approach.

In addition, you need to use the WD in the way it is meant to be used for your specific goals. If you want to perform well in a competition setting with the WD, knowing the proper means of force production with it is imperative. Also, if you are using the WD to save on the amount of bending stock you have to go through, it only makes sense to use it in the manner it was meant to be used for building your wrist strength for Reverse Bending. While there is cross-over from both techniques, you will get your best results from specific training.

For more information on what is covered in the Wrist Developer DVD, click the banner below. This video comes in both Digital and Hard Copy Versions, depending on what your viewing preference is.

All the best in your WD training,

Jedd


Wrist Developer Training and Technique Tips for Maximum Performance on the WD


Tags: reverse bending, reverse nail bending, reverse short steel bending, wrist developer, wrist strength, wrist training
Posted in feats of strength bending, Grip Sport, grip strength competition contest, worlds strongest hands, wrist developer | 1 Comment »

Is it Possible to Curl the Blob?

Monday, March 18th, 2013

The Blob, one head from a 100-lb Old-style York Dumbbell, is one of the most widely recognized challenge objects in all of Grip Sport.

The term “Blob” was coined by Richard Sorin, of Sorinex.com. As he related to me, he was finishing a gym install at a YMCA and the owner asked him to clear out the broken York Dumbbells that were laying all over. To do so, he bent over and picked each one of them up in a pinch grip until he came to the half 100 pounder. He couldn’t manage to lift it, so he dedicated himself to developing the grip strength to lift one with a pinch grip.

Isn’t that freaking awesome? Even though most likely NO ONE before him had ever tried to lift block weights like this, when the challenge presented itself, he took it on full team ahead. INSPIRING.

Recently, there was a challenge that was discussed that involved curling the Blob. Specifically, it involved first deadlifting the Blob and then curling it strictly with the back against the wall.

Like Richard Sorin many years before, I took this challenge on.

Now, I am no stranger to Blob Curling.

Many years ago, I had completed a very loose curl of the Blob. I stood up with it in my hand and with momentum, continued the curl up to the completed position.

However, there really is no comparison between that and a strict curl with your back against the wall. I knew I had my work cut out for me, but I went after it anyway, just to see what I had in me.

Here are the clips from the first workout where I went after the Blob Curl.

Blob Curl Against the Wall Attempt

Having tried strict curling in the past, I could remember the pain I would feel when trying to move the Blob through the sticking point, so i was kind of dreading it. Here was my attempt.

This feat felt so freakin’ hard, I could barely believe it. In the video, you saw where it was moving smoothly and then all of a sudden it just shut down and I couldn’t move it any further. Although I came nowhere near completing the lift, the good things was it really didn’t hurt that bad.

As I have said before, during that period of time in 2004-2005, I suffered a couple of cases of really bad upper forearm and wrist pain due to poor training choices, too much volume, etc. So, I am wondering maybe the pain I was feeling back then was no necessarily due to trying to curl the Blob, but rather, just from the injuries I was dealing with.

Blob Curl NOT Against Wall

After having such a hard time getting any real height on the Blob with the back against the wall, I decided I would try curling it free-standing.

Although the movement of the Blob was very slow, I didn’t really experience any pain here, either. This was the confidence booster I needed. I had no proven to myself that I had the strength to perform the curl. It would now just mean tightening up the form a bit.

Second Try – Blob Curl Against Wall

A few days later, I tried the Blob Curl Against Wall on more time. This time, not only did I have the confidence from being able to curl it out away from the wall, but I also had a partner that day. J.T. Straussner, one of the best benders in the entire world, has been living only 25 minutes away for about 5 months, but we never realized how close we were until a few weeks ago. He came up and I gave the Curl another go.

During the attempt, it felt like my shoulder came off the wall. I wasn’t sure if it would count or not, so I tried it again. That is why I hit it twice.

Jon Vance commented on the video, “Dude that has got to be one of the sickest feats ever with a blob.” I don’t know about all that, but it is definitely one of the hardest things I have done with the Blob. I literally have to put in an all-out effort on every attempt I make on it.

Now, this is really only the beginning. The next progression, should I attempt it, is to be able to perform the Strict Curl with each hand. At the time of the video, I was still very tentative to put in that kind of effort with my left hand, which is the one that was experiencing the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome symptoms. I haven’t tried this since then, so I am not sure what I have at this time.

Naturally, once I can curl a Blob with each hand, then I would try an Alternating Curl with one Blob in each hand. This would be attempted first free-standing, and then eventually up against the wall.

But before any of this can happen, I need to figure out why the eccentric portion of the lift is so damn hard! Right now, as the Blob nears my thigh on the eccentric portion of the lift, I lose total control of it.

Now, of course, to get the benefit of this training, you do NOT need to use a 50-lb Blob. Instead, just use any block weight that you have and just curl it.

The great thing about this lift is that the block weight will work the fingers and thumbs thoroughly, and when you curl it like this, the wrist and forearms are hit hard too.

Plug Block Weight Curls into your next training session and let me know what you got and how they felt. Come back and leave a comment.

All the best in your training,

Jedd

Tags: blob, blob curl, block weight, block weight curl, block weight training, wrist strength, wrist training
Posted in feats of strength, grip strength, grip strength blob, hand strength, how to improve grip strength | 1 Comment »

Wrist Pain on the Bench Press: How to Avoid and Address It

Friday, February 1st, 2013

In a short poll I did on Facebook, one of the most commonly mentioned exercises that causes wrist pain for my Facebook friends ended up being the Bench Press.

If the bench Press is a lift that bothers your wrists as well, then I hope you check out the video below.

In it, I talk about the alignment of the wrist bones and how these bones interact with the bones of the hand and forearm. In addition, I also talk about how to take care of the wrists to keep them feeling good so that they do not affect your Bench Press training.

So, in review, make sure to keep these three points in mind when you are Benching:

Warm-up: Get some blood flowing into your hands and wrists so that the tissues become more pliable and you can better exert force into the bar.

Stretch Between Sets: You would be surprised how much of a difference it makes for your wrists if you do some light stretching between sets. The Thumb + First Two Stretch that I show in the video above is a favorite of mine.

Use Proper Technique: Part of the correct bench press technique is to keep the wrist straight. Having the wrist bent way back can cause extreme pressure in the wrist. This change may feel weird at first, but over time you will grow used to it and enjoy the reduction of nagging pain in the wrist.

I think these slight changes in your technique, preparation, and approach will pay big dividends for you in your training, by helping you to avoid wrist pain.

If you are experiencing wrist pain, and you want to end it for good, you should check out Fix My Wrist Pain. Rick Kaselj and I worked together on this and it is helping people out already.


Special Introductory Price ($27) Ends Tonight – Grab FMWP Today!

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below and I will be glad to get back with you.

All the best in your training.

“Napalm” Jedd Johnson

Tags: injured wrist, sore wrist, wrist pain, wrist pain from bench press, wrist pain on bench press, wrist strength
Posted in forearm injury prevention recovery healing, grip hand forearm training for sports, grip strength, hand strength, how to buid wrist strength, injury rehab recover from injury, strength training to prevent injury | No Comments »

Worlds Strongest Hands 2012 Information

Saturday, August 4th, 2012

Worlds Strongest Hands 2012

Today, I received the official announcement from David Horne on the 2012 Worlds Strongest Hands Series, the 3rd annual installment. Below is the information regarding specifics of the contest.

Information on 2012 Worlds Strongest Hands

Date: Saturday 18 August, 2012
The 2012 WSH is a one-leg event this year. In 2010, it was 4 legs, and in 2011 it was 3 legs, but with the proximity to the Worlds Strongest Hands Gathering and other scheduling issues, it was decided to make it a one-leg event only.

Events:
1. One Hand Vulcan Gripper (V2) – 20mm block close
2. Wrist Developer
3. Adjustable Thick Bar (one hand) – GripTopz
4. Stub Lift (one hand) – GripTopz

Classes: Open, Women’s and 93k class.

We recently added a variety of weight classes to the world grip sport rankings for the men. In past years, the split between the men’s class happened at the 82.5-kg mark, but this year, the divider will take place at 93-kg.

Venue: All around the world.

I will be holding my leg in Wyalusing, PA. As more locations in North America are confirmed, I will do my best to post them here. For sure, there will be one venue in Wooster, Ohio, and in past years there have been venues to compete in Minnesota, Michigan, and Arizona. I ahve also been told that there might be a competing venue in New England.

Entrance fee: £20 GBP ($32 dollars, 25 euro)

Trophies: There will be trophies for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each class.

Rules: Video to follow

All of the individual contests within Worlds Strongest Hands take place on the very same day. However, some countries participate earlier than others due to their location on the globe. In order to allow no unfair advantages, results are not shared between promoters. All results are sent to David Horne for tabulation and then he puts out the results after the contest.

As I receive more information, I will post it here on this thread.


Additional Information on Worlds Strongest Hands

I get a lot of questions about Worlds Strongest Hands from people who want to know more about the event and the equipment used in the competition, so I want to put them here as they come in, to make this a good post to reference.

I know some questions are more common than others, so I will go ahead and put them down right now, but if you have additional questions, post them in the comments section and I will add them in and update the post.

What is the Vulcan or V2 Gripper?

This is a large, steel gripper, sold by David Horne / World of Grip, with a straight coil spring, that can be adjusted across various strength levels. The gripper is used similarly to a Torsion Spring Gripper, first setting it, then swiping a 30-mm block, and finally closing the handles of the Gripper together.

It was originally called the Vulcan Gripper, but the design was re-worked for a cleaner look and the spread between the handles was increased, so the ones that are sold now are called V2, as in Vulcan 2 or Version 2.

What is the Wrist Developer?


Wrist Developer

This is another steel device that is manufactured by David Horne / World of Grip, with a mobile straight coil spring that can be adjusted for various strength levels.

What is a 20-mm Setting Block?

Think of the 20-mm as a gauge that is used with Grippers. For instance, the gauge in the Two Hands Pinch is a horizontal bar that is set at 16.5 inches in height that must be touched with the loading bar of the Euro Pinch Device. In Grippers, we use the setting block to make sure everyone is being judged with the same set width. So, the athlete is allowed to set the handles, and then he/she must pass the 20-mm block between the handles to show a legal set depth. This effectively takes hand size limitations out of the equation with Gripper Contests, because everyone is permitted to get an advantageous set, by pre-positioning the handles with the off-hand, then they pass the block through, and then they make the attempt at the close.

What are the Grip Topz?

The Grip Topz are another series of Griplements from David Horne / World of Grip. They are all used with the same base, which serves as the loading pin for weights. Then, on top of the loading pin base, attachments are hooked and gripped by the competitor. There are many different Grip Topz attachments that test a variety of hand strength disciplines. They are very handy for accomplishing a wide range of Grip Training challenges and goals.

The Grip Topz events utilize the same gauge that is used in the Euro Pinch Two Hands Pinch Lift event, which is set at 16.5 inches.

What is the Adjustable Thick Bar?

The Adjustable Thick Bar is a new item in the Grip Topz series, which is a thick bar handle. It is has multiple thick handles that will be used based upon the hand size of the competitor. This event tests Open Hand Strength on a round device. So it is not pure support strength (static finger strength), but rather a hybrid challenge combining support and thumb strength.

David Horne has a video demonstrating this lift:

What is the Stub Lift?

The Stub Lift is one of the items from the first Grip Topz series which was used in last year’s Worlds Strongest Hands 2011. The Stub Lift is a steel bar which juts out of a flat steel plate, which you must grip with your index finger and thumb and try to lift. This event tests Key Pinch, and surprisingly enough hits the wrist a bit as well.

As time allows, I will shoot some videos showing the various pieces of equipment in action, so that you can see them and understand them even better.


How to Buy Vulcan V2’s & Wrist Developers:

Many people have written in asking about when I would be getting more Vulcan V2’s, Wrist Developers, etc.

Now that the contest is announced and the events are official, I would like to know who is interested in getting a Vulcan V2 or Wrist Developer. Please leave a comment below or email me.


Wrist Developer Training Info: I released a DVD on how to train with the Wrist Developer in February. It has gotten lots of good feedback.

    From: Frank Deluca: “Jedd – I watched the vid today and it is awesome. This is one of your best instructional videos in my opinion and I have bought many of yours. Nice job.”
    From: Karl M. Skjelvik: “Great stuff, Jedd. I learned a lot on technique and different ways to train with the WD. Tomorrow is a training day, and I’m gonna try it out.”

If you want to kick ass in World’s Strongest Hands in the Wrist Developer, or if you simply want to improve how you perform on the WD in your own training, then this is the DVD for you – pick it up today by clicking the image below.

Again, if you need any other information, please leave a comment below, or feel free to email me or hit me up through Facebook or Twitter.

All the best in your training,

Jedd


Crank Your Wrist Strength Up a Notch with the Wrist Developer DVD


Tags: grip contest, grip sport, worlds strongest hands, wrist developer, wrist strength
Posted in Grip Sport, grip strength, grip strength competition contest, gripper training, how to improve grip strength, wrist developer | 4 Comments »

Plate Curl for Reps – Wrist Strength & Endurance

Sunday, July 24th, 2011

Hello DIESELS!
Some pretty good submissions this week, DIESELS! The numbers came out pretty close. In fact, i’d say this is the closest the results have ever been. No one really blew everyone out of the water, in fact last place was only 6 reps behind first place – AWESOME!
Check out the results below.


Josh Dale: Score = 22 x 22 = 484
Josh not only busted out 22 reps with zero hand switches, but he also busted out what look to be the biggest biceps in this week’s competition.

Josh’s score doesn’t do justice to how impressive his performance was. As you can see, Josh never switched hands, hitting 22 reps with just one arm. Crazy. Also, he used a 10-kg plate so he lost points each rep because of the 3-lb difference. What you have to keep in mind though, is that Josh did this all after a full arm wrestling practice, making his performance even more impressive. Nice job, Josh!


Mike Turpin: Score = 25lbs x 20 = 500
Mike continues to put out entertaining videos, having fun each week. Finishing last in this tight group is nothing to be ashamed of.

A little recognition goes out to Mike and Paul – both are training for a major Powerlifting meet and they continue to take the extra time out of their schedules in order to submit videos for the challenge! Awesome job, Mike!


Paul Tompkins: Score = 25lbs x 22 = 550
Paul is a BRUTE – there is no other way to describe him, except for he is also probably the calmest brute I’ve ever met. He just lines up the challenges and then quietly mows them down. He and Mike T. have been hitting Grip feats in between the challenges and sending them to me, chomping at the bit since there was no challenge last week. They didn’t want to lose their edge.

If you look in the background of this video you see another fine member of the Diesel Universe, Niko Hulslander, who although has never submitted a Grip Challenge video, I have personally trained with him and I think he could be very good. He has also contacted me about holding a Grip Contest with him at his gym sometime in the future, so watch out for that, especially if you are in the South Western part of Pennsylvania!


Rick Walker: Score = 25 x 23 = 575
Leave it to Rick Walker to get surgery in the Spring, and do next to nothing in the weight room for 2 solid months and then go down and hit 23 Plate Curls with a 25 in between sets of shoulder presses. Awesome.

I believe this is also Rick’s first submission for the Grip Strength Challenge – not too shabby coming in third place and only two reps behind McIntyre who has won many of the challenges. Could it be that we have found McIntyre’s weakness – wrist strength and stability? Good job Rick! Looking forward to more videos when you have time, buddy!


Kevin Greto: Score = 25lbs x 24 = 600
Judging by the video, Kevin appears to be training at Iron Sport Gym in Glenolden, PA. This makes me extremely jealous because I have read that this is one of the last truly hardcore gyms in the state of PA and my buddy Pat Povilaitis and I have talked about going there to train for years and just never scheduled it to make it happen.

Kevin had a lot of hand switches in his video, I’d estimate he would have gotten enough to win this challenge if he would have had one less hand switch and pushed out a couple more reps prior to switching. However, I understand his training paradigm and he does not force reps. Keep on gripping, Kevin – looking forward to seeing you here for World’s Strongest Hands 2011.


Josh McIntyre: Score = 25lbs x 25 = 625
Josh was one of the Wild Card Qualifiers for Nationals through the Wild Card Challenges leading up to Grip Sport Nationals. I was so looking forward to a clash between him, Mike Turpin, Jason Steeves and Daniel Reinard. I am hoping we can see these guys all square off sometime down the road in an actual Grip Competition.

As you can see, Josh won this challenge, leading Kevin by one rep and thus 25 score-pounds. However, you could really see that Kevin clearly lost a few reps with his hand switches. This could be a very interesting duel down the line as well!


Check back soon guys for the next challenge!
All the best in your training!
Jedd

Tags: how to build wrist strength, wrist stability, wrist strength, wrist training
Posted in feats of strength, grip strength, how to buid wrist strength | 20 Comments »

Plate Curl for Reps – Wrist Strength & Endurance

Sunday, July 24th, 2011

Hello DIESELS!

Some pretty good submissions this week, DIESELS! The numbers came out pretty close. In fact, i’d say this is the closest the results have ever been. No one really blew everyone out of the water, in fact last place was only 6 reps behind first place – AWESOME!

Check out the results below.


Josh Dale: Score = 22 x 22 = 484

Josh not only busted out 22 reps with zero hand switches, but he also busted out what look to be the biggest biceps in this week’s competition.

Josh’s score doesn’t do justice to how impressive his performance was. As you can see, Josh never switched hands, hitting 22 reps with just one arm. Crazy. Also, he used a 10-kg plate so he lost points each rep because of the 3-lb difference. What you have to keep in mind though, is that Josh did this all after a full arm wrestling practice, making his performance even more impressive. Nice job, Josh!


Mike Turpin: Score = 25lbs x 20 = 500

Mike continues to put out entertaining videos, having fun each week. Finishing last in this tight group is nothing to be ashamed of.

A little recognition goes out to Mike and Paul – both are training for a major Powerlifting meet and they continue to take the extra time out of their schedules in order to submit videos for the challenge! Awesome job, Mike!


Paul Tompkins: Score = 25lbs x 22 = 550

Paul is a BRUTE – there is no other way to describe him, except for he is also probably the calmest brute I’ve ever met. He just lines up the challenges and then quietly mows them down. He and Mike T. have been hitting Grip feats in between the challenges and sending them to me, chomping at the bit since there was no challenge last week. They didn’t want to lose their edge.

If you look in the background of this video you see another fine member of the Diesel Universe, Niko Hulslander, who although has never submitted a Grip Challenge video, I have personally trained with him and I think he could be very good. He has also contacted me about holding a Grip Contest with him at his gym sometime in the future, so watch out for that, especially if you are in the South Western part of Pennsylvania!


Rick Walker: Score = 25 x 23 = 575

Leave it to Rick Walker to get surgery in the Spring, and do next to nothing in the weight room for 2 solid months and then go down and hit 23 Plate Curls with a 25 in between sets of shoulder presses. Awesome.

I believe this is also Rick’s first submission for the Grip Strength Challenge – not too shabby coming in third place and only two reps behind McIntyre who has won many of the challenges. Could it be that we have found McIntyre’s weakness – wrist strength and stability? Good job Rick! Looking forward to more videos when you have time, buddy!


Kevin Greto: Score = 25lbs x 24 = 600

Judging by the video, Kevin appears to be training at Iron Sport Gym in Glenolden, PA. This makes me extremely jealous because I have read that this is one of the last truly hardcore gyms in the state of PA and my buddy Pat Povilaitis and I have talked about going there to train for years and just never scheduled it to make it happen.

Kevin had a lot of hand switches in his video, I’d estimate he would have gotten enough to win this challenge if he would have had one less hand switch and pushed out a couple more reps prior to switching. However, I understand his training paradigm and he does not force reps. Keep on gripping, Kevin – looking forward to seeing you here for World’s Strongest Hands 2011.


Josh McIntyre: Score = 25lbs x 25 = 625

Josh was one of the Wild Card Qualifiers for Nationals through the Wild Card Challenges leading up to Grip Sport Nationals. I was so looking forward to a clash between him, Mike Turpin, Jason Steeves and Daniel Reinard. I am hoping we can see these guys all square off sometime down the road in an actual Grip Competition.

As you can see, Josh won this challenge, leading Kevin by one rep and thus 25 score-pounds. However, you could really see that Kevin clearly lost a few reps with his hand switches. This could be a very interesting duel down the line as well!


Check back soon guys for the next challenge!

All the best in your training!

Jedd

Tags: how to build wrist strength, wrist stability, wrist strength, wrist training
Posted in feats of strength, grip strength, how to buid wrist strength | 20 Comments »

This Week's Grip Challenge: Plate Curl for Reps

Wednesday, July 20th, 2011

Hello DIESELS!
If you go to a website and it talks about Grip Training and how there are only three forms of Grip, you might want to go somewhere else for your information. The Wrist is extremely important in developing a truly strong grip, especially when you consider that Grip is everything from the elbow down to the fingertips.
With that in mind, this week’s challenge is the 25-lb / 10-kg Plate Curl for Reps.
The Plate Curl should a staple in the routine of any Grip Competitor, Strongman Competitor, and really any athlete who has to have strong, injury-free wrist and fingers in order to excel. Below are some of the reasons why plate curls are so important for athletes.
Benefits of the Plate Curl

  • Wrist Strength – If you are used to hitting endless repetitions in the Wrist Curl, then this movement will be a welcome change for you. It trains the flexors to fire and maintain the joint angle in a static position, so it is a perfect complement to the more dynamic wrist training movement, the classic wrist curl.
  • Finger Stability / Toughness – In order to keep the plate straight, the finger flexors must also fire intensely throughout the movement. Bracing the plate in this manner is very intense, especially for the 60-second time limit. This movement strengthens the fingers in this position and makes them more injury-resistant, so this movement is great for athletes who can not afford to have their fingers messed up.
  • Thumb Endurance – While the wrist flexors are doing the majority of the work here, the thumb is also recruited heavily here as well as it is hooked over the rim of the plate. This long duration flexion will test the mental toughness of the competitors
  • Wrist Stability – While the wrist flexors are used in order to keep the wrist straight during the movement, the extensors are also firing synergistically in order to keep the joint stable throughout the range of motion
  • Complete Lower Arm Tie-in – The best Grip Training movements for athletes in sports other than Grip are ones that make the entire lower arm unit work together all at the same time. The Wrist Curl is one of those which accomplish just that, with movement at the elbow, static contraction at the wrist and thumb, and static to eccentric contraction at the fingers.
  • Forearm Size – This movement is a great forearm mass builder. The entire forearm flexor acreage is put under load with this one so a great deal of stimulation takes place. Doing this regularly can blow your forearms up BIG TIME!

Video Guidelines
To submit a video, you must use the following guidelines:

  • Title: “DieselCrew.com – Plate Curl for Reps”
  • Tags: plate curl, wrist strength, grip endurance, finger stability
  • Description: http://www.dieselcrew.com – Grip Strength Challenge – Plate Curl for Reps

Rules
Here are the rules for this week’s Grip Strength Challenge.
1. Take a 25-lb or 10-kg plate and support it on the flat, smooth side with the fingers. Hook the thumb over the lip of the plate in order to hold it in your grasp.
2. Begin with the plate in contact with your thigh. Keeping the wrist as straight as possible, curl the plate up towards the forehead and lightly make contact.
3. Perform this lift for 60 seconds, getting as many repetitions as possible. Hand switches are permitted, as well as chalk. Wrist supports of any kind are not allowed for this challenge.
DIESELS, I will be watching form like a hawk. Keep the reps strict as possible. Any throwing of the weight using the shoulder or thighs is not allowed. If you need to set the plate down or rest at the top or bottom, that is fine, but no body momentum on this one.
Scoring
Since different weighted plates might be used for the challenge, we will use the scoring system used in the Kettlebell Bottoms-up Press Challenge, as shown below…

Weight X Legal Reps = Score

You do not have to weigh your plate on a scale, but you do have to show what the plate is on camera (25-lb or 10-kg) as the 3-lb difference in plates will certainly make a difference.
If you are unsure of how to perform the Plate Curl for Reps, here is a video demonstration.
How to Perform the Plate Curl for Reps

That is all there is to it, DIESELS. I look forward to your submissions. God luck with the challenge, and remember to comply with the Video Requirements or else I will come to your house and Two Hands Pinch your throat, and NOBODY wants that.

Jedd Johnson



Find out the training methods I use
to continue to increase the Two Hands Pinch World Record
each and every year!

Tags: finger strength, hand strength, thumb strength, wrist strength
Posted in grip hand forearm training for sports, grip strength, grip strength competition contest, how to improve grip strength | No Comments »

This Week’s Grip Challenge: Plate Curl for Reps

Wednesday, July 20th, 2011

Hello DIESELS!

If you go to a website and it talks about Grip Training and how there are only three forms of Grip, you might want to go somewhere else for your information. The Wrist is extremely important in developing a truly strong grip, especially when you consider that Grip is everything from the elbow down to the fingertips.

With that in mind, this week’s challenge is the 25-lb / 10-kg Plate Curl for Reps.

The Plate Curl should a staple in the routine of any Grip Competitor, Strongman Competitor, and really any athlete who has to have strong, injury-free wrist and fingers in order to excel. Below are some of the reasons why plate curls are so important for athletes.

Benefits of the Plate Curl

  • Wrist Strength – If you are used to hitting endless repetitions in the Wrist Curl, then this movement will be a welcome change for you. It trains the flexors to fire and maintain the joint angle in a static position, so it is a perfect complement to the more dynamic wrist training movement, the classic wrist curl.
  • Finger Stability / Toughness – In order to keep the plate straight, the finger flexors must also fire intensely throughout the movement. Bracing the plate in this manner is very intense, especially for the 60-second time limit. This movement strengthens the fingers in this position and makes them more injury-resistant, so this movement is great for athletes who can not afford to have their fingers messed up.
  • Thumb Endurance – While the wrist flexors are doing the majority of the work here, the thumb is also recruited heavily here as well as it is hooked over the rim of the plate. This long duration flexion will test the mental toughness of the competitors
  • Wrist Stability – While the wrist flexors are used in order to keep the wrist straight during the movement, the extensors are also firing synergistically in order to keep the joint stable throughout the range of motion
  • Complete Lower Arm Tie-in – The best Grip Training movements for athletes in sports other than Grip are ones that make the entire lower arm unit work together all at the same time. The Wrist Curl is one of those which accomplish just that, with movement at the elbow, static contraction at the wrist and thumb, and static to eccentric contraction at the fingers.
  • Forearm Size – This movement is a great forearm mass builder. The entire forearm flexor acreage is put under load with this one so a great deal of stimulation takes place. Doing this regularly can blow your forearms up BIG TIME!

Video Guidelines

To submit a video, you must use the following guidelines:

  • Title: “DieselCrew.com – Plate Curl for Reps”
  • Tags: plate curl, wrist strength, grip endurance, finger stability
  • Description: http://www.dieselcrew.com – Grip Strength Challenge – Plate Curl for Reps

Rules

Here are the rules for this week’s Grip Strength Challenge.

1. Take a 25-lb or 10-kg plate and support it on the flat, smooth side with the fingers. Hook the thumb over the lip of the plate in order to hold it in your grasp.

2. Begin with the plate in contact with your thigh. Keeping the wrist as straight as possible, curl the plate up towards the forehead and lightly make contact.

3. Perform this lift for 60 seconds, getting as many repetitions as possible. Hand switches are permitted, as well as chalk. Wrist supports of any kind are not allowed for this challenge.

DIESELS, I will be watching form like a hawk. Keep the reps strict as possible. Any throwing of the weight using the shoulder or thighs is not allowed. If you need to set the plate down or rest at the top or bottom, that is fine, but no body momentum on this one.

Scoring

Since different weighted plates might be used for the challenge, we will use the scoring system used in the Kettlebell Bottoms-up Press Challenge, as shown below…

Weight X Legal Reps = Score

You do not have to weigh your plate on a scale, but you do have to show what the plate is on camera (25-lb or 10-kg) as the 3-lb difference in plates will certainly make a difference.

If you are unsure of how to perform the Plate Curl for Reps, here is a video demonstration.

How to Perform the Plate Curl for Reps

That is all there is to it, DIESELS. I look forward to your submissions. God luck with the challenge, and remember to comply with the Video Requirements or else I will come to your house and Two Hands Pinch your throat, and NOBODY wants that.


Jedd Johnson




Find out the training methods I use
to continue to increase the Two Hands Pinch World Record
each and every year!

Tags: finger strength, hand strength, thumb strength, wrist strength
Posted in grip hand forearm training for sports, grip strength, grip strength competition contest, how to improve grip strength | 2 Comments »

Slim Lever Submissions

Sunday, May 22nd, 2011

Last week’s feat was the Slim Lever (Demonstration Video).

Check out the submissions below and please leave a vote in the comments section below for the one that you feel is most impressive. Voting will go on until Noon (EST) on Monday, May 23! (Please only vote one time per person)
(more…)

Tags: bending strength, hammer feats, hammer training, improve wrist strength, sledge hammer, sledge hammers, sledge training, sledge work, slim farman, slim lever, slim the hammer man, slim the hammerman, wrist strength, wrist training
Posted in feats of strength, feats of strength bending, Grip Sport, grip strength competition contest, how to improve grip strength, old strongman feats of strength | 12 Comments »

Sledge Hammer Deadlift Submissions

Saturday, May 7th, 2011

This week’s feat was the Sledge Hammer Deadlift. This is an awesome movement for strengthening the hands and wrists for bending.

There was one submission this week – Andy Thomas, and he took care of some serious business!

Check it out:


(more…)

Tags: wrist exercise, wrist strength, wrist training
Posted in feats of strength, feats of strength bending, grip strength, sledge hammer training | 4 Comments »

Diesel Weekly Grip Challenge – Week 7 – The 60-Penny Nail Bend

Friday, February 18th, 2011

Diesel Universe, it’s Time to VOTE!!!!!!

The challenge was to bend a 60D Nail. Who do you think did so in the most improessive fashion? Put your vote in the comments section below!!!

Daniel Reinard – Hanging Upside-Down

Zach Lister – Reppin’ BassPro with Loose Wraps

Darrin Shallman – Uses a G5 as a Warm-up for a Spike

David Wigren – Tiny Pads

Andy Thomas – Wrapped in 3 Paper Towels

Ben Edwards – Various Lifts Leading up to a Bend

Carl Ansara – Pulling a Car, Carrying Kettlebells

Junie Davis – Upside Down with KB in Teeth

So, who is the winner this week? Put your vote in the comments section!

Thanks!

Jedd

Tags: bar bending, nail bending, steel bending, wrist strength
Posted in feats, feats of strength, feats of strength bending, grip strength, old strongman feats of strength | 25 Comments »

Week 6 Submissions & Week 7 Feat

Monday, February 14th, 2011

There were only two submissions last week, and Josh McIntyre came out on top.

Is there anyone who can beat Josh McIntyre in the Diesel Crew Grip Feat of the Week?

Josh McIntyre (winner)


(more…)

Tags: bolt bending, nail bending, steel bending, wrist strength
Posted in feats, feats of strength, feats of strength bending, grip strength, Uncategorized | 5 Comments »

Week 6 Submissions & Week 7 Feat

Monday, February 14th, 2011

There were only two submissions last week, and Josh McIntyre came out on top.
Is there anyone who can beat Josh McIntyre in the Diesel Crew Grip Feat of the Week?

Josh McIntyre (winner)


(more…)

Tags: bolt bending, nail bending, steel bending, wrist strength
Posted in feats, feats of strength, feats of strength bending, grip strength, Uncategorized | 4 Comments »

The BUZZ You Can’t Ignore

Friday, January 28th, 2011

Like a 50-Ton Boulder in an 80’s Adventure Movie, the Killer Feedback is Still ROLLING In!

That BUZZ you hear off in the distance is NOT the sound of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Natural Gas Mining activity or the clamoring about the new season of American Idol.

It is the humming of anticipation from the people waiting for their copy of the Nail Bending DVD, and the praise the DVD continues to get.

When I designed this DVD, my goal was to make it something that anyone could benefit from, especially new benders and those who have had very little coaching.
(more…)

Tags: bending bars, bending steel, grip strength, hand strength, how to bend, how to bend nails, how to bend steel, nail bending, wrist strength
Posted in feats of strength, feats of strength bending, old strongman feats of strength, strongman feats | 1 Comment »

The BUZZ You Can't Ignore

Friday, January 28th, 2011

Like a 50-Ton Boulder in an 80’s Adventure Movie, the Killer Feedback is Still ROLLING In!

That BUZZ you hear off in the distance is NOT the sound of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Natural Gas Mining activity or the clamoring about the new season of American Idol.
It is the humming of anticipation from the people waiting for their copy of the Nail Bending DVD, and the praise the DVD continues to get.
When I designed this DVD, my goal was to make it something that anyone could benefit from, especially new benders and those who have had very little coaching.
(more…)

Tags: bending bars, bending steel, grip strength, hand strength, how to bend, how to bend nails, how to bend steel, nail bending, wrist strength
Posted in feats of strength, feats of strength bending, old strongman feats of strength, strongman feats | 1 Comment »

Diesel Grip Strength Challenge – Week 3

Sunday, January 16th, 2011

Week 2 Winner Announcement and Week 3’s Feat:

This Week

Feat: Plate Curl with 25-lb Plate

Requirements: Plate must be iron, no rubber coating. Must be Olympic-sized. Curl should be fairly strict.

Other Requirements: Shoot your video, making sure to include the proper phrase, then send me a link to your video on YouTube by 8 PM EST on Friday January 21, 2011.

Questions? Leave a comment below.

All the best in your training.

Jedd

Fat Gripz

Tags: grip training, hand strength, plate curl, wrist strength
Posted in feats, feats of strength, feats of strength bending, grip strength, grip strength competition contest, how to improve grip strength | 5 Comments »

Feedback on Nail Bending DVD

Wednesday, December 29th, 2010

Earlier this month, I released the Nail Bending DVD – How to Melt Steel with Your Bare Hands and the positive feedback has literally been rolling from all over the Nation and the World for that matter.

 Get Your Copy, NOW. Click here = > NAIL BENDING DVD

From Ben Edwards:

     Jedd,

    I got the DVD yesterday and watched the first half of it today. LOVE the 2004 Red Nail intro loop! I know a lot of guys that would literally consider the price of the DVD worth a few views of that video alone for motivational purposes. Have really been impressed with the amount of time and effort/knowledge that went into making that Bending DVD. Even guys like me with a very solid bending base will no doubt find something that will help them along their path to increased bending strength. I’ve taken notes on a few sections of the DVD and wanted to wait until my muscle relaxers wear off (I hurt myself on Monday – bulging disc!) before I watch that part a few times through and then take notes on that as well.

    Ben Edwards
    GoalOrientedTraining.com

From Rory Hickman:

     Hi Jedd,

    Thought I’d let you know the DVD arrived yesterday morning, I watched half yesterday and the other half this morning – absolutely awesome the whole way through! Just like your other products the video and sound quality are second only to the amazing content. I was blown away by the detail you went into just on wrapping, I’d never imagined there was so much to take into consideration and that was just the first 20 minutes or so. To be honest I could mention every section and say how good each was – but I’m not sure how many variations on the work ‘excellent’ I could come up with before it got repetitive…

    I’ve already tried out the band exercise for developing the flexibility to get into the proper DO-bending position – first couple of reps barely came within 6 inches of my neck but I was able to get closer each time – I can definitely see how it will help. The thumb stretch felt great too – mine sometimes get tight from working on the computer and drawing but I could feel the stretch really well.

    Love the DVD man, it’s got me completely fired up to melt some steel but I’m gonna take your advice and work back into it slowly. I’ve got a load of things to work on to get to the point where I’ll be bending anything impressive but with this I now actually know what I need to work on. Thanks for creating such an incredible product, it’s awesome that someone who’s at the competitive level you’re at is so willing to share so much of your training knowledge.

    Thanks again,

    Rory Hickman
    StrongerDesigns.com

 Get Your Copy, NOW. Click here = > NAIL BENDING DVD

From The Iron Tamer, Dave Whitley:

From Mike “The Machine” Bruce:

This DVD is steadily making its way across the entire globe.

Truly a world-wide phenomenon, here are some of the countries where the DVD has been purchased:

     United Kingdom

    Australia

    Germany

    Sweden

    France

    Thailand

    Canada (Just ordered TODAY!)

    Belgium (Another Country with Molten Steel!)

    Switzerland (Added 1/6/11)

And if you are in the United States, and think you hear the squeaky sound of suede being tightened on a bolt or the sweet smell of steel being melted by the power of hand strength, you probably live near a nail bender. Here are some of the cities where the DVD was purchased during the first week only.

     Rosemount, MN

    Sterling, VA

    Chicago, IL

    San Diego, CA

    Stafford, VA

    Shaw Air Force Base, SC

    Merritt Island, FL

    Jacksonville, FL

    Miami, FL

    (The State of Florida must be covered in molten steel by now!!!)

    Bloomfield, NJ

    Pittsburgh, PA

    Lawrence, KS

    San Bruno, CA

    Fayetteville, GA

    Burton, MI

    Cypress, CA

    Torrance, CA

    Madison, CT

    Moultonborough, NH

    Rock Creek, OH

    Tuscaloosa, AL

    Corona, CA

    (Expect Climate Changes in California in 2011 due to all the Nail Benders)

Thanks to everyone who has picked up the DVD!

Hearing good things about my products makes me glad that I put them out and fires me up to get the next one out there!

If you’d like to leave feedback about the DVD, please a comment in the section below…

 Get Your Copy of the Nail Bending DVD = > Start Ruining Perfectly Good Stuff


Kevin Greto’s Tropheys – 60D Timber Ties – The First of Many to Come, For Sure…

Tags: bar bending, bending, bolt bending, feats of grip, feats of hand strength, grip feats, how to bend nails, nail bending, unbraced bending, wrist strength
Posted in feats of strength, feats of strength bending, grip strength competition contest, strongman feats | 2 Comments »

Isometric Hammer Work for Bending Success

Monday, May 10th, 2010


Double Overhand Bending

I’ve done a great deal of steel bending in my time. I’ve bent nails, bolts, steel stock, horse shoes, widow makers and more. I’ve bent alongside some of the best steel benders in the world in grip contests.

How to Improve at Bending

When it comes to building strength for bending, there is no doubt that the best option is BENDING. Buying the piles of nails, ordering the stock , wrapping the bolts, and bending the hell out them all on a regular basis. This is the number one way to get better because it is the only specific type of training for it.

CHECK OUT THE REST OF THIS KILLER POST AFTER THE JUMP (more…)

Tags: bending, bending bolts, bending nails, bending steel, bending strength, feats of strength, how to bend, how to bend steel, wrist strength
Posted in feats, feats of strength, feats of strength bending, grip strength, how to improve grip strength, how to rip cards, how to tear cards, old strongman feats of strength, strongman feats, tearing cards | 5 Comments »

The Demolition Club

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

I’ve just got to show you this piece that I recently added to my training equipment collection.

100_1259

The Demolition Club

CHECK OUT THIS POST AFTER THE JUMP (more…)

Tags: club, club swinging, clubs, core training, core workouts, grip strength, mace, mace swinging, maces, strength training, wrist strength
Posted in athletic strength training lift odd objects, core training workouts, core workouts for athletes, create your own garage gym, feats of strength bending, grip strength competition contest, home made strength equipment, how to build strength equipment, old strongman feats of strength | 8 Comments »

Steel Bending Contest Coming to Philadelphia

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009

090613rb0118-1_2
Sonny Barry bending a 5/8″ x 43″ round steel bar at the 2009 Olde Time Strongman and Barbell dinner

STEEL BENDING CONTEST

Sonny Barry recently contacted me and asked me to help him get the word out about his contest he is holding in Philadelphia in January.

SEE THE DETAILS AFTER THE JUMP (more…)

Tags: bending, bolt bending, feats of strength, grip strength, hand strength, nail bending, steel bending, strength feats, tearing, wrist strength
Posted in feats of strength bending, how to improve grip strength, old strongman feats of strength | Comments Off on Steel Bending Contest Coming to Philadelphia

How to Perform Mace Swings

Saturday, December 19th, 2009

100_0912

Stronger Grip Mace / Core Club

Since putting up the post last week about the Stronger Grip Mace and Core Clubs being available here, I have had some readers ask me about how to perform mace swings with them.

It seems like many people are making this movement more difficult than it should be…

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP (more…)

Tags: building grip strength, building hand strength, building wrist strength, grip strength, grip strength tools, hand strength, levering, mace, mace core club, mace swinging, swinging, wrist strength
Posted in athletic strength training lift odd objects, baseball strength and conditioning, core training workouts, core workouts for athletes, how to improve grip strength, strength training workouts | 6 Comments »

The Most Impressive Feat of Strength

Friday, October 16th, 2009

the letter a copyfter my workout tonight, I decided I’d sit on the bike in my gym and just pedal away and relax for a bit.

I had the music playing but I also wanted to read something, so I began to look around my basement for some sort of a book, catalog, flyer – SOMETHING!

Something caught my eye on top of a stack of papers. It was a very old magazine that was given to me by a friend at work whose father had hundreds of these magazines. It was an issue of Muscle Power from 1952.

I thought, “What the hell – maybe I’ll find something cool.”

(more…)

Tags: feats of strength, grip strength, hand strength, pinch strength, strongman oldtime strongman, wrist strength
Posted in feats of strength bending, how to improve grip strength, old strongman feats of strength | 30 Comments »

Home Made Strength

Sunday, October 4th, 2009

If you fit any of the following descriptions, I suggest you read this entire post.

You are working to put together your own collection of strength equipment.

You are a strength coach on a limited budget.

You are a student athlete with no job and need to get extra work in to make the team.

You are a personal trainer running boot camps and need more equipment to take with you to sessions.

You are an athlete and the school weight room sucks and just plain doesn’t meet your needs.

You are a strength enthusiast putting together your own garage/basement gym.

You are a strength coach looking to add new training methods to your program.

You are a strength enthusiast who wants to hit new PR’s.

You are a person involved with some form of weight training with limited money to throw at expensive equipment manufacturers.

It’s time to take action and learn how to build your own equipment, with the Home Made Strength Online DVD.

hmslogo
(more…)

Tags: axle, clubbell, deadlift, glute ham raise, grip strength, hamstrings, hand strength, mace, macebell, thick bar, wrist strength
Posted in athletic strength training lift odd objects, create your own garage gym, how to improve grip strength, improve grip strength crush, sled dragging workouts | 3 Comments »

Hammering Strength into the Wrists – Part Three

Sunday, September 27th, 2009

scott_med
Scott Bird Loves the Deadlift

I have been working with Scott Bird from the Straight To The Bar site for years. Scott and I have been teaming up ever since I put out the Nail Bending eBook.

He’s been giving me a hand since the beginning and has helped me improve my blog and the Diesel site, and has really helped raise awareness of the sport of grip and feats of strength like nail bending and card tearing.
(more…)

Tags: grip strength, hammer training, hand strength, levering, nail bending, sledge hammer training, sledge training, wrist strength
Posted in feats of strength bending, how to improve grip strength, old strongman feats of strength | 6 Comments »

What is the Best Material for Wrapping Nails?

Thursday, September 3rd, 2009


Bent IronMind Red Nail – Do You Have What it Takes?

Bending has come so far since I started doing it, it isn’t even funny.

When Smitty and I started bending we used to wrap a canvas wrist wrap around whatever we were bending. This would often result in a very loose wrap and the bar we were bending would slip all over the place. We could get no leverage on the nail because we were grasping and pinching at the slim piece of material. We had to be extremely cautious when we were bending because if the nail or bar slipped it would bite us in the hand or finger. Each bend had the chance to injure us.

Here is one of the very first videos I ever put out. You can see that it is wrapped with a leather strap, slightly longer than the canvas strap we first started using.

Good thing that was only 1/4-inch HRS!

Later on, we realized that most people were wrapping their nails with (more…)

Tags: bending, bolt bending, feats of strength, grip strength, grip training, nail bending, steel bending, wrist strength
Posted in feats of strength bending, how to improve grip strength, injury rehab recover from injury, old strongman feats of strength, Uncategorized | 3 Comments »

Jedd's Training Update – Fire Walk with Me

Thursday, August 27th, 2009

twin-peaks-tv-19
A couple weeks back I blogged about how I was going to start taping my workouts and posting them to YouTube so that I could get help from you all and so that I could spread the word about Grip and Strongman training.
If you missed that post, you can read about it here: ===> Training my Ass off in my Garage – Fire Walk with Me. I have had a lot of fun putting these together and my workouts have just gotten better and better.
So I had to let you all know that I was able to accomplish something HUGE in my Grip training last night.
(more…)

Tags: blob, blob lifting, block weights, grip strength, hammer levering, hand strength, pinch grip, pinch grip training, pinching, sledge hammer levering, sledge levering, thumb training, wrist strength
Posted in feats of strength bending, grip strength blob, how to improve grip strength, improve grip strength crush, old strongman feats of strength | 26 Comments »

Jedd’s Training Update – Fire Walk with Me

Thursday, August 27th, 2009

twin-peaks-tv-19

A couple weeks back I blogged about how I was going to start taping my workouts and posting them to YouTube so that I could get help from you all and so that I could spread the word about Grip and Strongman training.

If you missed that post, you can read about it here: ===> Training my Ass off in my Garage – Fire Walk with Me. I have had a lot of fun putting these together and my workouts have just gotten better and better.

So I had to let you all know that I was able to accomplish something HUGE in my Grip training last night.

(more…)

Tags: blob, blob lifting, block weights, grip strength, hammer levering, hand strength, pinch grip, pinch grip training, pinching, sledge hammer levering, sledge levering, thumb training, wrist strength
Posted in feats of strength bending, grip strength blob, how to improve grip strength, improve grip strength crush, old strongman feats of strength | 26 Comments »

New Article for Wrist Strength

Monday, April 27th, 2009

chains5

Just posted a new article on StraightToTheBar.com – Hammering Strength into the Wrists Part Two. Sledge hammers are awesome for working the hands, wrists, and overall lower arms. Believe me, there are some exercises in this article that are going to give you indestructible wrists. I shot the footage several days ago, and I am still feeling it.

If you think you are tough enough to try these exercises out, then click here.

I also show you one of the exercises we have used here at Diesel to keep us injury free for years, so get over there and check it out right now.

All the best in your training,

-Jedd-

These exercises are great additions for your Card Tearing and Nail Bending training.

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Tags: grip strength, hammer exercises, hammer levering, hand strength, how to improve grip strength, strong hands, strong wrists, wrist exercises, wrist strength
Posted in how to improve grip strength, injury rehab recover from injury | No Comments »

Card Tearing Twitter Chat TONIGHT!

Wednesday, April 1st, 2009

edwardaston

Tonight at 9 PM EDT, I will be holding another Card Tearing Twitter Chat.

It’s real easy…

Just log onto Twitter.com.

At 9 PM, ask me any questions you have about how to tear cards or the Card Tearing eBook, and follow up each phrase with the hashtag #jeddtear.

I will receive each statement and be able to answer back at you.

For more information on Twitter Chats, check this link out: Twitter Chats.

To add me as a friend on Twitter, go here: http://twitter.com/JeddJohnson.

If you want to learn how to tear entire decks of cards with your bare hands, this is the way to go!

Card Tearing eBook.

-Jedd-

How to Build Muscle | Muscle Building Workouts | How to Lose Fat | Six Pack Abs | Build Muscle, Muscle Gaining Workouts | Build Muscle Membership Site

Tags: feats of strength, grip strength, how to tear cards, strongman training for athletes, twitter, wrist strength
Posted in how to improve grip strength, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Napalm's Nightmare Grip Training Device

Tuesday, March 24th, 2009


Napalm’s Nightmare is a sick freaking grip device I got made by my good friend, Chris Rice. The handles on this thing revolve and are about 2.5″ in thickness. This thing is no joke.
I modeled this device from something available from Sorinex called the Hungarian Core Blaster. When I first saw the HCB, I thought it was perfect except for one thing – THE HANDLE WAS TOO SMALL. That’s when I contacted Chris and he came up with a great design that works outstandingly.
This thing literally tries to rip your hand open when you swing it. My best is with 180 lbs attached to a loading pin for a total of 3 swings before it shot out of my left hand.
This year, one of my goals has been to bring up my thick bar strength, and this has been a staple in my workouts. It has also been great for working the posterior chain. Believe me – not only does your grip get fried after using this, but so do your glutes, erectors, lats, and delts.
All the best in your training,
-Jedd-
Check out the Card Tearing eBook and RIP STUFF UP!

How to Build Muscle | Muscle Building Workouts | How to Lose Fat | Six Pack Abs | Build Muscle, Muscle Gaining Workouts | Build Muscle Membership Site

Tags: grip strength, hand strength, open hand training, thick bar, thumb strength, wrist strength
Posted in how to improve grip strength, how to tear cards | 7 Comments »

Napalm’s Nightmare Grip Training Device

Tuesday, March 24th, 2009

Napalm’s Nightmare is a sick freaking grip device I got made by my good friend, Chris Rice. The handles on this thing revolve and are about 2.5″ in thickness. This thing is no joke.

I modeled this device from something available from Sorinex called the Hungarian Core Blaster. When I first saw the HCB, I thought it was perfect except for one thing – THE HANDLE WAS TOO SMALL. That’s when I contacted Chris and he came up with a great design that works outstandingly.

This thing literally tries to rip your hand open when you swing it. My best is with 180 lbs attached to a loading pin for a total of 3 swings before it shot out of my left hand.

This year, one of my goals has been to bring up my thick bar strength, and this has been a staple in my workouts. It has also been great for working the posterior chain. Believe me – not only does your grip get fried after using this, but so do your glutes, erectors, lats, and delts.

All the best in your training,

-Jedd-

Check out the Card Tearing eBook and RIP STUFF UP!

How to Build Muscle | Muscle Building Workouts | How to Lose Fat | Six Pack Abs | Build Muscle, Muscle Gaining Workouts | Build Muscle Membership Site

Tags: grip strength, hand strength, open hand training, thick bar, thumb strength, wrist strength
Posted in how to improve grip strength, how to tear cards | 8 Comments »

New Article at STTB

Monday, February 23rd, 2009

Hammering Strength into the Wrists

Intensity on the Rugby Field

Intensity on the Rugby Field

For too many athletes, wrist training means sitting down on a bench and hitting some wrist curls – WASTE OF TIME!!!

With baseball season about to start, I’ll show you just how easy it is to train the wrist from all angles effectively and efficiently.

Excerpt:

“…If the wrists are weak, the athlete will not be able to project full force with the implement of his or her sport, and will not have 100% control. Weak wrists in baseball could cause the batter to not be able to check the swing when he realizes the pitch is a ball…”

Click here for the article!

For more wrist training ideas, check out the Nail Bending eBook.

-Jedd-

How to Build Muscle | Muscle Building Workouts | How to Lose Fat | Six Pack Abs

Tags: grip strength, how to improve grip strength, sports training, strong wrists, wrist exercises, wrist strength
Posted in how to improve grip strength, injury rehab recover from injury, strength training to improve athletic performance, strength training workouts, your daily inspiration | 4 Comments »

Levering a Giant Hammer

Sunday, December 21st, 2008

Several athletes gave it a try levering the giant wooden hammer that Scott George built from a hammer handle and a huge block of wood (felt like half a tree) following the Gripmas Carol Grip Contest.

Check out The Grip Authority to learn how to lever giant hammers and bend nails bolts and steel stock like a madman.

-Jedd-

Tags: grip strength, hammer levering, lever, nail bending, wrist strength
Posted in how to improve grip strength | 4 Comments »

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