John McCarter Posted March 5, 2015 Share Posted March 5, 2015 In this thread I want to cover some facts about my pinch grip strength. Really attempt to cover all the bases for the things I've done and what tools I’ve used along the way. I want to state here and now, pinch is one of my weakest areas. I haven't spent as much time on it as I should. Also with the Hub, I do not consider myself the best, I’m sure there are people out there who are better at the tool than I am; just because I’ve lifted more doesn’t mean I’m the best. I just work really hard to do the things I do. Video is at the bottom. (History of my pinching) When I started pinch grip it was about 2008, I noticed information from John Brookfield in one of his books. Back then I pinched some standard barbell plates together. They were only standard and not Olympic kind. I didn’t know what I was doing but the most I built up too was about 120 lb for a 3-5 seconds. At the time I wasn’t interested in doing this and was boring to me. Later that same year I believe, I bought a TTK and that was the main method to how I started building up my thumb pads. I started out with about 25-30 lbs. I didn’t think anything by this. As the years went by pinch was an on and off type thing. I was never fully into it and didn’t show it much interest. Up till 2011 when I started going to for the #3 certification, pinching was seldom, if ever done. I started using the TTK and IM Hub (the only reason I started was to hub a 45 lb plate by the center). I built up to about 67 lb. My goal was to reach 70 lb but it didn’t happen. While still training for the #3, I bought a pinch block (it was the old version and will not hold chalk), I got it for two hand lifts. I ended up getting the newer version after the certification when I was added to the list for the #3. The texture was the same as the hub. Like some items I have, I never used it except in a few cases but most of what I did was with the TTK or Hub. Around the same time, I played with attempting to get two 45’s (actual Olympic plates now) on many different occasions to get air but only to remain glued to the ground. Still to this day I have never lifted two 45’s with one hand. I also had the chance to lift a blob for the first time. Never trained or touched one in my whole life. When I had the chance the weight came up. I never gave it consideration of what I’ve done, it didn’t matter what I had done. I lifted it and moved on. At the start of 2013, I began using KTA and started using my TTK a lot during the program. If I did not have that tool with me I would sub it with a pony clamp. I built up to 60+ lbs on it. When I attempted this much I tried out a hub I bought from Sornix, I had sold my IM hub but I used 81 lb it came free. I didn’t train it much, maybe here and there. I did buy another IM hub from Cannon Powerworks but I didn’t find any use for it. Around the start of 2014, I finally pulled the trigger and placed an order for the Euro Pinch plates (they came in around February of that year). I only attempted it for fun, maybe only 5 time. I really didn’t have a use for it. Pinch wasn’t big for me still until I started to seriously train for the MM3 certification. While attempting a program for grippers I wanted to really work pinch for the first time. I brought out the Blockbuster Pinch block I have and began to work it. Some days would be about holds, then others I do reps. On holds I built up to 97-100 lbs. Rep weight was around 70-80 lb. I also would take a pony clamp to work the thumbs until they were fully exhausted from what stress I put them through, next I would attempt to lift 100-120 lbs with just my index-middle or ring-pinkie fingers, that really helped to strengthen my fingers. After a number of weeks doing this program I finally certified on the MM3. Next came King Kong. I was bored of grippers and wanted to go to a contest. I did not know that when I started lifting the hub that my numbers would go up the way they did. I played with a few things here and there after King Kong. The following month I suffered an injury to my right arm that has to this day still bothered me when I do some lifting. Last month, I wanted to start lifting the hub again for fun, right now I’m mentally burnt out on it and don’t have a desire to really do anything with it. While playing with it I was able to hit beyond my past best and was blown away by the numbers I produced. I noticed that I also had my pinch block close and gave it a go and was surprised by how much came up. A few things I would like to mention now is why I haven’t lifted two 45’s or that much on the euro, is because I haven’t spent much time actually working them. I’ve only attempted them sparingly (except in the case of King Kong when I did work the euro a lot with both my right and left hand). When I first came across the euro it freaked me some (I guess it had to do with the edges) but I never found a reason to actually want or need one. That is until the end of 2013 and the start of 2014. When I got it I used it then it started collecting dust. The tools I’ve used the most (IM Hub, TTK, Pony Clamp, IM Pinch Block), and maybe the reason why I can lift so much on them is because I’ve specified most of my grip training around them. Maybe it would be different if I began focusing on the Euro. I don’t know at this current time. Go to minute 2:50 to see the chalking I use. If you want to see the weight lifted, go to minute 9:48 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allen Heineck Posted March 5, 2015 Share Posted March 5, 2015 TTK sales are about to increase! Ironmind should offer a John McCarter signature hub. That's some serious lifting! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jared Goguen Posted March 5, 2015 Share Posted March 5, 2015 I don't know what to say. These are world class lifts! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John McCarter Posted March 5, 2015 Author Share Posted March 5, 2015 TTK sales are about to increase! Ironmind should offer a John McCarter signature hub. That's some serious lifting! I don't know what to say. These are world class lifts! Thanks guys! Like I stated above, pinching is one of my weaker areas in grip. I don't see these as world class lifts, only something I do for fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norden Posted March 5, 2015 Share Posted March 5, 2015 Amazing. I would love to see a similar video on grippers from you. How you train them and everything you got to share. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Ruby Posted March 5, 2015 Share Posted March 5, 2015 Nearly 140lb on the hub The mid 120 block lift was incredible also but I was really blown away with that hub. You just redefined what is possible on these lifts. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John McCarter Posted March 5, 2015 Author Share Posted March 5, 2015 Amazing. I would love to see a similar video on grippers from you. How you train them and everything you got to share. Maybe another day I can do that. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John McCarter Posted March 5, 2015 Author Share Posted March 5, 2015 Nearly 140lb on the hub The mid 120 block lift was incredible also but I was really blown away with that hub. You just redefined what is possible on these lifts. I'm getting to the point where I don't know if I can keep it up with the hub anymore. I want to see how far I can really push it, nothing like I did when I got ready for King Kong but just for fun this time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kodyburns Posted March 5, 2015 Share Posted March 5, 2015 Very cool video John ! Great lifts too ! Lovin the intensity ! I cant say my chalk prep is too different on the block other than the way you were rubbing it in. I will definitely try that. Other than that I just need to get stronger and put some more time in on it. It will become secondary to my euro training for now but I look forward to seeing where I can go with this thing in the future. Thanks for taking the time to explain your technique. I appreciate that. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Sharkey Posted March 5, 2015 Share Posted March 5, 2015 (edited) That's just nuts dude. Just simply nuts. Edited March 5, 2015 by Mike Sharkey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John McCarter Posted March 5, 2015 Author Share Posted March 5, 2015 Very cool video John ! Great lifts too ! Lovin the intensity ! I cant say my chalk prep is too different on the block other than the way you were rubbing it in. I will definitely try that. Other than that I just need to get stronger and put some more time in on it. It will become secondary to my euro training for now but I look forward to seeing where I can go with this thing in the future. Thanks for taking the time to explain your technique. I appreciate that. That's just nuts dude. Just simply nuts. Thanks guys. After what happened on Monday, I was ready to attack the weight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvance Posted March 5, 2015 Share Posted March 5, 2015 I don't know if you've discovered techniques that are ahead of your time but you're on another level with some of this stuff... Dynamic thumb and isometrics seem to have been the name of your game. You just gotta level out your game dude, ei; euro, axle, RT, big horn and etc... And you might find yourself going head to head with guys like Durniat, Burns, or Jedd for big contest wins. Very impressive stuff tho, looks entirely legit on the chalking standpoint - just far more thorough and meticulous about the chalk, which helps you take the lifts to the edge of known human potential at this point. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony C. Posted March 5, 2015 Share Posted March 5, 2015 Good god, that's a lot of weight to break from the ground. Your numbers would probably be a little lower in a contest because you have to lockout, but honestly for me personally, if I can break the weight off the floor with the hub, I'm locking it out. So this is awesome. I think if anyone still has questions after seeing this video, you need to put your money where your mouth is and just send John your pinch implements to see what he can do with them! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justin Matney Posted March 6, 2015 Share Posted March 6, 2015 Incredible, John. Congrats on the lifts man, always an inspiration. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John McCarter Posted March 6, 2015 Author Share Posted March 6, 2015 I don't know if you've discovered techniques that are ahead of your time but you're on another level with some of this stuff... Dynamic thumb and isometrics seem to have been the name of your game. You just gotta level out your game dude, ei; euro, axle, RT, big horn and etc... And you might find yourself going head to head with guys like Durniat, Burns, or Jedd for big contest wins. Very impressive stuff tho, looks entirely legit on the chalking standpoint - just far more thorough and meticulous about the chalk, which helps you take the lifts to the edge of known human potential at this point. I don't know if there is really anything different I'm doing that's causing these lifts to be at the levels they're at. The movements are the best I've found to work for me. I know when I start working on axle, I have a homemade isometric unit that will help since I designed it based around thick bar. Good god, that's a lot of weight to break from the ground. Your numbers would probably be a little lower in a contest because you have to lockout, but honestly for me personally, if I can break the weight off the floor with the hub, I'm locking it out. So this is awesome. I think if anyone still has questions after seeing this video, you need to put your money where your mouth is and just send John your pinch implements to see what he can do with them! At times I don't even know if the weights are coming up or staying glued to the floor. It is a lot of weight. Yeah, I would probably lose about 10-15 lbs if I attempted it in a contest. Don't know what I would do if people sent me pinch tools to try out. Incredible, John. Congrats on the lifts man, always an inspiration. Thanks man. Never thought lifting the way that I am could happen; just have to push beyond what you know and do something different. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Mitti Posted March 6, 2015 Share Posted March 6, 2015 (edited) Your a perfect example of not letting others set your limits. These are crazy strongs feats! Edited March 6, 2015 by David Mitti 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John McCarter Posted March 6, 2015 Author Share Posted March 6, 2015 Your a perfect example of not letting others set your limits. These are crazy strongs feats! Thanks man! I attempt to go for what I want and see how far I can push it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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