Under The Radar - Grip Profile - Joshua Henze

[anwnate]

Today's profile covers Joshua Henze. Josh is an interesting gripster. I've met him online and in person a few times, but he's somewhat of a private (and amusing) person. Getting info for this profile was a Herculean task. J I feel it's my job to fill in some blanks.

Every once in a while, you meet a gripster that measures himself against the best, no matter how long he, himself has been training. During our conversations, it became apparent to me that Josh fails to realize both how strong he is, and how far he has come in such a short period of time. Josh is still a month shy of training for 3 years…yet has accomplished numerous grip feats. He's double hubbed 45's, pulled 345lbs on the DOAxle, wide-smashed the GHP7, Bent IM Red Nails, Big Bastards, wrenches and hearted horseshoes. To me…nothing defines Gripsport like progress. You set your goals…you lean on them…they fall to your will. Josh Henze epitomizes this concept. I suppose I should let him say a few words on his own profile. Gets off soapbox…

 

7 questions to get to know Josh.

1. What are your stats? Gripboard Name, age, height (inches/meters), weight (lbs/kgs), dominant hand size (cm/in), country, city (or region…whatever you are comfortable with), married/single, kids, occupation ("international spy" is acceptable)

Gripboard Name: "JHenze646"

Age: 35

Height: 6'1" (185cm)

Weight: 220 freedom units (99kg) (varies widely)

Dominant Hand size: Right 7.75" (19.7cm)

Country/City: USA/Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Marital Status: Married

Occupation: I pack stuff in boxes.

2. Why did you start training grip (and how long is it now)?

In 2001, I had surgery to repair tendons in my right hand. Afterwards, I was unsatisfied with the healing of the damaged hand. Eventually I started researching "hand strength" or something like that, and stumbled across Jedd's Youtube site. I actually didn't start grip training until 2013. Luckily, I live near Brent Barbe. I think the most exciting time when I started grip training was hanging out with Brent. We would train at his house for a few hours on Sundays, lifting stuff, joking around, an all-around good time.

3. Before you die, what is your ULTIMATE grip goal/goals?

There are quite a few grip feats and accomplishments I would like to one day achieve. However, my ultimate grip goal is to compete and train with great people and have amazing memories of time well spent with good people. I would like to think I am on my way to accomplishing my goal.

I wanted to write something colorful and exciting but I am not. The best thing I got going for me are the people I have met through grip & bending. Without their help and friendship I wouldn't have gotten far.

4. How do you currently structure your overall training/how do you incorporate your grip training?

Basically, training is a big experiment for me (I have no idea what I am doing). I do lift 3-4 days a week specifically to get stronger. Grip training is usually twice a week. I am still learning how to structure everything.

5. Do you have a personal anecdote, topic or thoughts you'd like to include in your profile?

If you are thinking about going to a comp or meet up or traveling to train with friends, DO IT.

6. What hobbies (other than grip/bending/lifting) do you enjoy?

Eating - I definitely like eating. J I have way more activities I like to do than the time I have to do them. I enjoy being outside in about every hobby you could think of. I also love spending time with my wife, and learning new things.

7. Who's Grip profile would you like to see?

I would like to see Bader's (Alawadhi) grip profile.

Thanks Josh, Bader will be profiled in two weeks. The series will return next Wednesday with Amy Wattles.

[Squeezus]

Damaged hand? They must have given you a robotic replacement then, lol. Great write up. I love seeing so much passion for the sport.

[climber511]

Josh is a great guy - love it when he visits. And his wife is such a sweetheart - my wife just loves her.

[Cannon]

I'm surprised about your hand size. 7-3/4". You're borderline in the "small hand" crowd. Even in the photo above, I would have guessed you have some 8+ mitts there.

[Tom Scibelli]

Josh, your hands look like they've seized up in this pic lol

[Anthony C.]

Josh Henze, the friendliest man in grip.

[Chez]

Josh is a good dude. I have competed with him a few times. Always enjoy hanging out with him.

[jvance]

Josh is definitely an up and coming high performer in grip. Very well rounded and strong with a broad range of strength pursuits. I always enjoy talking at the contests... Great write up Nate and Josh!

Must be a pittsburgh thing bro haha go steelers

[nickr104]

Josh is a good friend! One of the best guys you will ever meet. Him and his wife are my Highland Games buddies. Always good to have someone to bend with after we throw stuff!

[JHenze646]

Josh, your hands look like they've seized up in this pic lol

I was playing with the small atlas stones at Durniat Strength and turned around to see my wife filming me. I had stone tack on my hands and made the face for laughs.

Thank you, gentlemen!

[JHenze646]

Damaged hand? They must have given you a robotic replacement then, lol. Great write up. I love seeing so much passion for the sport.

Actually the tendon repair caused me to develop carpal tunnel syndrome and have surgery for that several years later. That might be why my hands are more balanced then some, all that down time.

[JHenze646]

I'm surprised about your hand size. 7-3/4". You're borderline in the "small hand" crowd. Even in the photo above, I would have guessed you have some 8+ mitts there.

Way back in the day, my dating profile said I had 9 inch hands, but I am married now... - humor

I measured from the first crease at my wrist to my longest fingertip.

[Alawadhi]

Nice profile and thanks for choosing me!

[MCrushetta]

Awesome to read this. I'm just now figuring out how the grip board site is set up. I also like eating and have damaged hands. Hope to see you again soon!