Newbie question re Rolling Thunder

[Guest Mike King]

I am primarely interested in Powerlifting, but would like to obtain a strong grip too.  I have been working with the COC grippers (#1 for 8 reps, #2 is 1/2" from closing) and doing pinch grips with plates.  I have just obtained the Ironmind Rolling Thunder and tried it out finding my max to be 125#.  My question is what is the best way to train with this thing?  Should I be doing reps (what # and what % of max) or should I lift and hold till it falls (and if so how many times and at about what % of max)?  

[Guest]

I haven't been doing this recently (just made a plate loaded Inch replica that I'll be playing with) but when I was I did 5-6 singles per hand, as heavy as possible with some assist even from the other hand if I couldn't fully lift.  I made good progress with this.  Now, if you ask me how this lift translates into strength outside the lift, I couldn't tell you, but it's fun!

By the way, you should expect some pain in your forearms the next day. But you should also expect relatively quick progress (20lbs/month) for the first month.

[Guest Cap]

I started by doing about 90-95% max and holding till failure for 2-3 reps.  However I dont use it as much as I should.  For deadlift strength I prefer loading the bar to max deadlift weight and holding for three timed reps.  I sumo dead with a double overhand grip.

[bseedot]

Hi Mike-

I don't know the "best" way to train with the RT, but this is what I do:

I work with it once every 5-7 days.  I do three holds (sets) with each hand and when I reach 10 seconds I add 2.5 pounds.  I just started about one month ago and Roger is right: I started at 95 lbs. and am currently at 125 lbs. (have only got 7 seconds so far with 125).

I'm still a relative beginner with it so I can't say whether this method really works for me yet or not, but I'm progressing so far.  Play around and see what works.

BC.Ó

[Guest Marcus Gripa]

My current workout with the Rolling Thunder looks like

this

2 sets x 3reps

5 x 1 increasing poundage on first 3 sets till max workout weight is reached.  (ex. 100, 110, 120, 130, 130)

The last two sets I usually pause at the top until I feel my grip slipping.

hope this helps