Ttk, What Is A Good Weight?

[Florian Kellersmann]

I just added this TTK work to my current grip routine and I would like to know what kind of experiences you have with the TTK and how much weight would be good (as a goal).

Thanks,

Flo

[David Horne]

Flo,

Keep it strict, forget about weight.

David

[gazza]

I forgot David got a nice real heavy duty TTK from the comp.

UH OO now Davids pinch is gonna get even better

[David Horne]

Yes Gazza it is lovely, and the thumb mound really pumps up. But as I said, forget about weight and go for the pump/feel.

It works. Thanks Thorsten.

David

[Florian Kellersmann]

Thanks for your opinion, David. Of course, a strict movement is necessary.

I would like to hear more opinions on that topic. Who has trained with the TTK on a regular basis? Do you use more high reps or singles?

[DuTCH]

Yes, i got the same TTk from Thorsten.. It's great!!

David, how much do you use? And do you open and close it fully? Two hand, or one hand?

Thanks

[rying]

Lots of variables involved and easy to "cheat". But, here goes anyway...

With the TTK on a table and sitting in a chair, lifting the handle up an inch or so to prevent cheating with bodyweight (thumbs on top, pinch-grip style), I've done 20 lbs for a few reps.

But I typically train with the fingers curled in and the bottom handle on the side of the index finger to isolate the thumbs. This requires less weight (~15 lbs) and a reduced ROM. I can hold it closed statically with alot more weight than what I can move through the full-range, even though the last little bit seems the toughest--a somewhat strange palallel to setting a gripper.

I can pinch 2-25's real easy and have been close on 35's (controlled negatives), if that helps give you a gauge.

Funny thing is my buddy, with little training, can outdo me on TTK (and the spring thumb clamps) but can't pinch 2-25's? Maybe because I've always focused on the best way I can work the thumbs and not just the numbers.

I think there are some strange leverage/technique issues in comparing different peoples TTK numbers. So I say don't worry about the weight. Just be consistent with your technique and focus on improvement.

I like 5-10 second static holds (close with 2 hands, hold with one) followed by a slow negative, and sometimes some full-ROM doubles and triples--not high reps.

Edited November 25, 2005 by rying

[Florian Kellersmann]

Thanks for your answer, rying! Yes, it's easy to cheat and that's the reason I lift the TTK about 1 inch also, like you describe.

[TelegraphKey]

I was trying to find out awhile back what kind of weights & routines are decent, also. I have a TTK from IronMind. I'm not even sure what counts as "cheating." I like to stand with the TTK mounted on something just about waist-high, or between waist & sternum, height-wise. I put my four fingers on the upper lever & thumbs on lower lever, and squeeze. Generally I go for 3 sets of 7 reps (don't know why, just do, so far). I think I'm pretty strict, though I guess my body might help on the downstroke at the beginning. But I try to close it all the way, pause for an instant, then let it out slow enough that it doesn't bounce when hands open all the way. Pause for an instant with hands open, then close again. My best so far this way (2 hands, fingers on top lever) is 40 lbs. for 7 good/decent reps. As a comparison, for a plate pinch-hold I've done 2-25's with a 10 attached (but not itself actually pinched) & have, just one time, hub-pinched a 45. I have no idea if this is any good or not on the TTK?

What's the difference or importance of training TTK with fingers on top, or on bottom? As I said, I have them on top; it's definitely stronger, but is this bad?

Edited November 30, 2005 by TelegraphKey

[TelegraphKey]

Well? Does anyone else do TTK with both hands, fingers on top, squeeze to close for reps? If so, what weight? Is this an okay style to lift in?

[Rick Browne]

From my understanding, Joe Kinney worked up to squeezing 100lbs with

two hands, thumbs on top and then removed one hand for a negative.

Just giving another perspective about how this individual trained on the TTK.

[TelegraphKey]

Wow, 100 lbs. w/thumbs on top. I believe I'm stronger w/fingers on top, & I'm just at 45 lbs. As I would predict, the world's best are about twice as strong as me as they are 2X as strong as me in the 3 powerlifts...(Well, not quite twice, but fairly close).

[Big Steve]

I like to lift as if I was doing dead lifts. Do heavies reps to 3 then as I am coming down increase reps. Wearing the thumb out. I do mostly one handed. When I go really high reps I do two handed. I have a ghetto TK It's like 3 to 1. Got me to lifting the blob fast. I like to work till I can't touch my pinkie and ring with my thumb.

[TelegraphKey]

I like to lift as if I was doing dead lifts. Do heavies reps to 3 then as I am coming down increase reps. Wearing the thumb out. I do mostly one handed. When I go really high reps I do two handed. I have a ghetto TK It's like 3 to 1. Got me to lifting the blob fast. I like to work till I can't touch my pinkie and ring with my thumb.

←

Wow, that sounds pretty hardcore. Do you have thumbs on top, or fingers on top?

I get the impression that most who do the TTK like to specifically work the thumbs more. I must admit, I use fingers on top, and it fries my fingers, & makes my hand feel stronger -- in fact, I usually feel warmed up enough to take serious attempts at my CoC gripper max.