Pinch Specialists

[Guest Jeff Roark]

I don't know if this unique to me or everyone has this problem. My problem is I have to make dozens of attempts to get to my top weight. It does not matter how warmed up I am, I cannot make big jumps. Like on my two hand pinch I start at 96lbs and jump it 5lbs per attempt up to about 155 then I have to cut it to 2.5lbs attempts. I am pretty beat by the end from all the attempts. If I were to compete I would really suck with the limited attempts because I need dozens. Does anyone else do the same?

[underdawg]

i like to do timed holds around 30 seconds to a minute.  this really warms my hands up without having to make a ton of attempts

[Guest DavidHW]

I understand completely what you're talking about. When I'm pinch-gripping the hubs of plates, I start with a 25, then move to a 35. I do each for a few reps. But then I'm faced with a calculated decision. Do I warm up with a 45 which I know I can get but which isn't my goal and is a substantial percentage of my planned max for that day? Or do I just go ahead and scatter four 2.5 lb plates around the interior of my 45 and lift the 55 I really want to? I've done it both ways (warmed with the 45 before getting 55, going straight to 52.5 or 55), and I can't say that I've noticed a difference that would make me revise my "intuitive" training. IMHO, it's a crap shoot. Go with your instincts on the day of the lift.

David

[sammyg]

hey, i warm up with a 30second hold. then it only takes me 1 or 2 attempts to reach my top weight.

[Tyrannosaurus Dave]

I think you can train to take fewer warmups the same as you can train to lift more at the end.  If your best is 170, try jumping from 96 to 130 or 140 or 150.  Try it until you get it.  If it's hard, eventually you'll get mad enough to do, since you're already strong enough.  It may not turn out to be your best workout but you probably don't set a PR every time either.  Part of it is training your mind and your muscles to perform on command.  After all, you have to recruit more fibers when the weight gets heavier.

I tried this with squats: a couple sets with 135, then add 120 pounds.  When you only do 350 or so, you get focused in a hurry.  Anyway, it's worth working on.  Let us know how it goes.