Guest mikebyoung Posted May 5, 2002 Share Posted May 5, 2002 Picked up a Rolling Thunder yesterday. My first session with it I managed to lift 170lbs+handle&pin. I checked Tom Black's site and he lists a World Class RT lift at 200lbs. Seems I am kind of close for a complete beginner. Do you guys think 200 is an accurate estimate for World Class status? Is 170 farther away from 200 than I think? Could I be cheating at this lift somehow? Any opinions/insights would be much appreciated. I have almost no experience with any kind of lifting. I'd like to know where I stand. Thanks kindly, Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mikebyoung Posted May 5, 2002 Share Posted May 5, 2002 Oh, also, why is it easier to lift more weight with the RT than an Inch dumbell or replica? Same size handle, correct? Anything to do with starting with the RT handle set up higher? Details on my above lift: My body weight is 195. I used an overhand grip, thumb facing towards me. Starting height of the handle was 20" to center. Lift was right handed. 160 with my left. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nathan Say Posted May 5, 2002 Share Posted May 5, 2002 I'd say if RT starts rotating, it's easy to stop, but an Inch replica won't want to stop rolling because the weight makes the handle turn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sybersnott Posted May 5, 2002 Share Posted May 5, 2002 Mike, If you're a complete beginner (like you say), then 170 is a FANTASTIC lift for the RT. Now then.... try bumping up the weight to 200 pounds and more!! Go for it!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RSW Posted May 6, 2002 Share Posted May 6, 2002 Mike, The RT with 150lbs. held for time is an event at the US Grip championship. Maybe you should register ! Robert Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest reid73 Posted May 6, 2002 Share Posted May 6, 2002 I hate when I feel week my best on the RT so far with the right hand is about 140lbs ,but my hands are small not even close to touching thumb to finger when I grip the RT James Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Black Posted May 6, 2002 Share Posted May 6, 2002 Mike, The thick-handled lifts are probably the hardest to classify into "World Class" levels. This is simply because hand size makes such a big difference. Your lift is excellent, regardless of your hand size. I'm guessing that you are fairly tall, and if your hand is proportionate, then you have an advantage on this lift. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mikebyoung Posted May 6, 2002 Share Posted May 6, 2002 Thanks for the encouragement, guys. I didn't want to get too excited about this lift until I heard back from a few of you. I'll be training with the RT again tomorrow. I'll let you know how I do. Hopefully Saturday's lift wasn't just a fluke. Any pointers from someone on how to train with the RT? Should I go for max weight, then back down for holds? How long is a good hold? Tom, I am fairly tall, 6'2", but my hands aren't abnormally large, 7.5" long. Robert, thanks for the compliment, but me thinks I am a ways off from entering the championships. Maybe next year,eh? Grip-on, Mike. ps. Syber, I am very new at gripping(about 2 months). No weight lifting experience at all. But, I am a commercial plumber. I have been lifting pipes of this and different diameters for the past 12 years. Anyone know how much a full length(21') of 2"(2 3/8"OD) black steel pipe weighs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sybersnott Posted May 7, 2002 Share Posted May 7, 2002 Mike, Warm-up on the RT if you can, then go for a max lift! If you can do 200 pounds or more.... you might want to consider entering the RT World Championship! Watch out Brad Gillingham!!! (BTW, he can do 280 pounds on the RT). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mikebyoung Posted May 9, 2002 Share Posted May 9, 2002 On my second session with the RT I didn't do nearly as well. I tried to really focus on my form but, could only manage to get 155lbs to a locked hips position. I guess I won't be going up against Brad anytime soon! I read your post on the "sidewinder lift",Snott. Did Gillingham lift from the side or from the front of his body? I RT lift from the front but, I lift my pinch block and hub from the side. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.