A Few Newbie Questions About Grip Training

[Lol999]

Hi all, hope someone can answer my questions, I've used the search facility but can't find the info so here goes:

1) Levers. I have no interest in bending whatsoever. Is it necessary to do levers in training? I'm currently doing them with a pick axe handle and a light weight at the end but don't have any great love for them.

2) Pinch thickness in competition. Is this selectable by the competitor and what is the usual thickness?

3) Pinch block material. I'm currently using a piece of 3x2 rough sawn timber with bare hands and I get a good grip. However, is it better toget some say box section steel and use chalk to mimic the seasoned oly plates used in comp? I only have standard hammerited plates with rims so they are not suitable.

4) What height is the bar set to in pinch competitions?

Thanks for your time.

Cheers, Lol

[mbcx6pmw]

1) I would say they are good for your all round forearm development, but not essential. Depends on your goals.

2) Yes, most opt for around 50mm, but I think the range is about 44-70mm.

3) I would think you're ok with the wood for building your strength base, but if you do plan on competing, it's best to try and at least have a few goes with something as similar as possible to what will actually be used.

4) 16"

[Lol999]

Thanks for the info. Gives me something to work with for the future.

Cheers, Lol

[EricMilfeld]

4) 16"

Don't forget that all important last half inch. It's actually 16.5".

[climber511]

Hi all, hope someone can answer my questions, I've used the search facility but can't find the info so here goes:

1) Levers. I have no interest in bending whatsoever. Is it necessary to do levers in training? I'm currently doing them with a pick axe handle and a light weight at the end but don't have any great love for them.

My two cents is that levering is critical for overall forearm development and heath - especially rotational work. Excellent injury preventative work.

2) Pinch thickness in competition. Is this selectable by the competitor and what is the usual thickness?

Here in the state - it is normal to find 44-54-64mm as the choices is competitions - you must choose which you want before beginning.

3) Pinch block material. I'm currently using a piece of 3x2 rough sawn timber with bare hands and I get a good grip. However, is it better toget some say box section steel and use chalk to mimic the seasoned oly plates used in comp? I only have standard hammerited plates with rims so they are not suitable.

The Euro pinch set up developed by David Horne is bare steel which seasons as it is used to develop a coating of chalk and some small amount of texture from use. To practice effectively for competition, something with similar width and surface should be used - if for no other reason than to develop a good idea of which width you prefer and what weights you can do. There are several possible items you could make or purchase to do this.

4) What height is the bar set to in pinch competitions?

16.5"

Thanks for your time.

Cheers, Lol

[crobb1320]

you will get way more grip on the wood than a steel pinch block,especially if its a smooth painted one,even with the chalk.

[CoC#3]

1) Levers. I have no interest in bending whatsoever. Is it necessary to do levers in training? I'm currently doing them with a pick axe handle and a light weight at the end but don't have any great love for them.

They are good for forearm size. IMO they are better than thick bar hammer curls for building the brachioradialis muscle (the big one at the top of the forearm)!

2) Pinch thickness in competition. Is this selectable by the competitor and what is the usual thickness?

Yes. Most competiitors use a 49mm width.

3) Pinch block material. I'm currently using a piece of 3x2 rough sawn timber with bare hands and I get a good grip. However, is it better toget some say box section steel and use chalk to mimic the seasoned oly plates used in comp? I only have standard hammerited plates with rims so they are not suitable.

Personally i think a wooden block is worth an extra 15kg on your pinch. I'd try and set something up even if its just a pair of narrowish 20kg plates with a scaffold tube through them so you can add weight.

4) What height is the bar set to in pinch competitions?

16.5''

[Lol999]

Thanks for the replies fellas. I'm going to stick with the levers, don't love them but I can see tjeir purpose. I'll get some 4x2 box section steel and pass an eye bolt through it for lifting. The wood I currently use is 3x2 and I find my finger ends going past the ends so it will have to be 4x2. I've4 only done pinch once so far and did singles with 45kg, so I've got a way to go yet . I'm competetive so if I can keep my training going and my hands healthy I'd like to enter a grip contest one day, but only if I'm competetive. In hindsight I could have attended this years BGC but it came at a bit short notice for me to get down, hopefully next year even if it's only to watch. Don't think I'll be ready to participate by then, but you never know.

Thanks again, Lol

[dunkster]

You've got a year to prepare for it so I say go for it! Nothing motivates more than knowing that you will be tested in a comp situation and if there is another novice category it's a win win situation cus you'll get competition experience at a relaxed level, which I found completely different than training and you'll have the best guys there to ask advice and see just how they do the amazing things they do. Don't underestimate the progress you can achieve with a years hard training, just look at the top guys training logs for inspiration of how they have progressed over a 12 month period.

[Lol999]

Let's see what happens then! I thought I read that there probably wouldn't be a Novice class next year, but I'll hopefully keep improving and use this years results as a comparator. I've just bought egg_uk's RB160 off e-bay to give me something to work towards, the kids can probably buy me a COC 1.5 for Fathers Day and I'm part way through making a 2 3/8" dia barbell using thick pipe and cast concrete ends for outdoor use. Don't know how much it'll weigh but I'll weigh it when made and put pictures in the gallery if successful.

Cheers, Lol

Edited May 26, 2007 by Lol999