Prgskidmark's Grip Workout

[bowermdw@yahoo.com]

I wanted to make a report. It's for motivation, because if in 3 months I'm still adding to this then that would be cool. And that $20 CoC #2 I have needs to get closed.

On Aug 14, 2007 for the Forearm...gripper closed thread I cranked out 23 Reps RH and 17 Reps LH. Today I wanted to beat those numbers.

My workouts will be more diverse. I ordered the Sultan's Squeeze Hub from IronMind, which I don't have yet. But, I found a hub (pulley) that is 1 3/4" which I hooked up to my loading pin.

This is my workout for today Aug 19, 2007.

It's a little crazy. It's packed with different things.

Warm Up 1 3/4 Hub Pinch @ 13.5lbs fingertip, RH - 10 Reps, LH - 10 Reps

Warm Up 1 3/4 Hub Pinch @ 13.5lbs fingertip, RH - 10 sec hold, LH - 10 sec hold

Warm Up #T, RH - 10, LH - 10

#1, RH - 28, LH - 25

#1, RH - 15, LH - 10

#2, RH - 2 Negs, LH - 2 Negs

#T, RH - 20, LH - 20

Sand bucket Open/Close, RH - 13 reps, LH - 13 reps

Sand bucket Open/Close, RH - 12 reps, LH - 12 reps

1 3/4 Hub Pinch @ 13.5lbs fingertip, RH - 10 Reps, LH - 10 Reps

Brick Ladder 1-2-3, RH - 4, LH - 4

Brick Ladder 1-2-3, RH - 5, LH - 5

TTYL,

Doug

Edited August 19, 2007 by PrgSkidmark

[bowermdw@yahoo.com]

Hey! I got my IM Hub yesterday.

This is my workout for Aug 21, 2007.

On the IM Hub all reps:

IM Hub @ 11 lbs, RH - 10, LH - 10

IM Hub @ 16 lbs, RH - 10, LH - 10

IM Hub @ 16 lbs, RH - 10, LH - 10

IM Hub @ 21 lbs, RH - 3, LH - 5

IM Hub @ 18.5 lbs, RH - 9, LH - 9

Brick Ladder 1-2-3, RH - 9 (4th brick off floor rep 1), LH - 7 (4th brick off floor rep 1-3)

Brick Ladder 1-2-3, RH - 11 (1-2nd brick only 12th rep), LH - 12

Brick Ladder 1-2-3, RH - 12, LH - 12

Sand bucket Open/Close, RH - 22, LH - 21

Sand bucket Open/Close, RH - 22, LH - 23

Sand bucket Open/Close, RH - 26, LH - 26

That's enough for today.

TTYL,

Doug

Edited August 21, 2007 by PrgSkidmark

[Wes]

How on earth can you do 28 reps on the 1 and not close the #2?? Are they full reps?

[superfeemiman]

How on earth can you do 28 reps on the 1 and not close the #2?? Are they full reps?

Yes, I think you should specify.

[bowermdw@yahoo.com]

I usually TNS, or CCS, the #1. I click out reps. The 20s are slow going, but I compress it until the handles touch. I usually do not overcrush. I always rep with handles touching. When I can't get them to touch, or my arm is on fire, I stop. And I have to walk when I rep. I get less reps if I'm stationary. I've experimented with that as well.

Before I knew the terminology I would just pick up the gripper, and rep it like I did my sporting good store gripper. Sometimes I click out reps. Sometimes holds. The #2 has always shocked my tendons. I'm not sure how to explain other than I get it down, and it stops moving. I hold, and it flys open sending a shock down my arm.

I've got the #2 down to 1/8 inch at best. The other day 1/4".

I just bought some chalk for my grip work. That might help my pinky hold on the #2. It's always rubbing and not sticking.

When I found this board, I knew that it would give me the edge I needed. I have experimented with different sets, and I've watched the videos, but I can't seem to set the #2 and get a close.

Perhaps I don't warm up right. I usually do 2 sets of 5, or 10 reps with the Trainer per hand.

TTYL,

Doug

Edited August 23, 2007 by PrgSkidmark

[bowermdw@yahoo.com]

My tendons are still sore today from the pinch workout I did. I need to drink more water.

My wife and I were discussing another try on the #2 as opposed to a repping out on the #1.

I really haven't put much effort into closing #2 in awhile.

I needed to build my reps up on #1 like I could in 2001-2, which was really the last time I put effort into the #2. And I just picked up the grippers and blew the dust off in July. I spent the last couple weeks focusing on my tennis ball and raquet ball and IMTUGs to eliminate the pain from pinching that door knob. I can squeeze the tennis ball and rotate my arm without much trouble now.

After reading about pinch gripping I decided to make the brick ladder and I put that into my workout. Now I have the hub so I'll throw that in there too.

I'll have to see how today goes if I can close the grippers.

I'd appreciate comments on the warm up as well. I think that if I was more prepared when the #2 gets to my hand it would close. And time after time of failing on the #2 has set me up for mental failure. It's tough knowing it hasn't closed, and that the #1, which I'm comfortable with, will close over and over.

TTYL,

Doug

[egg_uk]

buy the 1.5, that should help

[bowermdw@yahoo.com]

I took a few days off to rest my tendons. They weren't used to the hub lifts.

I tried a #2 attempt on video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-WrxdM_fsM

I don't feel strong tonight, and I got it to 1/4".

I then tried 2 more times each way further from closed.

I then did some #1 reps on video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GuyVByfuTQ

Man I'm nervous. I'm lacking confidence after #2 failure. Especially 'cause I was sure #2 would close.

WU #T, RH - 5, LH - 5

WU #1, RH - 3, LH - 3

#2, RH - 1/4" from close, LH - 3/4" from close

#2, RH - 3/4 " from close, LH - N/A

#2, RH - > 1" from close, LH - N/A

#1, RH - 21, LH - 22

#1, RH - 9, LH - 12

#T, RH - 16, LH - 20

So I created the youtube account and made my first videos. It was pretty neat and all. I've been closing it that way for awhile. I usually pace around though. It's hard to hold my arm like that.

TTYL,

Doug

[bowermdw@yahoo.com]

Update Sept 2

It was a busy weekend. I did some work on Saturday. My hands were tired, but warmed up. I tried the #2 again and it was a no go.

I bought some new Wilson Titanium Core tennis balls last week. With my old Penn tennis ball as a warm up, and the new "W Ti2" I'm going to up my thumb strength a little more. The old Penn 4 can be pinched almost half it's diameter, but the PSI is very low in the ball. The "W Ti2" has a lot of PSI so I can make a dent only.

I'm looking to do that throughout the week at work. I'm hoping for a Hub/Brick workout tonight if I can manage the time.

Doug

[bowermdw@yahoo.com]

Sep 4 2007

WU IMHub 11lbs, RH - 8, LH - 8

IMHub 18.5 lbs, RH - 12, LH - 12

IMHub 18.5 lbs, RH - 11, LH - 11

IMHub 18.5 lbs, RH - 11, LH - 11

Brick ladder 1-2-3, RH - 11, LH - 10

Brick ladder 1-2-3, RH - 10, LH - 10

Brick ladder 1-2, RH - 18, LH - 18

Sand Bucket Open/Close, RH - 20, LH - 20

Sand Bucket Open Only, RH - 27, LH - 30

Sand Bucket Open Only, RH - 12, LH - 12

Sand Bucket Open Only, RH - 7, LH - 10

Today I put the squeeze on the Wilson Ti 2 tennis ball at work. Also the strength on my RH touching pinky to thumb is showing improvement. Some has to do with dexterity and ability to move my pinky across, but it's progressing.

TTYL,

Doug

[mbcx6pmw]

Hi, just watched your #2 attempt and you've got the gripper too far back in your palm (i.e. towards your thumb). Try setting it with the palm handle lying roughly along the first crease near the calloused part of your hand. You'll see most people do this if you watch any mash monster cert vids. After a bit of practice you should get much closer, if not all the way. Good luck!

[bowermdw@yahoo.com]

What's up!

Let me tell you that I tried holding the gripper in an MMS position. I watched some MM cert vids, and I practiced with the #T. I tried it many times with the #T and then tried the #1. All I got to say is PAIN. It makes the top of my hand hurt something fierce. My wrist felt the pain too. I'm not sure if I like it. But, it's probably a sign of weakness at this point. More extensions and more practice I'm sure will help.

WU #T using MMS, RH - 5, LH - 5

WU #1 using MMS, RH - 5, LH - 5

#2 using MMS, RH - >1/4", LH - >3/4"

I decided to just use my deep set for the rest.

#1, RH - 10, LH - 10 (my hand's tired but I gotta bang out reps)

#1, RH - 14, LH - 14

#1, RH - 12, LH - 8

#1, RH - 6, LH - 7

#T, RH - 20, LH - 27

Well, after all that I could hardly move.

TTYL,

Doug

[bowermdw@yahoo.com]

Sept 9, 2007

Tonight I hit the bricks.

WU IM Hub 16lbs, RH - 10, LH - 10

IM Hub 21 lbs, RH - 10, LH - 10

IM Hub 21 lbs, RH - 7, LH - 8

IM Hub 21 lbs, RH - 5, LH - 6

1 3/4" Hub 16 lbs, RH - 11, LH - 8

1 3/4" Hub 16 lbs, RH - 4, LH - 2

1 3/4" Hub 13.5 lbs, RH - 7, LH - 5

Brick Ladder 1-2-3, RH - 10, LH - 10

Brick Ladder 1-2-3, RH - 12 (12th 1-2), LH - 12

Brick Ladder 1-2-3, RH - 10, LH - 10

Brick Ladder 1-2-3, RH - 9, LH - 9

Sand Bucket Open Only, RH - 50, LH - 50

Sand Bucket Open/Close, RH - 23, LH - 25

Sand Bucket Open/Close, RH - 20, LH - 18

So that was my workout today. My RH is stronger than LH on Smaller Diameter Hub, and is the opposite on Bigger.

I'm getting more reps on the brick ladder, and my thumb webbing is taking a bigger beating. Next time I'll throw in the 1-2-3-4 so I'll do less reps. I went with the Open Only on the sand bucket. I tried it last time by slamming my bent fingers into the sand and forcing the extension against the sand. It is a little different than the Open/Close which my hand stays in the sand, and I'm constantly forcing it down. But, it feels good on my knuckles when I close.

Next time I'll shock my crush grip by doing inverted closes. I've tried it and I'm weak, so I need to shock my hand. I've been doing it regular for so long. Doing the Hubs and Bricks has shocked my hand, and I like it. I've got muscles and tendons popping out that weren't there before. It's awesome!

TTYL,

Doug

[bowermdw@yahoo.com]

What's up!

Sep 11, 2007

I feel bad today. I have a sore throat, and I'm so tired. But, I didn't want to miss my grip!

I tried some inverted gripping. It felt like my skin ripped off my fingers. I wish my skin was thicker!

WU #T Inverted, RH - 5, LH - 5

#T Inverted, RH - 8, LH - 8

#T Inverted, RH - 12, LH - 12

#1 Inverted, RH - 8, LH - 6

#1 Inverted, RH - 5, LH - 2 + 3 negs

#2 Regular, RH - 1/2" from close, RH - 3/4" from close, RH - >3/4" from close

#2 Regular, LH - 1/2" from close, LH - 3/4" from close, LH - >1" from close

#2, RH - 3/4" from close, RH - 3/4" from close, RH - 1" from close

#2, LH - 1/2 " from close, LH - 1" from close, LH - >1" from close

I was a little surprised at how good I did at my #2 numbers.

I can't wait 'til next time.

TTYL,

Doug

[bowermdw@yahoo.com]

Sept 13, 2007

My throat is still bad, and my tongue is blistering. This sucks, but my grip is still strong.

My fingertips were hurting before I went into this lift. I have been pushing on the Wilson T2 tennis ball a lot at work. But, once I wiped the chalk off my fingers and the hub, it stuck to my finger pads better and I could do more.

WU IM Hub 11 lbs, RH - 10, LH - 10

IM Hub 23.5 lbs chalked, RH - 3, LH - 4

IM Hub 23.5 lbs wiped chalk off, RH - 5, LH - 5

IM Hub 23.5 lbs, RH - 6, LH - 7

Brick Ladder 1-2-3-4, RH - 10 (10th 1-2-3), LH - 10

Brick Ladder 1-2-3-4, RH - 10, LH - 10

Brick Ladder 1-2-3-4, RH - 9, LH - 9

And my brick ladder broke on last rep. Dang. The main string broke, and is worn heavily in 2 more places. Adding the 4th brick was too much for it.

The 2 previous workouts with it my thumb's webbing was tearing. So this time I cut 1 inch of elastic band from a sock, and I put it around my wrist and thumb webbing for protection. I was able to pull a lot more pain free. I had to watch it with the extra weight because a few of the reps I twisted my wrist to put leverage on the brick so it wouldn't slip. I put effort into keeping my fingers 90 degrees.

Lifting these bricks has made my forearms stronger, and bigger. Now that 1-2-3 is easy perhaps I will reconfigure for 1-3-4, and strengthen the main string.

TTYL,

Doug

[bowermdw@yahoo.com]

Sept 16, 2007

CoC night. I'm tired, but I have to get it in.

WU #1, RH - 5, LH - 5 (grabbed #1 by mistake, found #T sitting afterwards)

#1, RH - 15, LH - 15

#1, RH - 15, LH - 15

#1, RH - 15, LH - 15

#1, RH - 15, LH - 10

#1, RH - 15, LH - 5 followed immediately by #T, RH - 10, LH - 10

I changed my set for these. I set the gripper more in the center of my palm like the MMS vids, and assisted until all fingers were on the gripper.

I was hoping for 3 sets of 20, but at 15 I could feel the weakness.

My diet has been bad, and I have had no water today, just softdrinks. I know it's bad, but I played EA's skate. And I watched 5 episodes of Burn Notice. I sat on the couch most of the day.

TTYL,

Doug

[bowermdw@yahoo.com]

What's Up.

Sept 18, 2007

Hitting the bricks. I reconfigured the ladder for 1st brick then brick 2&3 tied together, and then brick 4. I'm gonna get a chain for the center and then tie bricks along the chain. Next week I'll add a 5th brick. I'm getting stronger.

WU IM Hub 16 lbs, RH - 10, LH - 10

IM Hub 23.5 lbs, RH - 9, LH - 9

IM Hub 23.5 lbs, RH - 9, LH - 9

IM Hub 23.5 lbs, RH - 8, LH - 10

Brick Ladder 1-23-4, RH - 13, LH - 13

Brick Ladder 1-23-4, RH - 12, LH - 13

Brick Ladder 1-23-4, RH - 11, LH - 12

After the workout I realized my right hand is a lot more tired. But, I need to get more strength in my left hand to help with gaining on the right in other challenges. Boo to the Yah.

TTYL,

Doug

[bowermdw@yahoo.com]

Sept 20, 2007. From last night.

CoC day.

The tendons in my left wrist are feeling pain during gripping. I'm going to back off a bit this coming week.

WU #T, RH - 5, LH - 5

#1, RH - 18, LH - 18

#1, RH - 18, LH - 18

#1, RH - 18, LH - 15

#T, RH - 20, LH - 20

I should have done extensions, but I will knock those out at a later date.

I rebuilt my brick ladder. I bought a chain for the side support of the ladder. I put bricks 2 and 3 on top of each other. Then I put brick 4 a short distance under 3, and then brick 5 under that. I made the chain 4 feet high, but when I pick up the top brick with both hands to get the 5th brick off the floor it will still be above my belly. Well I will just have to get stronger.

I might give myself until Sunday night my tendons should have repaired, but I'm still not sure. I can't wait to hit the bricks. And my 17.5 lbs of olympic weight for my loading pin has maxed out. I need to go buy another 10 lbs. I was cheap and got only what I needed at first. So perhaps I will use a strap with the carabiner and hub and strap 25-30 lbs of standard plates to lift.

TTYL,

Doug

[knyaz]

good workouts, good luck with your progress

[bowermdw@yahoo.com]

Sept 27, 2007

Hitting the bricks.

My ring fingers' tendons are still sore after 1 week off. I worked 'em anyways.

WU IM Hum 18.5lbs, RH - 5, LH - 5

#T, RH - 5, LH - 5

IM Hub 26 lbs, RH - 5, LH - 5

IM Hub 26 lbs, RH - 5, LH - 6

IM Hub 23.5 lbs, RH - 9, LH - 10

Brick Ladder 1-23-4 (5th added), RH - 4 rep 1&2 5th brick, LH - 4 rep 1 5th brick

Brick Ladder 1-23-4 (5th added), RH - 6 rep 1 5th brick, LH - 5 rep 1&2 5th brick

Sand Bucket Open Only, RH - 35, LH - 39 (lost count)

Sand Bucket Open Close, RH - 30, LH - 30

The skin on my thumb was really shocked when I hit brick 5. It felt like it was gonna rip off. It fatigued my hand quickly. It was very awkward and heavy.

Well I'm not sure about how my tendons will be tomorrow. I'll have to wait and see. I may put the hub lifts off for a little longer.

TTYL,

Doug

[bowermdw@yahoo.com]

Sept 30 2007

Last night was CoC night. My tendons didn't have pain, but I didn't seem to have the strength. No pain is good. The lack of strength I think is because of the increase in work done on Hub Brick night.

WU #T, RH - 5, LH - 5

#1, RH - 5, LH - 5

#1, RH - 20, LH - 20

#1 w/GH, RH - 4close + 2open, LH - 6open

#1 w/GH, RH - 3close + 4neg, LH - 7neg

#1, RH - 14, LH - 11 + 3neg

#T, RH - 25, LH - 25

I tried doing a couple sets with the Gripper Helper. I thought about using them, and I saw the recent thread about them. I've never really liked the Gripper Helper, but it was alright. The GH made closing the #1 harder even though they were kinda in the way.

I need to find a way to make gains now. I'm thinking about trying the welding gloves next. I read about that from John Brookfield.

TTYL,

Doug

[bowermdw@yahoo.com]

Oct 10, 2007

Got to grip! I was sick last week. I had the flu and I couldn't eat or drink much. My first full meal was this Monday. And so I starting on my stair climber and today my grippers. My tendons really needed the break too. I was so strong today.

WU #T, RH - 5, LH - 5

#1 w/GH, RH - 10 open, LH - 10 open

The close was strong for both, but the GH got in the way so they didn't really close.

#1 w/GH, RH - 5 close + 5 open, LH - 10 open

I managed to get the GH out of the way for 5 clicks of the handle, but no luck with the LH on close. Both hands were strong.

#1, RH - 20 close, LH - 16 close + 4 open

#1, RH - 15 close, LH - 9 close + 6 open

#T, RH - 20, LH - 20

So I decided that if either hand reps more I will do the reps but leave them open. I believe this approach will lead to more strength. But, I'll see. Either way gains were made during rest!

TTYL,

Doug

[bowermdw@yahoo.com]

Oct 17 2007

Coc day. I had another week off. Traveling. Playing games.

I wasn't so strong with the Gripper Helper and #1, but after 2 sets with the GH I closed the #1 very strong. So I'm not sure. Another day maybe.

WU #T, RH - 5, LH - 5

#1 w/GH, RH - 9close + 1open, LH - 3close + 7open

#1 w/GH, RH - 6close + 2open, LH - 1close + 7open

#1, RH - 24close, LH - 19close

Well that's that.

TTYL,

Doug