Old Dax Posted May 8, 2004 Share Posted May 8, 2004 Hi there, My name is Dave, I'm 44YO and a former competitive Powerlifter, now retired through serious L5/S1 disc trouble. I used to lift in the BWLA. I help run our Powerlifting Club, based at the local University (Lancaster,England). I used to lift as a 125kg or 125+(both fat), but now weigh about 110kg and working on getting to about 105kg. I still train my bench (doesn't everyone?). I have T/#1/#2 and #3 COC grippers. I have touched the #2 once and can get near most times, I aim to close the #3. I think forearm development is sadly lacking in many trainers - one guy at our gym even asked me, in a very puzzled tone, "why are you training forearms?" my answer was "because they are there!" Bending looks very interesting, the IM bag of nails is very expensive (~£68) so that will be put on hold for now. I know I could order bars from the address posted here but I'm unsure where to start. Question, lots of guys talk about timber ties for volume / beggining, is there a UK equivalent? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JWare Posted May 9, 2004 Share Posted May 9, 2004 My name is Justin Ware. I found this board a long time ago, but didn't start visiting regularly until about 8 weeks ago. I've posted a few times, but not much as I do not have a lot of knowledge and experience concerning grip training. I am very interested in the application of strength training principles to the grip arena. I just finished my Bachelor's degree at Ball State (went through graduation ceremony today actually), majoring in Accounting. I am starting my Masters in Accounting this summer. I just finished my third year on the powerlifting team and am looking at losing some weight over summer and comtemplating competing at a lower weight class. I am currently in the 181 lbs. class and looking at going into the 165 lbs. class as I am carrying a few extra pounds of fat. As far as grip training goes, I am doing the KTA program with the goal of closing the #2 and my goal is to be able to close the #3 at the Arnold in '05 and be certified as a Captain of Crush. I am also looking at starting to train grip using other methods once I am done with this KTA cycle. I posted a question about grip training tools for those who have not been to that part of the forum and would appreciate everyone's advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryA Posted May 10, 2004 Share Posted May 10, 2004 Hi there, My name is Terry Astridge and I've been gripping properly for the last year or so. At first it was just grippers, but now it has culminated to quite a few more facets. At the moment I am training with a 7lb sledgehammer, IM pinch block and grippers. I'm 19 years old, 140lbs and when I first got the IM grippers (about 2 years ago) I couldn't close the Trainer in either hand, usually off by about half an inch. I trained seldomly for the next year or so, I think it took about 6 months before I closed the Trainer. Once I found this board things began to take off. I closed the #1 about October 2003, then have been training for the #2 since. In 6 months I went from 10mm on the 2 to erm, 10mm on the 2 , but in the last week have made all of these mm up and closed it last night! I've since been thinking that a specialised crush program isn't for me, and I do much better trying to hit more areas at once, not just in a comparative sense, but an absolute sense too. I've been a constant lurker on this forum, abusing the search function and researching anything I can get my hands on. This forum is definitely the #1 place for grip strength . My only regret is that I didn't start sooner! I've put my #2 close in my gallery, not the best of pics, but the achievement I'm most proud of to date. Terry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gunnar Bozeman Posted May 10, 2004 Share Posted May 10, 2004 I'm Gunnar. I found Bender's website from a post Bob Lipinski posted at the P&B (my home), and now I am addicted to grip strength. My 1 year goals are to bend the IM blue & 60Ds, pinch 2 35's & a 40 lb. blob, and leverage a 10 lb. sledge. I need to buy more than the trainer gripper, but I'm afraid it will deter from my bending. If I can get a reoccurring routine, I will keep a log. For now I am absorbing the info on this board and trying to find a bending style. Gunnar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommyboy Posted May 13, 2004 Share Posted May 13, 2004 Hi, I'm Tom and I live in Cedar Rapids, IA. I came across the CoCs on another forum, got curious and now I'm hooked. My 40th birthday is in about 4 months and my immediate goal is to close the 2. I could barely close the T when I got it 3 months ago, now I can do 4 reps RH on the 1. I'm anxious to learn more about technique and training approaches, so far I haven't applied any consistency in grip training. I'm really in it for the pure challenge, not really an athlete of any kind, though I have started lifting this year. This board looks like a great place to learn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maidenfan Posted May 15, 2004 Share Posted May 15, 2004 Hello, 34yrs, 6'3" ~275. Coming off a year layoff from grip training due to injuries. Current goal is the break the northwest RT record (251lbs - Corey St. Clair). Somewhere in the low 220's now, so I have a ton of work to do. I'm mainly concentrating on thumb strength and thick bar stuff right now. Any tips would be helpful. As with a lot of you I assume, I've collected a ton of grip strength tools in my gym. MG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
urbandruid Posted May 16, 2004 Share Posted May 16, 2004 (edited) Hey, I'm Rick. 20 years old, 6' tall 180 lbs (or there about). I'm a sherdogger orignally, so you may know me from over there (but you probably don't). In addition to doing power/oly lifting routine I've begun training my grip more seriously with MMA and fighting in mind. The only "feat" (and I use the term lightly here) I have successfully accomplished is being able to close the number 2 gripper. Yeah, weak. I know, but it's getting there, and for my goals crushing strength isn't a big priority. Hope to work up to pinching 2 25's in short order though. Just made a log in the routine section if you're interested in exactly how much stronger than me you are. Edited May 16, 2004 by urbandruid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meat Loaf Posted May 16, 2004 Share Posted May 16, 2004 The number 2 gripper is NOT weak. It is more common here, but it is far above most men's strength to be able to close it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingkull Posted May 17, 2004 Share Posted May 17, 2004 Hi, my name is Kai Dale and I live in Sola, Norway. I am 39 years old, 185cm and 88kg. I started with weight training about 1 year ago and with grip training some 8 months ago. A former colleague of me brought a CoC trainer with him at work an let everybody try it. I was the only one able to close it. That kind of got me hooked on grip training. Sadly he didn't remeber the name of the gripper and I tried for more than a year to find it on internet. Then last autum I found a link to Ironmind on a Swedish bobybuilder internet site and I order a CoC #2. After some 5 months I was ablle to close the #2. I have then ordered the #3 and #4 and last week a RB240 gripper. My goal is to close the #3 and maybe the #4. Due to an injury in my right elbow I am only able to griptraining with my left hand. I have no serious goals with my weight training other than trying to keep my body in good condition. Today I work as a mechanical engineer and spend most of my working day in front of a computer so it is not a bad idea to do some training to keep in good shape. So my next goal now is to close the RB240 and then go for the #3. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Amundsen Posted May 18, 2004 Share Posted May 18, 2004 I am me. 5' 11 1/2" 260 lb and I'm 28 years old. I'm an amateur strongman competitor. I don't train grip unless it's related to an upcoming event in a SM competition. I've lifted the 154 inch db and even moved the inch a few inches off the ground. I used to bend 60 penny nails back in 2000. I've closed a #2 and I think (beef builder master, bob would know which one for sure, the one just below the #3). I hope this fits the criteria. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JAG Posted May 19, 2004 Share Posted May 19, 2004 Jeff Giordano, 26yrs old, I live in Pontiac IL. I'm basically into anything related to strength and strength training. I joined the grip board to learn how to make my hands stronger, I've closed a #2 and bent a few TT's, pinch grip so far is my biggest weakness. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fedaykin01 Posted May 19, 2004 Share Posted May 19, 2004 Hi there,My name is Dave, I'm 44YO and a former competitive Powerlifter, now retired through serious L5/S1 disc trouble. I used to lift in the BWLA. I help run our Powerlifting Club, based at the local University (Lancaster,England). I used to lift as a 125kg or 125+(both fat), but now weigh about 110kg and working on getting to about 105kg. I still train my bench (doesn't everyone?). I have T/#1/#2 and #3 COC grippers. I have touched the #2 once and can get near most times, I aim to close the #3. I think forearm development is sadly lacking in many trainers - one guy at our gym even asked me, in a very puzzled tone, "why are you training forearms?" my answer was "because they are there!" Bending looks very interesting, the IM bag of nails is very expensive (~£68) so that will be put on hold for now. I know I could order bars from the address posted here but I'm unsure where to start. Question, lots of guys talk about timber ties for volume / beggining, is there a UK equivalent? You don't have to buy a bag of nails. You can just find the equivelents and buy them at a hard ware store. HRS is pretty cheap and the only other thing you need is a pair of bolt cutters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
don chi Posted May 20, 2004 Share Posted May 20, 2004 Hey gang. I'm 35 and weigh about 175 at 5'11'. I'm new to formal grip training unless you consider years of mason and carpentry work training. I recently purchased a CoC #1 and was able to close it pretty easily with my right for reps, the left was a little behind that. I guess it was from the work with my right. My question is do any other masons or other manual laborers here do much extra work. I don't know if it will seriously overtrain me. Thanx ahead of time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Dax Posted May 23, 2004 Share Posted May 23, 2004 Thanks Fedaykin01, Any UK equivalent to timber ties? Old Dax Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MisterRiddle Posted May 24, 2004 Share Posted May 24, 2004 I'm a new guy to the board, been lurking a little while. Like Brian Amundsen, got conned into doing the Michigan Grip Championships by Bob Lipinski, which is where (aside from grippers) I tried most of the grip feats for the 1st time. Here are my lifts, which are my PRs and also illustrate my stark weaknesses: Gripper: Beefbuilder Supermaster (I was between 1/16 and 1/8" of closing Bob's #3) I do all my gripper work no set. Ironmind Pinch Block: 35 lbs. This sucks. Bending: 7" 3/16 IIRC, no bend. Could do the 1/4" practice real easy, but just couldn't get this. Rolling Thunder: 195 lbs. (First time doing RT deadlifts) Appolon's Axle Hold for Time: 305 lbs., 21 seconds Only other lift of interest for grip is double overhand deadlift: 405 lbs. My strengths are obviously thick bar and the grippers. Pinch grip and bending I suck at. I'm a mix of O-lifter, powerlifting, and now grip. I've done one O-meet, plan on doing a push-pull in July, then another O-meet in August. Will train gripper and close the #3 by year end with no set. Should be able to improve my bending as well. Stats: 6' 4", 245 lbs., 29 y/o. Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kcsportsdoc Posted May 24, 2004 Share Posted May 24, 2004 Hi all. My name is Kevin and I am brand new to the world of grip. I have recently begun work with the CoC Trainer and #1. I am doing pull-ups with rope and the Eagle Grip loops. Currently, I'm waiting on the RT handle and other equipment. This board was recommended by a couple of bender boys on the DD forum (Brent Jones and Don Stevenson) who've really inspired me to see how far I can take this. I'm 40. 5'11'', 178 and have been training for over 20 years. I'm am a chiropractor and CSCS. My training consists of runnning (HOC-type), heavy bag work, kettlebell lifting, clubbell lifting, O-lifting, stretching and now, grip training and preliminary forays into bending. My goal is to use grip training and bending as tools to help become "hyper-functional". I'm looking forward to learning from you all. Thanks, Kevin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lich Posted May 24, 2004 Share Posted May 24, 2004 Jeez, I am sorry I missed this thread. That was inconsiderate of me, having already posted elsewhere... my apologies. Better late than never though. I'm 24 yrs old, half German descent and half American descent. I live in Idar-Oberstein in Germany, which is close to the Luxembourg border (Look on the map for Saarbrücken, and I'm just a hair to the northeast). I've been involved in some kind of training since I was 12 yrs old... although not superbly effective. I went through the Pump Phase, going to the Gym and so on, doing curls, etc... but it wasn't until my last year in the U.S. Army, when I was 22 yrs old, that a real change took place in my training. I bought the book "Power to the People", and that lead me to guys like Ed Coan and Brooks Kubrik and the old time strongmen, and from there I went to Kettlebells, and from there got interested in Grip training just last fall/winter. With regard to grip strength, I made the mistake of buying a #2 first, thinking "how hard can it be?" I soon found out, and that was my intro into the world of crushing. I ordered a #1 shortly thereafter and was surprised that I could close it... but not everytime. I met Steve Aish on another fitness board which I have since been banned from due to me helping people get cheap KB's from Russia... business conflicts... and Steve wrote a grip routine based entirely on the grippers, and called it "The Clamp." I have used his routine regularily, with my own slight modifications, and it's taken me to conquering the #2 with both hands, and nailing 19mm on the #3 with my strong hand. In the meantime, I have developed an interest in bending also - but I am horrible at it. I can't even handle a 6,0 mm x 180 mm hardware store nail without bracing. I don't know if it's wrist strength, technique, or a combination of both that fails. But I will improve. As my training evolves, I find that I am constantly gearing more and more of my practices to center around grip. Anything which does not focus on grip, or is not at least grip critical, is thrown out of my training. Although I have other strength and training pursuits, my obsession seems to be with the #3 right now. That's weird, don't you think? A lot of times, we as people tend to want to be better at something that will have a lot more "show" value than closing a gripper... things like bent pressing 300 lbs or something... and I found in the past, that many of my previous goals were centered around what and how I wanted other people to see me, and not around what I really wanted to do myself. ...does that make any sense to you? Then I ordered the book "Captains of Crush: What they are and how to close them", and read it 3 times (on my fourth time now). Joe Kinney's segment of the book was what slapped me in the face and put me in focus... specifically this quote, "Funny how the competition turned to grip strength - maybe it's just natural. Don't fight it." At that point I realized that all my other fitness pursuits were good and valid, but what I really want is to close the #3... and with a lot of hard work, someday the #4. I had heard of this board before, and did a search for it. Then I joined (yesterday) and here I am. Sorry to the administrators for not posting this intro first. I totally neglected my manners. Anyway, that's that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Octogen Posted May 24, 2004 Share Posted May 24, 2004 Hey Kevin good to see you on here! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
undertaker666 Posted May 24, 2004 Share Posted May 24, 2004 Chad Mitchell, 19 years old, 6'5 275lbs. I've been training grip since febuary and i should close my COC #3 any day now. My goal is to one day have the strongest grip in the world. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sybersnott Posted May 24, 2004 Author Share Posted May 24, 2004 My goal is to one day have the strongest grip in the world. I like your attitude! It's your screenname that scares me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Tinney Posted May 26, 2004 Share Posted May 26, 2004 Hi everyone, I'm an old gripboard lurker - haven't trained grip in about two years. For about two years I trained grip very hard with the COC's, an Ivanko, and some nail bending to assist with my grappling training. After about a year of work, I had finally gotten consistent with closing the #2 COC. Since then, I had given it up with multiple moves around the country and work related stuff going on and had also dropped off in my grappling training. I am currently training to run a marathon, which happens next week (wish me luck!). I recently got a new job with more flexibility and was clearing out my home office when I found the COC grippers and set them on my desk next to my computer. Imagine my surprise when I busted a few warmups on the #1 and then closed the #2 right handed. I really didn't expect to have kept any of those gains, althouth I have been doing some club swinging over the last year. Anyway, that inspired me to check out what was going on here at the gripboard. I am 28, 5'10'', about 170 lbs. I can't remember what name I used to post under here before. Looking forward to moving into a strength and grappling cycle after finishing this marathon, and, of course, reincorporating some grip training. Now to catch up on some reading - I imagine alot has happened in the last two years. Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Infojunkie Posted May 27, 2004 Share Posted May 27, 2004 (edited) Hi I am Michael from Australia I was referred to this site by the local Captains of crush distributor here. I’m 34 a fat 113kg down from 127kg instead of the fit and healthy 90kg when I left the Army in 98 (IT will do it to you). I haven’t worked out at all for about 4 years but still like to read about what’s going on. I bought a powerball after reading about it in a mag and thought it would be fun to have at work for a challenge (my best is 12200rpm) While browsing about this and the records I stumbled across the world of grip strength and have been hooked. After reading up I got a COC trainer, #1 and #2 delivered to work, when they arrived I opened them in order and crushed the trainer with left and right, crushed the #1 right hand only and also closed the #2with my right. Now the plays over the real work starts and I know how far I have to go. I will gather together some more equip and get to it. The PVC blob sounds good and a pinch block. Edited May 27, 2004 by Infojunkie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustinH Posted May 28, 2004 Share Posted May 28, 2004 My name is Justin and I live in British Columbia, Canada. I'm 21 years old and have been lifting weights on and off since I was 14. I've only gotten serious within the last year and have just started powerlifting in the last 6 weeks. I've recently gotten interested in grip strength and related feats of strength. I have gotten a bunch of people at my gym to start working their grip(mostly pinch grip so far). I don't have a lot of strength yet but plan on bringing it up to a high level. I can close the CoC #1 an easy 20-25 times(not a big deal but a start) and am waiting for the #2 to come in the mail. I also have some various sized nails that I am going to bend one of these days. My current Max lifts are: Deadlift 455, Strict bench press 275, squat 315. I plan on competing in a powerlifting competition this November and a couple years from now breaking some provincial or even National records. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustinH Posted May 28, 2004 Share Posted May 28, 2004 My name is Justin and I live in British Columbia, Canada. I'm 21 years old and have been lifting weights on and off since I was 14. I'm 6'1'' and 220 pounds at about 15% bf. I've only gotten serious within the last year and have just started powerlifting in the last 6 weeks. I've recently gotten interested in grip strength and related feats of strength. I have gotten a bunch of people at my gym to start working their grip(mostly pinch grip so far). I don't have a lot of strength yet but plan on bringing it up to a high level. I can close the CoC #1 an easy 20-25 times(not a big deal but a start) and am waiting for the #2 to come in the mail. I also have some various sized nails that I am going to bend one of these days. I can pinch 2 25's off the ground for about 10 seconds. My current Max lifts are: Deadlift 455, Strict bench press 275, squat 315. I plan on competing in a powerlifting competition this November with a 525 deadlift, 450 squat(with suit) and a 330 bench(with shirt). My goals are: to get a national record in the Junior Men's IPF, bend a thick nail, tear a phone book and deck of cards, Close the CoC#4, Pinch 2 45's, hub pinch a 45 and any other feats of strength that comes my way. I think that says quite a lot. I couldn't modify my other post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anders Posted June 2, 2004 Share Posted June 2, 2004 Hi.... My name is Anders, im 23 years old, and from Denmark. A newbie inhere, but also in the sence of grip training... My interest started when i read an articel on the COC grippers... and how few who has closed them, actually it was about Magnus Samuelson. Well then i bought COC 1,2.... and started taking them with me to the gym when i trained, people there was completely chocked... as well as impressed... never had we seen such tools for grip training.. and now the gym owner wants to have them hanging in chains in our gym.... - But anyway, then a couple of days ago me and 2 others placed a bed.... TO FULLY CLOSE A NR.3 in 2004....... so thats why i joined here.. to learn about training these monsters.... and i dont want to shake hands on birthdays anymore Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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