Donati's Log Of Steel Bending, Grip And Powerlifting

[Buccos1]

Tue (11/11)

Deadlift

(2x3) 135

(2x3) 225

(2x2) 315

(1x2) 405

(1x2) 425 - add suit/straps down

(1x1) 465

(1x1) 515 - straps up

[Anthony C.]

(1x1) 515

:yikes

[Buccos1]

Wed (11/12)

2-hand Pinch - 44/50mm

(2x3) 95

(2x3) 115

(2x2) 135

(2x1) 145

(1x0) 150

Axle Deadlift - Double Overhand

(1x2) 215

(1x1) 235

(1x0) 255

Grippers - Silver Bullet

#1 -- 5 seconds

#1.5 -- 5 seconds

GHP5 -- 5 seconds

DU - IMPs

Yellow Nail

1/4 x 6.5" Grade 5 (black)

DU - BBW

1/4 x 6.75" Grade 8 (black)

I did some comparisons with width on the Euro today. Going with a slightly wider grip is the way to go, I think. It was way more solid on 135/145 than with the 44mm width. I probably would have gotten the 150, if I didn't do so many attempts before it. I didn't get a tear, but my thumb pad was starting to get ripped up/sore. This was the first workout on the Euro in awhile that most of my attempts went well. By the time I got to the axle, my left hand was hurting, which threw me off a little. Got 255 about half-way up.

[Buccos1]

Sat (11/15)

Squats

(1x5) 135

(1x3) 225

(1x2) 315

(1x2) 405 - add briefs

(1x1) 455

Axle Deadlift - Double Overhand

(1x3) 125

(1x3) 215

(1x1) 235

(1x1) 245

(1x1) 255

Ironmind Hub - Holds

5 seconds -- 45

5 seconds -- 55

5 seconds -- 60

Plateau Buster Swings

(1x8) 105

(1x8) 195

(1x8) 285

Horseshoe - 1.2" suede

Diamond Bronco PL000 - 175 degrees

DO - IMPs

Yellow Nail

1/4 x 6" Grade 5

Red Nail

First time trying the PB swings in awhile, and they felt heavy!

[Buccos1]

Sun (11/16)

2-hand Pinch

(1x3) 50

(1x3) 100

(1x3) 120

(1x1) 135

(1x1) 145

(1x1) 150

(1x0) 155

(1x1) 155

(1x1) 160

(1x0) 165

I drove out to Brent's today to get some work in on the Euro, and some pointers. All numbers are approximate, as I wasn't really keeping track. The 160 might have been 159, but was an all-time PR for me. (Previous best was 155) I got some work in with a few grippers and the Silver Bullet, and got to go through the medley Brent had set-up, which was pretty awesome. Josh was there too, and we got to do a little bending.

[jvance]

Nice pinch session, training w/ other strong guys always brings out the best results. Training w/ Kody helped me tremendously in understanding the finer points of grip. Same w/ Chris though I wish I could have trained w/ him more. Chris has got a way of not only teaching how to get stronger, but also learning how to learn and think intuitively. Since then the training ideas and PRs have been steady.

[Buccos1]

Nice pinch session, training w/ other strong guys always brings out the best results. Training w/ Kody helped me tremendously in understanding the finer points of grip. Same w/ Chris though I wish I could have trained w/ him more. Chris has got a way of not only teaching how to get stronger, but also learning how to learn and think intuitively. Since then the training ideas and PRs have been steady.

Thanks man! Yeah, it is definitely great training with others occasionally, especially if they are stronger than you on what you are trying to improve on. I have trained alone mostly for the past 25+ years. But, last year, I was benching with a few guys (bigger and stronger than me) at the local gym and my bench hit all-time PRs, regardless of bodyweight. It helped too with just trying to keep pace with them, both of which were strong 250+ bodyweight.

[Buccos1]

Tue (11/18)

Bench Press

(2x8) 135

(1x5) 185

(1x3) 225

(1x3) 245

(1x3) 275

(1x3) 305

(1x15) 225

Lying Kettlebell Extensions

(2x5) 35

The garage was COLD tonight! I ended up doing a few more sets/reps than I usually do on bench, because of the cold.

[climber511]

Nice pinch session, training w/ other strong guys always brings out the best results. Training w/ Kody helped me tremendously in understanding the finer points of grip. Same w/ Chris though I wish I could have trained w/ him more. Chris has got a way of not only teaching how to get stronger, but also learning how to learn and think intuitively. Since then the training ideas and PRs have been steady.

Thanks.

[Buccos1]

Thur (11/20)

2-hand Pinch

(1x3) 45

(1x3) 95

(1x3) 115

(1x1) 125

(1x1) 140

(1x1) 145

Axle Deadlift - Double Overhand

(1x1) 215

(1x1) 235

(1x1) 250

Rolling Thunder

(1x1) 112.5

(1x1) 120

(1x0) 125

Adjustable Thick Bar

(1x1) 112.5

(1x1) 172.5

(1x1) 200

Ironmind Hub Holds

55 - 5 seconds

55 - 5 seconds

60 - 5 seconds

Grippers - MMS

(1x3) #1

(1x3) #1.5

(1x3) #2

(2x0) #2.5 - 123lbs.

Grippers - Silver Bullet Hold

RB 240N -- 5 seconds

GHP 6 -- 0 seconds

2-hand pinch felt OK, but started to slip when I got around 140. I was messing around with the Silver Bullet a little, and tried my GHP6. I have a tough time setting this gripper, but almost got it for a hold. I think with some practice, I will be able to get the GHP6 for a few more seconds.

[Buccos1]

Sat (11/22)

Squats - briefs

(1x5) 135

(1x3) 225

(1x2) 315

(1x2) 405

(2x1) 455

Squats were rough today. My "good knee" was hurting a few hours before my session today. Having this be a regular thing, I knew it was 50-50 it would pass by the time I was ready to go. But, by the time it was squat-time, I was still having some instability with it, especially when I was putting weight on it. Wrapping my knees helped a little, but none of the reps were super, as I was really taking it slow walking it out and setting up, for fear of dumping the weight. Not happy with the first 455, I took it again and hit a decent rep.

[Buccos1]

Mon (11/24)

2-hand Pinch

(1x3) 45

(1x1) 95

(1x1) 115

(1x1) 135

(1x0) 150

Grippers - Silver Bullet

GHP5 -- 5 sec.

GHP6 -- 0 sec.

GHP6 -- 2 sec.

GHP6 -- 3 sec.

Ironmind Hub - Holds

55 -- 10 sec.

60 -- 5 sec.

1" V-bar

(1x1) 155

(1x1) 190

(1x1) 225

GripTopz Stub

(1x1) 25

(1x1) 30

(1x1) 32.5

Today started off pretty tough! I had a kidney stone--a large one--and ended up in the ER. By evening, I felt better and decided to get some work in. The Euro, as always was hit-or-miss. I got the last set up an inch, then it slipped. I didn't want to risk a tear and moved on. I haven't done the Silver Bullet that much in training, but have not been able to get my 131lb. GHP6 set to hold it. Today was the first time I was able to do that. I doubt I'm going to have much luck with the #3 at Gripmas, unless my set improves dramatically in the next week.

[Buccos1]

Tue (11/25)

Bench Press

(1x8) 135

(1x5) 185

(1x3) 225

(1x3) 275

(1x3) 305

Speed Bench - Chains

(7x3) 155

Bamboo Bar Bench

(3x12) 75

Lying Kettlebell Extensions

(1x8) 35

(1x6) 35

Dips

(2x8)

[JHenze646]

I had a kidney stone--a large one--and ended up in the ER. By evening, I felt better and decided to get some work in.

That's tough. Kidney stones are no joke.

Try taking smaller jumps on the 2HP. With more successful lifts your technique should get stronger.

[jvance]

Solid^

[Buccos1]

Wed (11/26)

Axle Deadlift - Double Overhand

(1x3) 125

(1x1) 215

(1x1) 235

(1x0) 260

Grippers - Silver Bullet

GHP5 - 5 sec.

GHP6 - 5 sec.

Grand Master (140lb.) - 2 sec.

#3 - 0 sec.

Reverse - BBW

Yellow Nail

1/4 x 6" Grade 2

F x 6" (355lb.) - 20 deg.

Little-by-little, my set has gotten better on the heavier (GHP6+) grippers. I was able to get a solid set with my GHP6 today and actually get a hold with my 140lb. Grand Master. I tried reverse bending for the first time in years today, and it felt pretty awkward. I never really liked bending reverse, choosing instead to focus on DO and DU. But I figured I'd give it some minimal attention with Gripmas coming up.

[Buccos1]

Fri (11/28)

Rolling Thunder

(1x1) 67.5

(1x1) 100

(1x1) 110

(1x1) 120

Reverse - BBW

1/4 x 6" Grade 2 (2)

1/4 x 6.5" Yellow Nail

F x 6" (355lb.) - 10 degrees

DU - IMPs

Yellow Nail

F x 6" (355lb.)

DU - BBW

1/4 x 7" Grade 8

Grippers - Silver Bullet

RB 240N - 10 sec.

[Buccos1]

Sat (11/29)

Squats

(1x5) 135

(1x3) 225

(1x2) 315

(1x2) 405 - add briefs

(1x1) 455

[Buccos1]

Sun (11/30)

2-hand Pinch

(1x3) 70

(1x3) 95

(1x1) 115

(1x1) 125

(1x1) 135

(1x1) 145

Ironmind Hub

(1x1) 40

(1x1) 50

(1x1) 55

(1x1) 60

Grippers - Silver Bullet

#2.5 - 5 sec.

#3 - 0 sec.

[Buccos1]

Mon (12/1)

Bench Press

(1x5) 135

(1x5) 185

(1x3) 225

(1x3) 275

(1x3) 315

Close-grip Bench Press

(2x8) 225

Lying Kettlebell Extensions

(1x8) 35

(1x5) 35

Dips

(2x15)

My strength is slowly returning to where it was ... bench felt pretty good today. I really need to get back to twice-a-week sessions.

[Buccos1]

Tue (12/2)

Axle Deadlifts - Double Overhand

(3x3) 215

1" V-bar

(1x1) 115

(1x1) 150

(1x1) 200

(1x1) 220

GripTopz Stub

(1x1) 25

(1x1) 30

(1x0) 35

Grippers - Silver Bullet

#2.5 - 5 sec.

#3 - 0 sec.

DO - IMPs

Yellow Nail

1/4 x 5" CRS

1/4 x 7" square

Horseshoe - 1.2" suede

SCF Lite Rim #00

I planned to take it easy this week, but usually have a tough time doing that. The LR00 surprised me a little, and ended up giving me a pretty good fight.

Gripmas is in a few days, and I am really looking forward to competing and hanging out. I am not that great at the events being contested, but have progressively gotten better at each, and will continue to work at thickbar and the Euro. That said, I might not even be able to get one second with the #3 on the Silver Bullet. It wasn't until recently that I was able to actually set a 3, so not sure how that's going to go.

Here are my goals for Gripmas:

Silver Bullet: 1 second

2-hand Pinch: 160

Axle: 265

Medley: ?

I also want to get in some bending after the events are over, if any one's up for it.

[barbe705]

your grippers are taking a big jump. keep working the set and you still have more in you. and stop bending those stupid tiny shoes.

[Buccos1]

your grippers are taking a big jump. keep working the set and you still have more in you. and stop bending those stupid tiny shoes.

Thanks man. After Saturday, my focus for the new year (among a few other things) will be getting the MM0 cert. Some of the stuff I've done lately with grippers seems to be working ... so just going to keep at what I've been doing.

LOL Yeah, easier-said-than-done with the small shoes. Just when I seem to get away from them, they pull me right back in.

[Buccos1]

Sat (12/6)

Gripmas

12/6/14

Bodyweight: 194

Captain of Crush Silver Bullet Hold

#3 -- 15 seconds

2-hand Euro Pinch

145 - good

150 - miss

150 - miss

150 - miss

Axle Deadlift - Double Overhand

235 - good

250 - miss

250 - miss

250 - miss

Medley - 6

It was another great competition. For me, my results were somewhat of a disappointment, particuarly with the axle. But my numbers weren't too far off of where I should have been. I weighed in a lot lighter than I though i would too. The night before, I was about 197-198, and did a little water loading/restricting, but wasn't expecting to come in as light as I did.

Going in to the first event (Silver Bullet), my goal was 1 second. I had not had success with my #3 and getting any time with the hold in the few weeks leading up to the competition. The past two workouts with the Silver Bullet and #3 saw me barely getting the set, and just missing holding on to the device ... just a quick click. So, when it was my turn with the #3, I was focused on giving it everything I had on the crush, to get that 1 second. (Prior to the attempt, my last warmup was with a quick close with a 2.5, which felt awesome, so I was feeling pretty good going in, but not super-confident.) I stepped up the the gripper, picked it up, while trying to get in a good position for the Silver Bullet move from the platform to the gripper. After realizing I was starting to psyche myself out a little, I just went for it. As I was setting the handle, the movement felt strong, and I was able to get a solid position, then went for the SB. (Half of my attempts at home, saw this behavior fail, as I wasn't able to keep the handles in position as I tried to pick up and position the device.) But it felt seamless! For the first time, I was able to set the #3 and had the Silver Bullet with disc in position. As the clock was moving in the first few seconds, I was kinda in shock/disbelief that I was actually getting time with the #3. I had the gripper up way too high too, for fear of if I moved, it would have dropped. If I would have gotten in proper position right from the start, I might have gotten more time.

I've been doing a lot of work with heavier grippers in the set this past month, and it finally seems to be paying off. One of my primary goals for the new year will be to cert the MM0. Moving on to the Euro, I was starting to feel a little beat up on my thumb webbing on my stronger-side hand. During warmups, the set-up didn't feel that great, as I was having a little trouble getting my thumb in the right position. On my first miss with 150, it was really close, and I should have stayed with it for a half-second longer. My last attempt with it was weak, and barely broke the floor.

On the axle, 235 came up super-fast and felt great. So, I jumped to 250, thinking I could get it fairly easy and still have two shots at 265-270. The 250 came up fast, and was nearing lockout, then started to roll. Just couldn't hang on. I tried it again, and it was another close attempt ... just couldn't hang on at the top. The final attempt was weak.

The medley was tough. It looked like I had no shot at about half of the items. I was able to get 6 things. After having watched people go through it, I might have gotten 2 or 3 more, if I would have tried, attempting them properly. (I went first on the medley, and wasn't familiar with several of the things ... actually attempted a few things incorrectly.) It was still fun to go through it though.

All-in-all, it was another great competition. I learned a lot of things by watching some of the guys compete and picked up a few things talking to competitors throughout the day. The competition has been top-level at both Gripmases I have gone to, but if anyone is on the fence about attending one of these, just sign up and go if you are able to! You will learn a ton and meet a lot of great people.

Edited December 8, 2014 by Buccos1

[Anthony C.]

Solid performance Carl! Excellent work with the silver bullet, it's always nice when you surprise yourself,and I'd say your other numbers are pretty darn good too!