Getting Stronger In The Overhand Position

[Clay Edgin]

Pat and Eric both note that they have gotten stronger in the overhand position and that they no longer require such a large kink to get the bar started.

I wonder if this is because of increased flexibility in the upper shoulder area, especially the traps? Being less "bound up" when the nail is under your chin would allow you to apply more force to it with greater control.

These guys are undoubtedly strong enough to bend the red nail in any position, but do you think it is due at least in part to the increased flexibility?

[Bob Lipinski]

This is my very uneducated guess:

It seems like the mixed grip position supports your wrists more, but offers worse leverage for the upper body muscles. Once you get your wrists to a certain strength, perhaps you can effectively transfer enough upper body power to make the overhand more effective.

[EricMilfeld]

Bob's theory sounds very plausible.

My shoulder flexibility might be somewhat better than yours, Clay, due to the bodyweight difference, but I don't think my own shoulder flexibility has increased during the course of my bending training. But judging from your videos, Clay, it looks as if you aren't in the most efficient position. Maybe that's as close as you can get, due to your size? This is an interesting question.

[Clay Edgin]

I do realize that I am pretty inefficient when it comes to bending and would appreciate any tips you could offer based on what you saw in the videos. Since "discovering" the crush under the chin for myself last night, I won't be doing any more crush downs on my chest except for the last little bit!

[austinslater]

I still havent figured it out and feel totally bunched up when bending underneath the chin so Im bending everything at chest level once I flip it over from underhand to overhand. Ill have to mess with it more for sure.