Gillingham High Performance Grippers

EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

Wade Gillingham of Gripper Superstore has just released his own NEW line of
torsion spring hand grippers that look to set the new standard in quality and
features.

Check out the list below of NEW features that came from the mind of a Grip Monster himself. Not to mention TONS of experience in the field of Grip Strength:


1) Variable knurl depth - aggressive on the palm side, less aggressive on the finger side.

2) Virtually indestructible dome label on the handle ends give GHP grippers a unique look and make gripper identification a snap whether open or closed!

3) SmartMark™ grooves on the handles indicate where to put the gripper in your palm and where to place your fingers. Move your fingers up the handle to make the gripper more challenging.

4) Radius edges give GHP grippers a streamlined look and don't beat up your pinky like the industry standard chamfered end.

5) High carbon content Oil Tempered springs are polished for appearance and lubricated with a high tech odorless, colorless synthetic lubricant.

Wade currently offers levels 1-9 with a level 10 coming in early January.

CLICK on the title above to go straight to his website!!!

STAY TUNED for a detailed review with close-up pictures of these TOP OF THE LINE grippers from Wade Gillingham @ Gripper Superstore!!!

Neural Training For Grip, Pt. 2

Important Points:

1) Adjust the range of motion, ROM you'd like to train.

2) Position your hands just like you would in a gripper close specifically the ROM
you move your fingers through.

3) Keep the weight at a level to where you can really blast through the ROM with
full force.

4) Concentrate of just firing your fingers. Don't use your arms, legs or back to raise the weight.

Part 3 will cover ballistic/isometric movements done with bands in a way that isolates each finger separately.

I encourage experimentation with these ideas and to record all your data and progressions.

Stay Tuned!!!

CRUSH! Total Gripper Domination

Today I want to introduce to you the BEST information on DVD that I've reviewed to date on Gripper Training and it's called "Crush! Total Gripper Domination" by Jedd Johnson.

I just finished watching the whole series of videos yesterday (took 2 days)and
I was impressed to the core with all the content Jedd covers in these DVD's! I can't think of hardly any detail he left out. This information is valuable to the beginner, advanced, and elite level individuals who desire to progress with grippers including torsion spring type grippers and adjustable grippers such as David Horne's Vulcan.

Grippers have to rank as one of the all time favorites as a test of one's hand strength, specifically crush strength. These grippers are used in nearly all grip contests held world wide in some way or another.

I would strongly suggest if you'd like to get better at closing BIG grippers or just getting an upper hand on your competition in your crushing strength you need to purchase CRUSH from Jedd! You simply can't go wrong in my opinion. And if it matters my opinion comes from an involvement in grippers and grip strength related feats since 1979 and I possibly own one of the World's Largest Gripper Collections of nearly 200 grippers from various makers and suppliers.

Get your copy today by clicking here: CRUSH: Total Gripper Domination

Tell him Mighty Joe sent you!

Just so you'll know I'm not making any profits from these sales. I simply believe from experience that this information is top notch, up to date, and comes from a guy with an extreme passion for all areas of Grip. For those of you who may not know, Jedd Johnson is a living icon to the Grip Community and no one contributes as much as Jedd does to this fantastic sport!

THANKS for supporting Jedd Johnson's work and efforts to better the Grip World!!!

Neural Training For Grip, Pt. 1

Some finer details I missed or failed to mention in my video are listed below:

1) Although I was focused primarily on motor neurons which transmit impulses away from the brain and spinal cord (CNS) there's 2 other classes of neurons I didn't expound upon and those are sensory neurons and interneurons, Sensory neurons transmit impulses to the spinal cord and brain from all parts of the body. Interneurons
are connecting neurons that conduct impulses from sensory neurons to motor neurons.

2) The nervous system that leaves the CNS and branches out to the remaining nervous system is the peripheral nervous system (PNS).

3) Motor neurons fire and cause muscle contractions. Muscle fibers themselves don't fire as some falsely believe.

4) Main point of the video explanation is how the CNS through rate coding can increase force output to the hands from performing explosive movements which I termed as ballistic type movements. Rate coding is where the frequency at which the motor neurons fire is increased and the summation of this increased frequency causes more force output.

5) My next video in the series will cover another method of ballistic training with a grip machine.

Stay Tuned!!!

CUSTOM GRIPPERS @ PYTHON GRIP

Several months ago I received several grippers from Yuri @ Python Grip out of Israel.

Before getting into the specifics of the grippers I would like to apologize to my good friend Yuri

for the delay in this posting of some OUTSTANDING torsion spring hand grippers with custom engraving.

Notice in the picture of the 2 grippers side by side that the gripper on the left has a left hand wound spring while the gripper on the right has a right hand wound spring. Also, the one on the right was custom made to my specifications with black, knurled handles, silver spring, RGC calibrated @ 140, custom engraving of "Mighty Joe" on one of the handles. Not to mention the grippers are pre-seasoned and oiled before calibration is done. This is what makes Python Grippers a stand out in the gripper market because of the detailed customization you can get with your purchase or you can simply choose to get a gripper with RGC and no custom engraving. Either way Yuri will make it perfect just for your needs and desires. I might also mention the knurling on these grippers is near perfect as one can get. It's a finer knurling yet aggressive enough to prevent the gripper from moving with your set.

This is my second posting about Python Grip because I'm so impressed with his products, especially the hand grippers but I also wanted to show what his custom engraving looks like. Yuri also carries arm wrestling tools, bending tools and other grip related products at a very fair price even coming all the way from Israel.

Click on the pictures for larger viewing!!!

You can visit Python Grip @ www.pythongrip.com and tell Yuri Mighty Joe sent you.

You will not be disappointed in what Yuri has to offer at Python Grip!!!

May your mind and body work together in perfect balance!!!

Speed Squats Today

Warm-up = goblet squat singles for time, bar x 10, 110 x 8

Work sets for speed = 5 x 150 for 6 sets performed fast as possible, especially out of the hole

and without giving up correct form.

Correct form = Set-up= Neutral neck, thoracic extension (big breath), lumbar extension, shoulder width+ stance, feet toed out 30 degrees. Decent = sitting back and down, knee out upon descending (femur inline with feet), rebound from hamstrings, IAP throughout descent and rebound back to start. All reps are full ROM!

Before and after Squats did some shoulder mobility/stability work.

Drag Curls w/ easy curl bar, 4 x 10 @ 65

Horizontal pull-ups, 3 x 10

Push-ups/ front elevated (prehab/rehab)

Went for 10 minute walk.

Consumed 50 grams of Whey Protein

Foam Roller for improved tissue quality in legs, hips, and shoulders.

May your Body & Mind work together in balance!!!

Have a Grip Day!!!

Knowledge vs. Understanding

This is a topic I've wanted to write about for sometime now but didn't have the chance and lately, the time.

But due to a personal experience I had with an individual this week I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to write upon this subject of knowledge and understanding and what makes the difference.

For about a year now I had been having online discussions with an individual that seemed very knowledgeable about certain aspects of human anatomy and it's relationship to strength training,

particularly squatting.

For the sake of brevity, I had an opportunity to meet up with this individual this past week and

got to discuss face to face the very things we had been discussing online. As the conversation began I quickly realized this may not in fact be the individual I had been talking online with at all. The reason I say this is because it became rather obvious this guy didn't have a clue what I was saying nor did he recall his previous positions on the subject. Curiosity got the best of me and I finally had to interject and ask him what is going on here. You are not the same person I have been talking to online or you've suffered amnesia along the way.

As it turns out this was in fact the right person but what I didn't know is where the guy was getting his information (knowledge). He explained to me in a very sincere way that as we had online discussions he was Googling nearly every aspect we had during our discussion. Bottom line

is this individual did not have understanding of the subject matter at all but he had the knowledge at his fingertips during our online discussions.

What's wrong with this one may ask? Well, I guess there's nothing inherently wrong with it except for the fact that you're misleading another individual into believing you truly understood what it was we were talking about without mentioning you were looking things up as we went. Makes a big difference on how you are perceived to others you talk to online especially when done in the manner this individual did it in.

This brings me to the whole point I would like to make on this story. Due to the internet and technology anyone can seem to have a good understanding of a certain subject matter as long as they're behind a keyboard typing away but the question is, who are you fooling? The answer is you're only fooling yourself not to mention being deceptive.

I believe a lot of this has to do with peoples egos. They don't like to admit they don't understand something so they appear as if they do through the various internet search engines widely available online. You can have knowledge of something but not have a clue as far as understanding the knowledge you gathered to appear educated on the matter.

I can only speak for myself but knowledge without understanding is wasted memory space in your brain. If you really want to know something at least go to the trouble to understand whatever it is you're interested in knowing. Remember, anyone can get online and appear to be knowledgeable, but not everyone wants to go to the trouble to have understanding because this takes effort and nowadays effort seems the last thing on many peoples minds. What matters to them is the fastest way to success with the least amount of effort with no appreciation for those that shared the knowledge in the first place.

This was a real eye opener for me and I learned a lesson along with the way. Do your research if you want understanding and not just knowledge.

May your mind and body work together!!!

PR's - 2HP & Hub Lift

Recently I made a 2 Hand Pinch Device (pictured to the right) similar to a Euro Pinch Implement used in grip contests around the world.

After helping my wife (Tonya) with her practice session I decided to try for a PR and I did

exactly that. I lifted 133.2 lbs which is up 5 lbs. from 6 days ago.

My device is made from to #35 plates placed together smooth side out with York Spin Collars

securing them tightly together to form a 60mm wide pinching surface. It's my understanding that

if you practice with this type of set-up you can usually average 10-20 lbs. more on the actual Euro Pinch Implement. I hope this is correct as I just recently started practicing this lift.

My wife has gotten really good at this lift too. She set another PR today of 118.8 lbs. Up 5lbs.

from 6 days ago.

Also tried some hubbing today and set another PR of #45 plate with an additional 5lbs. added.

I don't practice this lift often but when I do I seem to be stronger every time.

Tomorrow is squat day (my favorite movement) so stay tuned for some numbers.

Stay STRONG and may your body and mind work together!!!

Vulcan Lever Attachment

Here's a video of an attachment I made for my Vulcan to help
strengthen your wrist while developing your crushing strength
at the same time.



Stay STRONG!!!

GREAT QUOTE WORTHY OF POSTING

There's numerous high level strength and conditioning coaches/trainers I admire and have the utmost respect for and Dan John would have to be at the TOP of that list.

With this being said I would like to share with my readers a quote from Dan
John that is worth etching into your brain:

"THE KEY TO BEING A GREAT COACH IS TO NEVER THINK YOU'RE TOO GOOD TO LEARN AND CHANGE"

Not only does this apply to being a great coach it just as easily applies to athletes as well. There's certain individuals out there today who believe that the buck stops with them and that everyone else is wrong and deluded. The sad truth is these individuals will never reach their goals much less help anyone else achieve theirs. They spend so much time trying impress others with their knowledge that they miss out
on many opportunities to learn from others including their own clients.

There's much I could say here but I believe my point is made. Try and have a growth mind set (what can I learn from this) and avoid the fixed mind set ( I already know everything). If you're willing to learn by listening and sharing knowledge your whole
outlook and progress will dramatically increase towards your strength and fitness goals.

One last thing, if anyone claims to have ALL the answers and try and teach you that only they have the best system out there and everyone else is wrong, AVOID this type of individual and their thinking. It will drag you down and keep your goals in a negative bubble unable to escape.

Hope this quote from a GREAT coach helps you move towards your goals.

Stay STRONG and may your mind grow along with your body!!!

Cambered Squat Bar & Squatting

A week ago I orderd a Cambered Squat Bar from Anson at Silverback Strength Equipment
and boy am I pleased with this Bad Boy!

Anson's service was fantastic! Shipping was quick and right on time! The bar
is made from 2" thick scheduled pipe with plate stops welded on the bar. The bar is
painted a flat black and weighs right at 25 lbs.

A little background is in order to understand why I purchased the bar and why others should do the same.

As many of you know I was involved in professional arm wrestling for over 15 years
and after many matches and hard training sessions it took its toll on my shoulders.
I now have excess slack in my AC joint and my ROM is limited in my shoulder area
for doing proper back squats.

Solution? The Cambered Squat Bar! This bar changed everything in one single session. No shoulder pain or discomfort at all. None! It took a few sets to get used to the center of gravity being off center as opposed to straight bar squats but it sure makes a big difference.

To the right is a picture of my new bar loaded on my squat rack. This is picture the day I got it which was yesterday.

Hats off to Anson at Silverback Strength Equipment for making and offering such a fine piece of equipment to the public!!!

Stay tuned for a You Tube video review of this bar in action!

No Pain More Gain!!!

Update!!!

Just a quick note to let my followers know that I'm thinking of keeping a running
training/practice log here on my blog like I used to.

Let me know what you think!

Have a Grip Day!!!

Python Grip = High Quality Grippers

I just recently learned of a guy in Israel by the name of Yuri Gechelin
who is now making and selling custom torsion spring hand grippers.

His website can be found here: www.pythongrip.com

Several things sets PythonGrip apart from the rest which include:

(1) All of Yuri's grippers are RGC calibrated.

(2) He offers both left and right wound springs.

(3) Gripper resistance can be specified for your order.

(4) Custom engraving offered on your gripper.

(5) Python Grip is engraved on one handle. This is standard on every gripper.

(6) Offers both knurled and smooth handles and different colors as well.

(7) Springs can be ordered in standard silver or black. Springs are treated with zinc
to prevent rusting.

Yuri sent me one of his grippers with a left hand wound spring with black aluminum
handles pictured to the right. The gripper calibrated at 95.7 lbs.

The gripper is very attractive, well built, and feels GREAT in the hand.

Yuri has made grippers for MONSTERS such as Sergey Daragan, Gabriel Sum, and Alxey Pritula.

Be sure and visit Yuri's website and see what he has to offer. Super friendly and knowledgeable as well. Center picture is the Python gripper beside a Captains of Crush gripper

Newest Grippers To My Collection

Here's a picture of the newest addition of torsion spring hand grippers
to add to my ever growing collection destined to be the Worlds
LargestPrivate Collection!

These are the AtomGripz line of hand grippers. I purchased this set from Wade
Gillingham at the Gripper Super Store on the Grip Board. Click on my link to
the Grip Board to JOIN NOW!
Hope you enjoy the picture!

The grippers are rated by the number of bands on the handles. Currently
there are 6 grippers with 1 through 6 bands.

The 6 band gripper is a MONSTER and in my opinion will NEVER be closed by human hands.

I have a complete review over at the Grip Board.

Stay Strong!!!

IF YOU CLOSE A COC #4, THIS ONE'S FOR YOU!

Yesterday I was doing some macro photography work and decided to
shoot some gripper pics and after numerous frames I selected several
images for a little post production work and PRESTO out came this wonderful
image of a Captains of Crush #4 Gripper!
I first posted this image on the Grip Board as a dedication to ALL the
individuals on the Grip Board that have successfully closed a COC #4 gripper.

Stay tuned because I have an incredible image I'm working on for ALL the COC
#3 closers too.

Hope you enjoy the image!

Stay STRONG!!!

NOTE: ALL images by Joe Musselwhite are copyrighted.

Gripper Setting Exercise