tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345913662024-03-06T00:38:29.808-05:00Napalm Jedd Johnson of the Diesel CrewJedd Johnson, CSCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00041224965696982917noreply@blogger.comBlogger619125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34591366.post-31540229554842583792013-08-30T06:33:00.000-04:002013-08-30T06:33:00.343-04:00Can You Close #3 Gripper Without Serious Strength Training?Question: Can you close big grippers like the #3 or #3.5 without also doing training devoted to developing strength?<br />
<br />
Does Strength Training benefit your pursuit of a big crush?<br />
<br />
Will you be able to close these grippers faster if you do full body strength training on top of it, or will that just tire out your hands, hurt your recovery, and slow down your path to your goals?<br />
<br />
In this video I give my thoughts on whether you can close heavy grippers, like the #3 and above. <br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/25P2NwzEKwI" width="420"></iframe></center>
<br />
<br />
I hope this helps you to decide whether or not you should supplement your gripper training with other full body strength training.<br />
<br />
All the best in your training.<br />
<br />
Jedd<br />
<br />
<b>Are you looking for more guidance in your Gripper Training, then check out my <a href="http://thegripauthority.com/gripper-dvd/crush-dvd2.htm/" target="blank">Gripper Training DVD</a> </b><br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://thegripauthority.com/gripper-dvd/crush-dvd2.htm/" target="blank"><img src="http://www.thegripauthority.com/gripper-dvd/images/crush-header.png" width="420" /></a></center>
Jedd Johnson, CSCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00041224965696982917noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34591366.post-43390308150262895562013-08-29T11:25:00.000-04:002013-08-29T11:25:01.047-04:00What To Do About Serious Triceps PainThis reader wrote in and asked what he should do about serious pain in the triceps/elbow area.<br />
<br />
He is having pain so bad that it hurts when all he does is flex his tricep.<br />
<br />
In this video, I talk a bit about what I have done in the past and what I think he should do in order to address and fix his tricep pain.<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/DiKR_j2MYw8" width="420"></iframe></center>
<br />
<br />
All the best in your training,<br />
<br />
Jedd<br />
<br />
<b>P.S. If you are having elbow pain like </b><b><b><a href="http://jedddiesel.fixelbow.hop.clickbank.net/" target="blank"></a></b>tendonitis, tennis elbow, golfers elbow or medial and lateral epicondylitis</b><br />
be sure to check out <b><a href="http://jedddiesel.fixelbow.hop.clickbank.net/" target="blank">Fixing Elbow Pain</a>. </b><br /><br />
<center>
<a href="http://jedddiesel.fixelbow.hop.clickbank.net/" target="blank"><img src="http://www.dieselcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/fixing-elbow-pain-banner.png" width="420" /></a></center>
Jedd Johnson, CSCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00041224965696982917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34591366.post-78167052682375590462013-08-28T11:18:00.000-04:002013-08-28T11:18:22.273-04:00Q & A Videos - Coming Soon to Napalm's CornerHey there.<br /><br />I have been posting to this blog very rarely, but am going to be doing more.<br />
<br />
I have been doing a lot of Q & A videos on YouTube, and I don't always get the chance to put them up on DieselCrew.com, so now once they are uploaded, I will be posting them here.<br /><br />If there is anything specific you'd be interested in asking me about Training, please feel free to post in the comments section.<br />
<br />
Thanks and all the best in your training.<br />
<br />
Jedd<br />
<br />
P.S. New Videos will begin coming your way tomorrow!Jedd Johnson, CSCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00041224965696982917noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34591366.post-36563715360170696032012-11-02T16:49:00.000-04:002012-11-02T16:49:00.207-04:00Simple, Effective, and Cheap Bullet Proofing<br />
<div>
Ever wonder what it takes to bullet-proof yourself?</div>
<div>
That is what I am going to graze the surface of today.</div>
<div>
<br />
</div>
<div>
<b>But first, I want to thank you all for being my </b></div>
<div>
<b>subscribers</b>. In the past couple of weeks, we have </div>
<div>
added many new names to the list of passionate</div>
<div>
strength enthusiasts who have come on board.</div>
<div>
<br />
</div>
<div>
To all of you, <b>welcome aboard</b>.</div>
<div>
<br />
</div>
<div>
<u>Now on to today's topic, bullet-proofing</u>.</div>
<div>
<br />
</div>
<div>
By bullet-proofing, I am talking about <b>doing </b></div>
<div>
<div>
<b>everything you can to avoid injury</b>. </div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<br />
</div>
</div>
<div>
There are so many ways you can get hurt if you</div>
<div>
train hard and play hard. You have to always be</div>
<div>
thinking ahead.</div>
<div>
<br />
</div>
<div>
We have to stay flexible, mobile, stable, strong, </div>
<div>
elastic, reactive - and the "buzz words" go on and on.</div>
<div>
<br />
</div>
<div>
One of the injuries that is most important to prevent</div>
<div>
is wrist injuries.</div>
<div>
<br />
</div>
<div>
They might not keep you from playing, but they </div>
<div>
often just nag you at random times. They're gone </div>
<div>
long enough for you to forget them and then all of </div>
<div>
a sudden they come up to bite you.</div>
<div>
<br />
</div>
<div>
Soon, they get into your mind and before you</div>
<div>
know it, you are thinking about all the time, even</div>
<div>
when you aren't even playing sports or training in </div>
<div>
the gym.</div>
<div>
<br />
</div>
<div>
My specialty when it comes to injury prevention is</div>
<div>
the lower arms. In my experience, if you train them</div>
<div>
from all angles in balance, your risk of injury and</div>
<div>
accompanying worry is greatly reduced, so check </div>
<div>
out this post on<b> <a href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/prevent-injuries-for-baseball-players" target="_blank">how to prevent wrist injuries</a></b> on</div>
<div>
<div>
my other website, DieselCrew.com. </div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<br />
</div>
</div>
<div>
This article contains 4 exercises that you can do with</div>
<div>
the equipment you most likely already have to start</div>
<div>
building your hardened exoskeleton and bullet-proofing</div>
<div>
your lower arms and hands.</div>
<div>
<br />
</div>
<div>
And if you don't have the stuff, you should get it, </div>
<div>
because they are all priceless pieces of training gear</div>
<div>
for the grip and forearms.</div>
<div>
<br />
</div>
<div>
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/prevent-injuries-for-baseball-players" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b></b></span></a><span style="color: blue;"><b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=34591366" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="">Grip and Forearm Training to Prevent Injuries </a></b></span></div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = </div>
<div>
<br />
</div>
<div>
Hope you enjoy it. Any questions, just leave a</div>
<div>
comment at the site.</div>
<div>
<br />
</div>
<div>
All the best in your training and bullet-proofing efforts.</div>
<div>
<br />
</div>
<div>
Jedd</div>
<div>
<br />
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
P.S. Like I said above, there are many things you need</div>
<div>
to be aware of to stay at 100%. Today's post will get</div>
<div>
you started on one of them. Implement these things</div>
<div>
today so you can make yourself more injury-resistent. </div>
<div>
</div>
Jedd Johnson, CSCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00041224965696982917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34591366.post-57085491998518047142012-11-01T16:43:00.000-04:002012-11-01T16:43:00.490-04:009 Tips on Injury Prevention<div>
Over the summer, I was performing Strongman </div>
<div>
Shows at the Fayette County Fair in Dunbar, PA.</div>
<div>
</div>
It was a great time and the kids
<div>
and parents alike seem to have enjoyed watching</div>
<div>
me bend horseshoes, tear cards, and bend spikes</div>
<div>
while lying on the bed of nails.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
This was the first time I ever performed</div>
<div>
Strongman Shows of this kind, so it </div>
<div>
was a bit of a learning experience.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
One of the main things was having to go from </div>
<div>
totally cold to being able to perform at a very </div>
<div>
quick rate, to avoid injury.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
So, I am going to list a few of the things I am</div>
<div>
doing to stay injury free while doing the shows.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I realize not all of you perform strongman </div>
<div>
exhibitions, but if you compete at Grip Sport,</div>
<div>
Strongman, Powerlifting, or other sports where</div>
<div>
you cycle <b>bouts of activity and inactivity, then </b></div>
<div>
<b>keep these tips in mind</b>. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>1. Stay Hydrated</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I have written several times about the importance</div>
<div>
of staying hydrated. Your muscles just won't work</div>
<div>
if you don't have enough fluid in your body, and </div>
<div>
a couple days have been in the 90's so fluid loss </div>
<div>
happens quickly.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
To stay hydrated, I hit my regular two glasses of </div>
<div>
water when I wake up in the morning, and</div>
<div>
continue to do so throughout the day.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
This has kept away the dreaded full body cramping</div>
<div>
that my buddy John Beatty warned me about due</div>
<div>
to lack of hydration and salt. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>2. Get Enough Vitamins</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
After the first day, I was feeling run down and </div>
<div>
realized I wasn't getting enough fruit and veggies.</div>
<div>
I have still not found a booth selling this stuff</div>
<div>
at the fair so I bought a bunch of oranges, bananas,</div>
<div>
berries, nuts, and mixed veggies at Walmart. </div>
<div>
This made a huge difference for me.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>3. Get Enough Salt</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I mentioned the nuts that I am eating throughout</div>
<div>
the day. I also have a back of sunflower seeds.</div>
<div>
From my old baseball days, I can crack sun-</div>
<div>
flower seeds like a champ. I don't do it during</div>
<div>
the shows of course, but they are helping me</div>
<div>
keep some salt going into my body.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I also grab a few slices of bacon from the </div>
<div>
breakfast bar and stick those in a little baggie and</div>
<div>
much on those between shows. Some sea salt </div>
<div>
would probably be better, but I am making good </div>
<div>
with these sources. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
That's about it for me dietary approach. Now,</div>
<div>
onto some more physical tips.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>4. Solid Warm-up</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Starting 15 minutes before each show, I am </div>
<div>
running myself through a warm-up to get</div>
<div>
my joints well-lubricated and ready to go.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I start out with some rolling on my cardboard</div>
<div>
pipe (foam rollers are cool, but I like this better).</div>
<div>
I hit my lower back, rib cage, lats, glutes and </div>
<div>
hamstrings to get rid of some adhesions, </div>
<div>
promote more blood flow, and adjust my</div>
<div>
thoracic spine. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>5. Back Wrap</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I have just a cheap-o Walmart Back Wrap that </div>
<div>
I use to keep my lower back warm. It works as </div>
<div>
well as anything else I have tried. There are </div>
<div>
more expensive options on the market, but I </div>
<div>
bought this when I was on the road for a </div>
<div>
Strongman contest back in the day and have </div>
<div>
loved it ever since.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>6. Nettles Patch</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
On the inside of my back wrap I have two </div>
<div>
patches which also contribute to blood flow</div>
<div>
into the lower back called "Netical Patch." </div>
<div>
While walking through Nettles can make you</div>
<div>
break out into an annoying rash, someone </div>
<div>
figured out how to turn them into an awesome</div>
<div>
patch. These come from Nettle Farms Inc., and </div>
<div>
their website is transdermalinnovations.com, if </div>
<div>
you are interested in checking them out.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>7. Don't Sit Down</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I try to avoid sitting down during the time I am</div>
<div>
at the fair like I am trying to avoid the black</div>
<div>
plague. If I need to rest, I generally try to lean</div>
<div>
against a wall instead of sitting down. I do</div>
<div>
enough sitting down while working to last me </div>
<div>
the whole day, plus when I do, it makes me cool</div>
<div>
down and makes my hips freeze back up.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>8. Layer Up</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Believe it or not, once I get all sweaty during</div>
<div>
a show, once I stop, if the breeze is going I</div>
<div>
start to feel cold, so I immediately throw on</div>
<div>
an extra tee shirt. Rain has been hitting the</div>
<div>
fair off and on, and keeping layers on between </div>
<div>
shows has helped to keep me from catching</div>
<div>
a chill when it is storming and when the sun</div>
<div>
goes down.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>9. Elbow Sleeves</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I am susceptible to elbow pain, and I am doing</div>
<div>
more bending over the course of these 6 days</div>
<div>
than I have in the last year, so I am being extra </div>
<div>
cautious and wearing my elbow sleeves during</div>
<div>
the shows.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
This is just one of the many ways you can keep</div>
<div>
elbow pain like tennis elbow and golfer's elbow.</div>
<div>
If you are susceptible to this as well, check out</div>
<div>
our ebook, <span style="color: blue;"><strong><a href="http://jedddiesel.fixelbow.hop.clickbank.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="">Fixing Elbow Pain</a></strong></span>. In it I cover dozens</div>
<div>
more practices you can do to prevent elbow injuries.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Well, DIESELS, there are 9 things you can do to </div>
<div>
prevent injuries, whether you are doing Strongman</div>
<div>
performances, competing in Strongman, Powerlifitng,</div>
<div>
<div>
or Grip competitions, or doing any other kind </div>
</div>
<div>
of sport or activity that involves periodic lulls</div>
<div>
of action over the course of several hours.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
All the best in your training,</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Jedd</div>
Jedd Johnson, CSCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00041224965696982917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34591366.post-44894446207515789522012-10-31T16:37:00.000-04:002012-10-31T16:37:00.061-04:00Building the Better Mousetrap<div>
I bet you have heard someone, some time in your life mention "building the better mousetrap."</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Did you know that <strong>Ralph Waldo Emerson</strong> is credited with first making this statement about innovation and ingenuity, but <strong><u>actually he said something completely</u></strong> different and was misquoted several years after he died.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
It's true - I just read it on Wikipedia, so it has to be right?</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Anyway, the mousetrap is something we can all identify with. I bet
most if not all of us have used mousetraps to catch a mouse or rat at
one time or another. And many of us have heard it snap in the next
room, but when we go to check and see if we got the mouse, we sometimes
find that it was able to steal the piece of cheese and get away before
getting caught.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Thus the need for a "better mousetrap." </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Well, I guess you could say that the Hand Grippers and Gripper Machines are the mousetraps of the Grip World.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We've all got some type of gripper or grip machine. Maybe they are
torsion spring grippers (like the Captains of Crush), adjustable spring
grippers (like the <span style="color: blue;"><strong><a href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/vulcan-page.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="">Vulcan Gripper</a></strong></span>),
or maybe they are floor-model grip machines with moving parts that you
add weights to in order to modify the resistance (there's LOTS of
these).</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
Well, I am writing today to tell you about a training device that
may just be "The Better Mousetrap" when it comes to Gripper Machines, <span style="color: blue;"><strong><a href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="">Pop's Grip Machine from Sorinex</a></strong></span> <= = Click the link for a video review of it.</div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Here's what sets Pop's Grip Machine apart from other...</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
If you have experience with Torsion Spring Grippers like the Captains of Crush, you know that the <u><strong>hardest part about closing the gripper is the last little bit of space between the handles</strong></u>. You might sweep your #3 gripper down to 1/8th of an inch, but then it might stop dead in its tracks.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
Pop's Grip Machine mimics this increase in difficulty through the
use of some special "attachments" you can use that come with it. Watch
my review video to see what I mean.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<u>This is like no other device I have seen</u>. If you want to see something the Better Mousetrap of Grip Machines, then I suggest you check this link out: <span style="color: blue;"><strong><a href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="">Pop's Grip Machine from Sorinex</a></strong></span> (fr.ee review - I receive no commission if you buy one) </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I thought this was a really cool concept. I am interested in what you think, too, so feel free to leave a comment.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
All the best in your training.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Jedd</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
P.S. If you are frustrated with your gripper training, check out my DVD, <span style="color: blue;"><strong><a href="http://thegripauthority.com/crush-dvd.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="">CRUSH: Total Gripper Domination</a></strong></span>. It has helped many people break through their gripper training plateaus. Check out what Richard Marby had to say: </div>
<div>
<em> </em></div>
<div>
<em>"<span>I've gone from 2-3 closes on a CoC 2 to 6 in about a month of work, and grip is
not my primary goal right now. Thanks for a great DVD!"</span></em></div>
<blockquote>
</blockquote>
<div>
<em><span> </span></em></div>
<div>
<span>Sometimes, all it takes is a little guidance to make huge
gains in your training. You provide the effort and hard work, and I can
help you out with technique, and know-how.</span></div>
<div>
<span> </span></div>
<div>
<span>You might say my CRUSH DVD is the Better Mousetrap when it comes to Gripper Training and Instruction. Pick it up <span style="color: blue;"><strong><a href="http://thegripauthority.com/crush-dvd.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="">here</a></strong></span>. </span><em><span> </span></em></div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<br />
</div>
</div>
</div>
Jedd Johnson, CSCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00041224965696982917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34591366.post-3260696339950981892012-10-30T16:35:00.000-04:002012-10-30T16:35:00.602-04:00What is the Modular Grip System?<div>
<u><strong>Variety</strong></u> and <u><strong>Convenience</strong></u>.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
These are two things I am always looking for </div>
<div>
in my training.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Having <u><strong>Variety</strong></u> allows me to constantly be </div>
<div>
challenging myself in the gym with new and </div>
<div>
different pieces of equipment. This keeps the </div>
<div>
gains coming and the PR's piling up.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<u><strong>Convenience</strong></u> is very important to me because </div>
<div>
I have <u>limited space for training</u> and don't want to </div>
<div>
waste time setting stuff up and breaking stuff down. </div>
<div>
I want to <u>get in, get the work done</u>, and be able to </div>
<div>
get out of the gym and enjoy my time with my family.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Maybe you are like that too?</strong></div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
Well, I've got a buddy named Ryan Pitts. Maybe you </div>
<div>
have heard of him. He runs a company called </div>
<div>
Stronger Grip Enterprises.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Last week Ryan contacted me and let me know</div>
<div>
that has put out a brand new grip training equipment system.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
He is calling it the <span style="color: blue;"><strong><a href="http://www.strongergripaffiliate.com/114-19-3-7.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="">Modular Grip System</a></strong></span>. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The Modular Grip System is a training equipment </div>
<div>
kit with loading pins and interchangeable parts. </div>
<div>
This means that it will allow you to train various </div>
<div>
aspects of grip strength with a small collection of tools.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The MGS, as it is called, comes with two loading </div>
<div>
pins and various plug-in style handles which attach </div>
<div>
to these loading pins. Let's run down the handles </div>
<div>
that come within the system:</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>1. Two Hand Pinch (normally $59)</strong></div>
<div>
<div>
This is a steel implement that attaches to the loading </div>
<div>
pin and allows you to train open hand strength and </div>
<div>
thumb strength, two very important aspects of grip </div>
<div>
which have <u>carryover to all sorts of athletic activities </u></div>
<div>
<u>and sports</u>.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>2. Plateau Buster Handle (normally $149)</strong></div>
<div>
<div>
This is another steel implement that is used to train </div>
<div>
true support strength. The handle is about 1 inch in </div>
<div>
diameter, meaning just about everybody will be able </div>
<div>
to wrap their hand completely around it and <u>strengthen</u></div>
<div>
<u> the grip for deadlifts and other pulling movements</u>. </div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>3. A 2 3/8-inch Vertical Bar</strong></div>
<div>
This device allows you to train in an ulnar deviated </div>
<div>
open hand position. You've probably seen vertical bar </div>
<div>
training before, but if not, think gripping a giant office </div>
<div>
water bottle by the neck, or trying to pull a 2 and 3/8 </div>
<div>
inch thick horseshoe stake out of the ground. This </div>
<div>
joint orientation is also very similar to pulling on a </div>
<div>
long rope. <u>Awesome for serious hand strength</u>.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>4. Thick Burger Grip</strong></div>
<div>
<div>
This is pretty much a new device for me, but it is very </div>
<div>
similar to block weight training. The Burger Grip is </div>
<div>
pill-shaped. Imagine lifting a giant aspirin tablet. </div>
<div>
Sounds like fun, doesn't it?</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
You can see pictures of all the devices included in </div>
<div>
the Modular Grip System <span style="color: blue;"><strong><a href="http://www.strongergripaffiliate.com/114-19-3-7.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="">here</a></strong></span>. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Check it out. <strong>If you're looking for a good set of </strong></div>
<div>
<strong>equipment</strong> that is going to <u>last you a long time</u>, </div>
<div>
then this could very well be perfect for you.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I own all kinds of Ryan Pitt's Stronger Grip </div>
<div>
equipment and <u><strong>it is all top notch</strong></u>.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<u>In terms of workmanship</u>, much of Ryan's equipment </div>
<div>
BLOWS AWAY his competitors in terms of quality </div>
<div>
and aesthetics, plus they are built to last.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Another thing I like about Ryan's equipment is his </div>
<div>
loading pins. You don't have to mess around with </div>
<div>
carabiners, so you save even more time that way. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Looking at the new design</strong>, I think this version of the </div>
<div>
Plateau Buster will be even better than the first version </div>
<div>
for dynamic training such as swings, because the plates </div>
<div>
will be loaded vertically instead of horizontally</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<u>I still use mine to this day</u> for <strong>heavy two-handed swings </strong></div>
<div>
because I can actually get both hands on the handle fully,</div>
<div>
something most people are unable to do with kettlebells.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>I hope Ryan puts up records lists for this equipment</strong>. </div>
<div>
I know it is always fun to see how much you can pull on </div>
<div>
new pieces of equipment, but when there are public </div>
<div>
listings available on sites like his, <u><strong>it makes it even more </strong></u></div>
<div>
<u><strong>fun </strong></u>and allows you to challenge yourself for years down </div>
<div>
the road as well.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
So, make sure you check out the <span style="color: blue;"><strong><a href="http://www.strongergripaffiliate.com/114-19-3-7.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="">Modular Grip System</a></strong></span> </div>
<div>
from Stronger Grip. Right now it is just $199 for the </div>
<div>
whole package. That is the regular total for the Plateau </div>
<div>
Buster and Two Hand Pinch handle. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
If you get the MGS right now, <strong>you will essentially </strong></div>
<div>
<strong>get the Vertical Bar and Burger Grip handles for <u>fr ee</u></strong>.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Enjoy and all the best in your training,</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Jedd</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
P.S. Ryan has indicated that he is working on other </div>
<div>
prototypes that
will be coming out later as additional </div>
<div>
plug-in handles for the <span style="color: blue;"><strong><a href="http://www.strongergripaffiliate.com/114-19-3-7.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="">Modular Grip System</a></strong></span>. </div>
<div>
So that means <strong>even more goodies to come</strong>! </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
Jedd Johnson, CSCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00041224965696982917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34591366.post-89613025103459238182012-10-28T16:32:00.000-04:002012-10-28T16:32:00.420-04:00Tough Kettlebell Grip Shit<br />
<br />
I’ve said for years that <a href="http://murphtps.jeddgrip.hop.clickbank.net/">Grip Training</a> is one of the<br />
most important types of training that most people<br />
are NOT doing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://murphtps.jeddgrip.hop.clickbank.net/">A Strong Grip</a> helps you perform better in sports<br />
by being able to hold onto the ball, bat, or your<br />
opponent better.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://murphtps.jeddgrip.hop.clickbank.net/">A Strong Grip</a> also helps you improve your<br />
numbers on lifts where the hands are involved,<br />
especially the all important Bench Press. By<br />
having a firm grasp on the bar, it helps you engage<br />
your upper body in the lift much better while also<br />
increasing your confidence in the lift, knowing<br />
you are going to dominate it with no problem.<br />
<br />
<br />
Finally, <a href="http://murphtps.jeddgrip.hop.clickbank.net/">Strong Hands and Forearms</a> are Safer<br />
Hands and Forearms.<br />
<br />
<br />
What I mean by that is when you have put in the<br />
work to strengthen everything from the elbow<br />
down in a balanced fashion, it makes you much<br />
more injury-resistent. You are able to take more<br />
bumps without having to worry about breaking<br />
something and you’re able to give more bumps<br />
without having to hold back.<br />
<br />
<br />
The issue with all this is, how do you get started?<br />
<br />
<br />
People make <a href="http://murphtps.jeddgrip.hop.clickbank.net/">Grip Training</a> out to be a lot tougher<br />
than it is. In fact, if you have a small kettlebell in<br />
the 15- to 30-lb range, you’ve got exactly what<br />
you need in order to start training your grip and<br />
start reaping all the benefits.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Kettlebell Gut Pops (Full Hand Emphasis)</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Forget the fact that the kettlebell has a perfectly<br />
good handle on it. Instead, pick it up by the belly<br />
or Gut. Next, pop it up into the air and try to grab<br />
it with the other hand.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<img src="http://advancedbaseballtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/gutpop1-300x225.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://advancedbaseballtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/gutpop2-300x225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://advancedbaseballtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/gutpop2-300x225.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In the pictures above, I am using a 30-lb Kettlebell.<br />
However, take note that I am not as much of a<br />
bad-ass as I may seem THIS TIME, because this<br />
kettlebell has a rubber coating around it. If you have<br />
one that is bare iron it is going to be much tougher.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Kettlebell Front Raise (Thumb Emphasis)</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Again, Grip the Kettlebell by its round gut with an<br />
open hand. Next raise it up in front of you like a<br />
front delt raise, making sure to keep the thumb<br />
positioned on the bottom of the bell in order to<br />
hit it the hardest way possible.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<img src="http://advancedbaseballtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/kbfrontlift1-300x225.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://advancedbaseballtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/kbfrontlift2-300x225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://advancedbaseballtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/kbfrontlift2-300x225.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
If you are a true tough guy, try holding it up for a<br />
pause on each repetition.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Kettlebell Horn Deviations (Wrist Emphasis)</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Grip the Kettlebell this time by the “horn,” which<br />
is the part of the handle that is generally vertical.<br />
From there, lower the bell down into ulnar<br />
deviation and then back up into radial deviation.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-227" height="225" src="http://advancedbaseballtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/kettlebelldeviation1-300x225.jpg" title="kettlebelldeviation1" width="300" /><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://advancedbaseballtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/kettlebelldeviation2-300x225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-228" height="225" src="http://advancedbaseballtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/kettlebelldeviation2-300x225.jpg" title="kettlebelldeviation2" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
If you love the pain and torture of this variation,<br />
you should also try supinating and pronating the<br />
forearm. LOVELY!<br />
<br />
There are thee Grip Training movements you can<br />
start doing RIGHT NOW in your routine to get the<br />
benefits of stronger lower arms and hands.<br />
<br />
<br />
If you want more ideas on how to be a bad-ass by<br />
lifting crazy shit and bending and tearing everything<br />
in site, check out The Grip Authority. I’ll tell you how<br />
to build the strength to be able to rip phone books,<br />
tear cards and bend steel.<br />
<br />
<br />
Now, go Lift or Destroy something.<br />
<br />
<br />
All the best in your training.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Jedd Johnson, CSCS, RKC<br />
<br />
Captain of Crush | Red Nail Certified<br />
<br />
See more on building <a href="http://murphtps.jeddgrip.hop.clickbank.net/">ridiculous hand strength</a> = > <a href="http://murphtps.jeddgrip.hop.clickbank.net/">http://www.thegripauthority.com</a>Jedd Johnson, CSCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00041224965696982917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34591366.post-18654776604881100402012-10-26T16:17:00.000-04:002012-10-26T16:24:55.406-04:00Kettebell Swing + Grip Training Benefits<div>
<div>
<div>
Grip-Friends! <br />
<br />
You want information on </div>
<div>
improving your Grip Strength, and I am bringing</div>
<div>
<div>
it to you!<br />
Here is an article on a device called</div>
<div>
the <span style="color: blue;"><b><a href="http://jeddcard.hmgrip.hop.clickbank.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="">Napalm's Nightmare</a></b></span>.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
(Just in case you didn't know, when I was </div>
<div>
training to be a pro-wrestler, my name was </div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
going to be <u>Napalm</u> Jedd.)<br />
<br />
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<u><b>Kettebell Swing + Grip Training Benefits</b></u><br />
<u><b> </b></u>
<br />
<div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
Kettlebell Training is a very beneficial form of </div>
<div>
training that is naturally good for improving </div>
<div>
your grip strength.<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Kettlebell work helps improve hand strength </div>
<div>
so well, because of two natural properties of</div>
<div>
kettlebells: <br />
<br />
(1) The increased size of the handle, </div>
<div>
<br />
and<br />
<br />
(2) The dynamic nature of the training.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<u>1. The Increased Size of the Handle</u></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
One of the easiest ways to INSTANTLY</div>
<div>
hit the hands harder in order to bring up your</div>
<div>
grip strength is to increase the size of the</div>
<div>
handle of whatever it is you are training.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
The "handles" we often train on are barbells</div>
<div>
and dumbbells, which are often only about</div>
<div>
1-inch to 1.25-inches. For most people this</div>
<div>
is not going to do much to stimulate grip</div>
<div>
strength improvement unless you load up</div>
<div>
extremely heavy and hold for long periods</div>
<div>
of time.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
Plus, dumbbells and barbells are almost </div>
<div>
always knurled, in order to assist with the grip</div>
<div>
you can get on them. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
With Kettlebells, however, the handles are</div>
<div>
generally slightly bigger, often in the 1.5-inch</div>
<div>
range, which still isn't huge, but throw in the</div>
<div>
fact that their handles are NOT KNURLED</div>
<div>
and you have a tool that will test your grip</div>
<div>
strength more than standard equipment. </div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<br />
Now, let's look at the other side of the equation...</div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
<u>2. Dynamic Nature of the Training</u></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
Kettlebell Exercises, especially Cleans, Snatches</div>
<div>
and even the basic Swing all require a pendulum</div>
<div>
motion where the Kettlebell swings downward</div>
<div>
and then you pull it back up.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
Add in the fact that sets generally include between </div>
<div>
20 and 100 repetitions and you have a great deal</div>
<div>
of dynamic loading to the hands, which can be</div>
<div>
great for increasing your grip strength.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
So, the handles are larger and slicker, which will </div>
<div>
make your grip work harder. PLUS, the movements</div>
<div>
are often more dynamic, bringing in another element </div>
<div>
of difficulty...</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
So everybody should go get a set of Kettlebells, right?</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
Well, while I do think Kettlebells are awesome pieces</div>
<div>
of equipment, there is one main drawback...</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<br />
<b>They can get <u>quite expensive</u></b>. </div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
Kettlebells can be picked up ranging from 12 pounds</div>
<div>
all the way up to over 100-lbs, and all that iron brings</div>
<div>
a price with it.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
Well, I want to tell you about an innovation </div>
<div>
I came up with a few years back called the </div>
<div>
Napalm's Nightmare.<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<img alt="" src="http://www.dieselcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/napalms-nightmare-300x225.jpg" title="" /> </div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
(If image does not appear, click<span style="color: blue;"><b><a href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/napalms-nightmare-300x225.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title=""> this link</a></b></span>)<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
This is a Home Made that is connected to a </div>
<div>
loading pin with weight added and then swung</div>
<div>
just like a Kettlebell Swing is performed.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
The Napalm's Nightmare device combines </div>
<div>
the thick, slick handle of the Kettlebell with</div>
<div>
the dynamic nature of the Swing, but takes it</div>
<div>
two steps further, because not only are the </div>
<div>
handles even larger than regular kettlebell </div>
<div>
handles, but they also rotate as well. </div>
<div>
<br />
These two traits of the Napalm's Nightmare </div>
<div>
make your hands scream for mercy, in a good way.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
Here is the best picture I could find, which I </div>
<div>
pulled from a video on-line, where I am </div>
<div>
performing Swings with Napalm's Nightmare:<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<img alt="" src="http://www.thegripauthority.com/images/nn.jpg" title="" /></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At this point I have propelled the implement </div>
<div>
forward with my hip strength, but due to both </div>
<div>
the size and the rotating action of the NN handle,</div>
<div>
your hands must work 2 to 3 times harder to</div>
<div>
keep your grip on the handle.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
Plus, at the bottom of the swing, when it passes</div>
<div>
down and beyond your hips, you have to </div>
<div>
overcome the momentum of the implement,</div>
<div>
again requiring a greater grip engagement than</div>
<div>
regular kettlebell swings.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
So, obviously, <b>I am either a genius</b> for innovating</div>
<div>
such an awesome device, <b>or I am downright evil</b> for</div>
<div>
thinking some up so intense.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
Either way, if you use one of these, your hands, </div>
<div>
wrists, and forearms are going to get Scary Strong,</div>
<div>
and that is what training is all about.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
Unfortunately, I don't sell these implements.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
BUT, I do show you exactly how you can make</div>
<div>
them in <span style="color: blue;"><b><a href="http://jeddcard.hmgrip.hop.clickbank.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="">Home Made Strength II: Grip Strength Edition</a></b></span>.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
In fact, not only do I show you how the </div>
<div>
Napalm's Nightmare is made, but I also show you</div>
<div>
<div>
how to make 10 other Grip Training Tools. </div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
If Grip Strength is something you need to</div>
<div>
work on, you are going to need some good </div>
<div>
quality equipment to train with.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
Home Made Strength II will help you expand</div>
<div>
your Grip Equipment Arsenal and you'll be </div>
<div>
able to save a whole bunch of cash as well.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
For more information and to find out exactly</div>
<div>
what you can learn to build check out </div>
<div>
<span style="color: blue;"><b><a href="http://jeddcard.hmgrip.hop.clickbank.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="">Home Made Strength II: Grip Strength Edition</a>.</b></span></div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<br />
All the best in your training,</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
Jedd</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
P.S. This video comes in a Digital Streaming</div>
<div>
format, but you can also upgrade to the Physical</div>
<div>
DVD as well. Just go <span style="color: blue;"><b><a href="http://jeddcard.hmgrip.hop.clickbank.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="">here </a></b></span></div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
Jedd Johnson, CSCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00041224965696982917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34591366.post-5065778052846239512012-09-27T10:34:00.000-04:002012-09-27T10:34:00.719-04:00Grip Strength Program<div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
I hope you are doing well and your grip strength</div>
<div>
is improving everyday.</div>
<div>
<div>
<br />
</div>
</div>
<div>
Hey, I got an interesting question regarding</div>
<div>
the <b><a href="http://www.thegripauthority.com/grip-training-program/" target="_blank">8-Week Grip Program</a></b> that you get when</div>
<div>
signing up for this newsletter.</div>
<div>
<br />
</div>
<div>
I have gotten this question a couple of times over</div>
<div>
the last few months, so I thought I would send out</div>
<div>
a note to everyone about it. Check it out below:<br />
<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>"</i><i>What experience level would you say this program is?<br />
Would it be a novice, advanced, expert, or world class?<br />
I'm thinking it's in-between novice & advanced for the 8 week program."</i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>-Ben- <br />
</i></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
Ben, thanks for writing in. Like I said, this is a question</div>
<div>
I have received many times.<br />
<br />
<br />
By the way, if you haven't signed up for my newsletter<br />
and gotten this free program, you can do so <b><a href="http://www.thegripauthority.com/grip-training-program/" target="_blank">here</a></b>. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<br />
<b>It is probably best to label this a "Training Layout" </b></div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<b>than a program.</b></div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
I say this, because when I designed it, I wanted to put</div>
<div>
together something that was encompassing of all the</div>
<div>
various types of Grip Strength: Crushing, Supporting,</div>
<div>
Pinching (both static and dynamic), Open Hand, </div>
<div>
Crimping, Clamping, as well as tests of forearm strength.</div>
<div>
<br />
</div>
<div>
The idea was to provide something that would show </div>
<div>
everyone who gave it a try a variety of lifts and difficulty</div>
<div>
levels.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
There may indeed be lifts or challenges in this layout </div>
<div>
that at this time you are not able to do. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
This is not to make you feel weak or anything like that.</div>
<div>
It is simply to point out <b>where you are at right now</b></div>
<div>
as well as <b>how far you can one day reach</b>.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<u><b>When I first started out with Grip I was NO WHERE</b></u></div>
<div>
<u><b>near where I am now</b></u> and I would never have been</div>
<div>
able to do all of the lifts that are included in the </div>
<div>
8 weeks of workouts. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
Believe me, I have been at this a long time, and if it</div>
<div>
weren't for hard work, dedication, and consistency,</div>
<div>
I never would have reached the level I am at, nor</div>
<div>
would I have ever been able to perform all the lifts</div>
<div>
that I laid out and demonstrated.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<b>The total truth is that I had trouble filming all of the</b></div>
<div>
<b>lifts in the PDF and video</b>! It was a ton of work to </div>
<div>
shoot it all in one day. In fact, I was down-right</div>
<div>
tired during the filming and pretty sore the next day!</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
So as you go through the program, if you are unable</div>
<div>
to do something, no problem at all, my friend!</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<b>What I would suggest is to print out the PDF</b> and </div>
<div>
take it with you to the gym and <u>as you try each lift</u>,</div>
<div>
<u>make marks in the margins</u> beside the lifts that</div>
<div>
say whether you were able to do them and also </div>
<div>
indicate how challenging they were.</div>
<div>
<br />
</div>
<div>
After a few weeks or maybe months, you may</div>
<div>
look back and realize that <b>what was really tough </b></div>
<div>
<b>for you at the beginning of the "program" is now</b></div>
<div>
<div>
<b>much easier</b>. </div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
At least that is the goal...</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
Once you work your way through all 8 weeks and all</div>
<div>
24 different lifts, <b>you should have an idea</b> of where</div>
<div>
you lie as far as your grip strength levels.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
You will also <b>know what you need to work on</b> as far</div>
<div>
as weaknesses, and hopefully by being introduced to</div>
<div>
so many different lifts, you can <b>lay out your own </b></div>
<div>
<b>specific program</b> in order to address your weaknesses.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
Most of all, this program is <u><b>meant to be fun</b></u>. That is</div>
<div>
why at one point in the program I say, "Now you are</div>
<div>
really going to hate me," or something along those </div>
<div>
lines. <u>While grip training will undoubtedly help you</u></div>
<div>
<u>out in other aspects of your training, it is also a very</u></div>
<div>
<u><b>fun way to train</b> </u>with nearly endless ways o changing </div>
<div>
things up and keeping them exciting.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<b>Feel free to substitute things</b> if you don't have the</div>
<div>
equipment. For instance, if you don't have a thick-</div>
<div>
handled loadable dumbbell to train with, use a set</div>
<div>
<div>
of <span style="color: blue;"><b><a _wpro_href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/fat-gripz" class="" href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/fat-gripz" target="_blank" title="">FatGripz</a></b></span>. </div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
If you don't have a 45-lb Block Weight to use, feel</div>
<div>
free to use an inverted dumbbell or something else</div>
<div>
that will be similar to the suggested equipment.</div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
</div>
<div>
And at any time, <b>feel free to write back to me and</b></div>
<div>
<b> ask me questions</b>.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
I also do consultations for setting up Grip Programs,</div>
<div>
where I help you lay out more traditional programs </div>
<div>
with the purpose of helping you attain your </div>
<div>
specific grip training goals. My fees vary, depending</div>
<div>
on exactly how much help you need, so please feel free</div>
<div>
to write in and ask or call me.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
And finally, don't forget about my coaching site, </div>
<div>
<b><a _wpro_href="http://www.thegripauthority.com/" class="" href="http://www.thegripauthority.com/" target="_blank" title="">TheGripAuthority.com</a></b> - I have tons of great info</div>
<div>
there and it is dirt cheap to get started. Just $7 at</div>
<div>
<div>
the beginning and $17 after that. </div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
At TGA, the members of the site are able to view</div>
<div>
all of the content I have uploaded since Day 1, right</div>
<div>
from the beginning of their membership, and I have</div>
<div>
made a lot of changes to the site over the years to</div>
<div>
make it as user-friendly as possible.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<b>One of the most popular features</b> is my monthly </div>
<div>
Coaching Call Recording, where I field the members'</div>
<div>
questions, and answer them as best I can to help</div>
<div>
them out with all of their biggest goals and aspirations.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
Again, I hope you are having fun with the 8 Week </div>
<div>
Program and that it is helping you learn more about</div>
<div>
Grip Training while also having a great time doing it.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
Thanks again for signing up and let me know if you</div>
<div>
have any more questions.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
All the best in your training,</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
Jedd</div>
<div>
<b><a _wpro_href="http://www.thegripauthority.com/" class="" href="http://www.thegripauthority.com/" target="_blank" title="">TheGripAuthority.com</a></b></div>
Jedd Johnson, CSCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00041224965696982917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34591366.post-33738254166372659062012-09-26T10:29:00.000-04:002012-09-26T10:29:14.361-04:00<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div>
Ever since Mike Rinderle and I teamed up to put </div>
<div>
out the <span style="color: blue;"><strong><a href="http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=P2krV&m=3roH8enZ5qRhG3B&b=Atau9eUUyOnNBhvwl_cKdw" target="_blank" title="">Hammering Horseshoes DVD</a></strong></span> last year, </div>
<div>
the popularity of Horseshoe Bending has </div>
<div>
dramatically increased, because we effectively </div>
<div>
removed a lot of the mystery involved with it.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
But still, there is the occasional question that pops </div>
<div>
up, especially regarding padding and wraps.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Here's a recent one that Mike got through YouTube.</div>
<div>
</div>
<blockquote>
<div>
"<em>Mike</em></div>
<div>
<em><span>In the DVD you talked a little about 180 </span></em></div>
<div>
<em><span>degrees
being a legally bent shoe but I was </span></em></div>
<div>
<em><span>curious if there are other rules when it </span></em></div>
<div>
<em><span>comes to
bending. I know you said the </span></em></div>
<div>
<em><span>wraps have to pass through a 1.25 inch hole </span></em></div>
<div>
<em><span>but are there any rules on how much </span></em></div>
<div>
<em><span>padding you can
use? I would assume you </span></em></div>
<div>
<em><span>can not use anything hard. I saw you using </span></em></div>
<div>
<em><span>a piece of
foam padding on top of a towel </span></em></div>
<div>
<em><span>in a couple of your vids and was curious </span></em></div>
<div>
<em><span>about
that as well? </span></em></div>
<div>
<span><em>Jason</em>"</span></div>
</blockquote>
<div>
<span> </span></div>
<div>
<span><strong>Great questions, Jason. Now, I will turn it over </strong></span></div>
<div>
<span><strong>to Rindo for a look at the rules for Wraps and Pads:</strong><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span> </span></div>
<div>
<span>"<u>From Rindo</u>:</span></div>
<div>
<span><strong> </strong></span></div>
<div>
<span><u><strong>Rules on Wraps for Horseshoe Bending</strong></u> <br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span>As you mentioned, the standard is to have wraps </span></div>
<div>
<span>that can be passed through a hole in a piece of wood </span></div>
<div>
<span>or other sturdy material that is 1.25" in diameter </span></div>
<div>
<span>when all rolled up. This is simply the standard that </span></div>
<div>
<span>was decided upon many years ago when Grip and </span></div>
<div>
<span>Feat of Strength Enthusiasts started developing </span></div>
<div>
<span>standards for feats of strength that in the past did not </span></div>
<div>
<span>have any standards developed.</span></div>
<div>
<span> </span></div>
<div>
<span>Essentially, what is done, is the wraps that are to be </span></div>
<div>
<span>used are rolled up in the direction they would be </span></div>
<div>
<span>wrapped over the ends of the shoe and then each </span></div>
<div>
<span>one is passed through the 1.25" diameter hole. </span></div>
<div>
<span> </span></div>
<div>
<u><strong><span>Rules on Padding for Horseshoe Bending</span></strong></u></div>
<div>
The main rule on padding is that it cannot be rigid. </div>
<div>
I
have found that using a folded up hand towel </div>
<div>
works best for me. Just
enough to dull the pain, </div>
<div>
but not so much that it doesn't let you impart full</div>
<div>
force. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
What I mean by that is, if the padding is too soft, </div>
<div>
it will just compress beneath your force. Plus, </div>
<div>
there is a point you can reach where you add so </div>
<div>
much padding that you have to use even more </div>
<div>
force than normal to bend the shoe further, which </div>
<div>
is no good either. </div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
Bending horseshoes without any padding is not a </div>
<div>
good idea for most people. I used to bend a lot </div>
<div>
of shoes without padding, but I hurt my thigh
so </div>
<div>
bad once, I ended up in the doctor's office due to </div>
<div>
a blood clot. I couldn't bend shoes for almost two </div>
<div>
months. So now I almost always
use some padding. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
In the video where you saw me using a towel and </div>
<div>
some foam, I was working on a shoe that was a </div>
<div>
personal best for me. I have a system I use when </div>
<div>
I am gunning for new PR's where will go for </div>
<div>
maximum padding and maximum wraps and then </div>
<div>
work my way backwards toward the standard </div>
<div>
until I can finish ti no problem with the exact </div>
<div>
requirements for competition and certification lists.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Thanks again for writing,</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
Mike Rinderle" </div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
As you can see, Mike has a little system for every </div>
<div>
type of Bending, especially Horseshoes, that is </div>
<div>
why he was successful in becoming the first ever </div>
<div>
United States All-round Bending Champion.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
And what's amazing is that doesn't even scratch </div>
<div>
the surface of Mike Rinderle's knowledge. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
If you really want to learn Horseshoe Bending, </div>
<div>
then pick up Hammering Horseshoes </div>
<div>
today = > <span style="color: blue;"><strong><a href="http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=P2krV&m=3roH8enZ5qRhG3B&b=Atau9eUUyOnNBhvwl_cKdw" target="_blank" title="">Hammering Horseshoes DVD</a></strong></span>.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
All the best in your training,</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Jedd</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
P.S. If you haven't heard of the Hammering </div>
<div>
Horseshoes DVD before, here is the Chapter List:</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
1. Introduction</div>
<div>
2. Special Recognition</div>
<div>
3. Horseshoe Progressions</div>
<div>
4. Warm-up / Injury Prevention </div>
<div>
5. Wrapping</div>
<div>
6. Padding</div>
<div>
7. Quick Re-wrap Method</div>
<div>
8. Jedd: Raw, Uncoached</div>
<div>
9. Mike: Demo Bend</div>
<div>
10. Completed Bends</div>
<div>
11. Kink Technique</div>
<div>
12. Sweep / Crush Technique</div>
<div>
13. Leg Crush Technique</div>
<div>
14. Jedd: Refined, Improved Technique </div>
<div>
15. Mike: Elite Shoe Attempt</div>
<div>
16. Exercises for Shoe Strength</div>
<div>
17. Closing</div>
<div>
<div>
18. Extras</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
As you can see, we cover all the bases in this</div>
<div>
DVD, and if you have any questions at all,</div>
<div>
do not hesitate to ask. We're glad to help</div>
<div>
you out.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Pick up Hammering Horseshoes, <span style="color: blue;"><strong><a href="http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=P2krV&m=3roH8enZ5qRhG3B&b=Atau9eUUyOnNBhvwl_cKdw" target="_blank" title="">here</a></strong></span>. </div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<br />
</div>
</div>
</div>
Jedd Johnson, CSCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00041224965696982917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34591366.post-6313745823919878362012-07-04T15:49:00.000-04:002012-07-04T15:49:00.372-04:00The Forearm Pain Paradox<br />
<br />
<i><u><b>paradox</b></u> - A statement or situation which defies logic or reason</i><br />
<br />
Today I am going to tell you about the Forearm Pain Paradox.<br />
<br />
Imagine being able to bend spikes and steel bars with your hand and wrist strength, but not being able to turn a door knob to pen a door.<br />
<br />
Imagine being able to lift a world record weight in a strength contest, but not being able to straight your arms to do so.<br />
<br />
Finally, imagine being dog-tired from one of the best workouts you ever had, but not being able to fall asleep because your forearm hurts so bad you can't find a pain-free position.<br />
<br />
All of these scenarios are things I have lived with over the years.<br />
<br />
My name is Jedd Johnson, and I am from <a href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/" target="bank">DieselCrew.com</a>. I am a strength coach, and my passion is Grip Strength. I love bending nails, tearing cards and phone books and own world records in grip.<br />
<br />
<b>But I am also just like you</b>. I know what it is like to have workouts hindered due to the annoying nagging pain that can happen up around the top of the forearm and elbow.<br />
<br />
Chances are, if you have been training hard for a while, or if you do a lot of hand-intensive manual labor, you have had bouts of forearm pain like this too.<br />
<br />
Maybe, you're even suffering from it right now.<br />
<br />
Forearm pain, especially up near the elbow, creates what I call the Forearm Pain Paradox. What I mean is, you can have strong hands and wrists, and lower arms capabable of absolutely astonishing feats of strength and power, but your grip goes completely to shit when you have high forearm and elbow pain, especially medial and lateral epicondylitis. There are so many attachments in that small area near your elbow, if something goes wrong, <b>it's like the strength you've worked to build up for years <u>works against you</u></b>.<br />
<br />
The same goes for big movements, like bench press, overhead press, squats and deads. You can be a damn monster in the weight room, but if you get high forearm or elbow pain bad enough, you can kiss PR's goodbye...<br />
<br />
Forearm pain SUCKS, and thousands of people get it each year. In my estimation, I have had what is referred to as medial and lateral epicondylitis, and more commonly known as Golfer's Elbow and Tennis Elbow, respectively, about 10 times since 2003. <br />
<br />
<h1>
The Causes of Forearm Injuries</h1>
<br />
<br />
I know a lot of you love getting into the meat and potatoes behind all of this stuff, so here it is in a nutshell.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Medial Epicondylits (ME) - Golfer's Elbow</h2>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://www.dieselcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/forearm-musculature-245x300.jpg" /></center><br />
<br />
M.E. is an injury to the common flexor tendon which originates from the medial epicondyle, a bony structure high on the elbow, and on the underside. That just means a lot of the flexor muscles start there. It also means that if you do a lot of movements where you are flexing your hands and wrists, you could end up with this problem. This is also caused by a valgus movements, where the forearm moves out away from the body, but the upper arm stays close to the body, like the back arm of the golf swing, which is why it's called Golfer's Elbow.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Lateral Epicondylitis (LE) - Tennis Elbow</h2>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://www.dieselcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/lateral-epicondylitis-291x300.jpg" /></center><br />
<br />
L.E. is nearly the same as M.E., but the difference is that it takes place in the common extensors tendon, which is on the back of the forearm, and attaches on the top part of the elbow. This one is caused by rotation and extension movements. Even just straightening the arm can lead to it, so you don't need to rip, bend and tear things to cause issues. Just the basic pressing movements can do it. Tennis players get this because of the drag that takes place when swinging the racket in a back-hand strike.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
What Can You Do about These Conditions?</h2>
<br />
<br />
Now that you know what these conditions are with their supped-up names and bad attitudes, it's time to discuss what to do about these conditions.<br />
<br />
<b><u>First and foremost, preventing these conditions is a lot more fun than getting them</u></b>. Like I said, I have had both of these full-blown conditions about ten times over the years, from 2003 until 2009.<br />
<br />
In 2003, I was bending steel and lifting stones like a mad man, but when it came to turning a door knob, <b>my knees would buckly because of the pain</b>. Several times, the pain was enough to keep me awake at night, and my most recent case of full-blown LE, the injury was so bad, that I needed to wear elbow sleeves with tiny heating packets in them in order to keep the area warm enough to straighten my arm to pick up weights from the floor.<br />
<br />
In 2009, I decided I'd had enough of this crap, so once I rehabbed it that last time, I began implementing a battery of preventive exercises. I still do all of my feats and compete in Grip Sport contests, but now, I am smarter about it.<br />
<br />
<b>Surprisingly, the Preventive measures add almost no time to my training at all</b>. They are so simple, I often wonder why I didn't start doing this stuff way back in 2003.<br />
<br />
The principles I use involve promoting strength in the extensor muscles, which open the hand. This keeps a strength balance between the extensor muscles which open the hand and the flexor muscles which close the hand, and keeps the lateral epicondyle and the tendons that connect to it in good working shape.<br />
<br />
Other things like a good warm-up and keeping the area warm during my training (also known as common sense) have paid huge dividends in my training, allowing me to train longer, miss fewer workouts, and compete at a higher level.<br />
<br />
So, I have become very good on the Preventive side. In fact, I wanted to put together an ebook to help others prevent these types of injuries from occurring at the forearm and elbow, but I soon realized that it would be a complete waste of time for many people, because so many people are already bother by this kind of intense pain.<br />
<br />
<b>That was when I knew I had to track down somebody that was experienced at rehabbing this kind of injury</b>. That was when I tracked down Rick Kaselj. Rick has many certifications behind is name, but that is not what is important. What really matters is the fact that he has already helped so many people in the past get through injuries.<br />
<br />
I contacted Rick about putting together something with me for forearm injuries like this and he agreed. Within a short time, we had developed the main outline of Fixing Forearm Pain - Medial and Lateral Elbow Pain Fix for Athletes and Lifters.<br />
<br />
Rick and I released this new product this week, and we know that there are a lot of you out there who are struggling with forearm pain. That is why we opened it up for this week at such a dirt cheap price - $19. That is less than my co-pay when I go to the doctor!<br />
<br />
If you've had forearm/elbow pain for a while, you know how bad it can affect your training, strength levels, attitude, and night-time rest. Grab our ebook and study Rick's portion, where he outlines his professional approach to rehabbing elbow pain<br />
<br />
And maybe you've never had pain like this, but you know that the training you do could one day cause something down the road. In that case, check out the manual and dive into my section, where I talk about the Preventive Methods I have used for the last couple years to keep high forearm and elbow pain from coming back.<br />
<br />
I know this manual is going to help a lot of people, so make sure to get it before Friday, because then the price is going to increase.<br />
<br />
All the best in your training,<br />
<br />
Jedd<br />
<br />
P.S. Don't be the "I'll wait to later" guy. You and I both know that later never comes, and if it does, it might be too late to grab <affiliate link="">Fixing Elbow Pain for less than a 20-spot.<br /></affiliate>Jedd Johnson, CSCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00041224965696982917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34591366.post-76352091086192609332012-07-02T15:47:00.000-04:002012-07-02T15:47:00.625-04:00Got Wrist Pain?<div>
<div>
I bet you have had wrist pain from time to time,haven't you?</div>
</div>
<div>
Any sort of training or sport can bring about pain.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
One spot that gets jacked up more than others is the <b>wrist</b>. </div>
<br />
<div>
If you are active in sports, it might have come about from a hard hit or other sort of trauma.</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
Lifting can cause issues as well, like if a pressing or jerk-style movement goes slightly wrong.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Even lifts like squats and curls can mess up the wrist from time to time. </div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<b>Did you know</b> the wrist has 8 little bones in it that are all arranged in a specific way in order to provide proper movement, function and strength at the wrist joint? </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<u>Many people do not realize this</u>, but it is <u><b>true</b></u>.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
And if any of those little bones gets thrown out of whack by getting tackled or during a lift where technique goes wrong, then <b>you can have some pretty serious pain</b> that greatly reduces your performance.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I found an <u>awesome and completely free resource</u> that shows you the construction and layout of the wrist joint. As you move your cursor above the parts that make up the wrist, you can get even more info about the role these parts play.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Here's the link if you are interested in learning more: <span style="color: blue;"><b><a href="http://classes.kumc.edu/sah/resources/handkines/bone/wrist.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="">The Wrist (no charge or email opt-in to view this) </a></b></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<b>Getting rid of wrist pain can be tough to do sometimes</b>, but I do have a few suggestions for you. Remember too, this is coming from somebody who isn't a doctor, but has had his share of wrist injuries in the past and has found ways to get rid of them quickly. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<u>1. <b> Go to a Doctor for a professional diagnosis</b></u>. </div>
<div>
You have to start by learning what exactly is wrong.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
They may have you go for an X-ray or MRI to see exactly what is going on. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
If it is a miss-alignment, that can usually be fixed pretty quickly. If it is some sort of a tear, then there might be more intensive work required.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
But either way, the best thing is to see exactly what you have going on there to plan your therapy and recovery. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<u>2. <b>Go to a Chirporactor</b></u> </div>
<div>
Most Chiropractors do not only work on the back and neck, but also the other joints as well. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I have had my Chiropractor adjust my wrist no fewer than 20 times over the last 10 years, and sometimes when I go in for a tune-up, I have her hit my wrists for good measure.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<u>3. <b>Do Something</b> <b>Different from What You are Doing Now! </b></u></div>
<div>
Many people put treatment off for weeks, months, or even years before they do anything. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
All of this results in lost training time and possibly a condition that you can never fully recover from.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Whether it is because you don't have, lost, or can't afford insurance, or whatever the case may be, you've got to try something to get out of pain. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<b>If you are fed up with wrist pain</b>, I have some suggestions for you in Fixing Elbow Pain. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Although that program is designed primarily to treat and prevent injuries of the elbow, a lot of the drills that I show you can be used for the wrist as well.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
You can get this product by <span style="color: blue;"><b><a href="http://jeddcard.fixelbow.hop.clickbank.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="">clicking here </a></b></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
If the price of a doctor visit is as scary in your home town as it is in mine, my $27 ebook might be a little easier pill to swallow.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
One technique in that ebook I showed to my subscribers at my Grip instructional site, TheGripAuthority.com, and after using it just one time, <i><b>one member experienced immediate relief</b></i>. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I wouldn't sit here and guarantee that fast of results for everyone, but who knows? You're sick of your wrist pain right? So is it worth a try?</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I will tell you for certainty, that these days, any time I feel anything weird with my wrist I march my ass downstairs and use this technique.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
You can do a Test Drive of <span style="color: blue;"><b><a href="http://dieseljedd.jeddgrip.hop.clickbank.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="">TheGripAuthority.com</a></b></span> for just $7. Now <u><b>I know that's less </b></u>than what you'll pay your doctor. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Like I said before, all of the tactics I show people are things I have used for myself to recover from injuries and then later on to keep them from coming back. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I am not a doctor, don't profess to be, nor do I want to be, but these little tricks of the trade I have picked up sure do help me get people out of pain, especially when it comes to the hands, wrists, forearms and elbows.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
If you are tired of dealing with pain then click on one of the following two links. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Check out <u><b>Fixing Elbow Pain</b></u> <span style="color: blue;"><b><a href="http://jedddiesel.fixelbow.hop.clickbank.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="">here</a></b></span>.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Check out <u><b>The Grip Authority</b></u> <span style="color: blue;"><b><a href="http://hmgrip.jeddgrip.hop.clickbank.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="">here</a></b></span>.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Let me know if you have any questions. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
All the best with your training.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Jedd</div>Jedd Johnson, CSCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00041224965696982917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34591366.post-14217315840169025742012-07-01T15:42:00.003-04:002012-07-01T15:48:50.835-04:00Grip Training: Benefits of Sledgehammer Training<div>
If you don't currently have a Sledgehammer to train with, I suggest you march right out and get one right now. There are so many benefits of sledgehammer training, it is just a great way to spice up your training.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
You get them at just about any store, or even right off the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ELWH56/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=napscor-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000ELWH56" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title=""><span style="color: blue;"><b>Amazon Website</b></span></a>. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
Speaking of Sledgehammers, I put up a new post on the site about someone who as done more impressive things with Sledgehammers than anyone walking the Earth - Slim "The Hammer Man" Farman.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/slim-sledge-lever" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Here's the post </b></span></a><= My Knuckles Were Sore </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Slim is famous for some unbelievable feats with hammers, many of which I would have to specialize on in my training for years in order to match and most likely still never come close.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
However, I was surprised to see some remarkable progress in one particular feat Slim is famous for which has been called "The Slim Lever."</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Check the new post out to see how it's done.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Now, as I said, there are many benefits to Sledgehammer Training, and it is a good idea to have at least a 6-lber in your arsenal if you are a woman and an 8-lber if you are a man. Let's run down some of the benefits of sledgehammer training.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<u><b>1. Grip Strength</b></u></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
It takes a concerted effort between the forearm, wrist and the hands to maneuver a Sledgehammer. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
It doesn't matter if you are swinging it around with faster movements, or if you are being more strict and controlled with it, Sledges will light you up.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
To give you an idea of the many ways you can use these for Grip Strength, you can use them in<u> strict movements</u> to strengthen the wrist movements of nail bending, you can use them<u> more dynamically</u> to strengthen faster movement patterns like a golf or baseball swing, and you can even <u>add weight to them and rotate them</u> like a wrist curl. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
All of these techniques are easy to set up but blow your forearms up and give you much tougher wrists and hands. And honestly, we've only scratched the surface of what you can use them for. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<u><b>2. Cardio</b></u></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
If you are looking for a new to train for some cardiovascular fitness, then try swinging a sledgehammer and striking a tire or a tree stump. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<u>Try just 30 seconds </u>of constant overhand swinging and you will see just how demanding it is, even with a relatively light sledgehammer.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<u><b>3. Shoulder Health</b></u></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Most people don't think of this one, but it is true, sledgehammers work the shoulders very well, especially if you swing them in circular forms, similar to how Indian Clubs and Maces are used. Just a simple sledge can be really useful toward <u>loosening up the shoulders</u> prior to a <u>big pressing workout</u>, or to help you get into <u>better position under the bar for squats</u>.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<u><b>4. Core Strength </b></u></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Because of the awkward nature of the sledgehammer, your core has to work quite a bit harder and definitely in a different way when swinging one. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
And don't just think of the core as the abdominal muscles alone, <u>think of the lats and the glutes as well</u>. All of these body parts are firing when you swing a sledge, especially if you can swing laterally against an object like a standing tire - talk about crazy rotation and deceleration training. <u>This is great for bat and stick sports and even combat athletes</u>. </div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<u><b>5. Contra-Specific Training</b></u></div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Contra-Specific Training is a concept that is out there but you don't hear much about yet, but I think you will in the future. The main idea behind it is strengthening opposing movement patterns. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
A prime example would be coupling Pull-ups with Military Press because they work complimentary pulling and pushing movements. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Sledgehammers can accomplish the same thing, especially for those who do so much Kettlebell work, which involves Extension of the body. Sledges, when used to strike down onto something, work powerful Flexion - both styles of training compliment one another very well and I think with time you will see more and more of this mentioned.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<u><b>Sledge work is great for everybody</b></u>. It can be done as a way to isolate movement patterns like various wrist and forearm actions, or it can be done in more of a full-body, multi-joint manner of training.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
So make sure you get one for yourself (you can grab one <span style="color: blue;"><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ELWH56/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=napscor-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000ELWH56" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="">here</a></b></span>) and don't forget to check out the new post on <span style="color: blue;"><b><a href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/slim-sledge-lever" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="">Slim the Hammer Man</a></b></span>.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
All the best in your training.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Jedd</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
</div>Jedd Johnson, CSCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00041224965696982917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34591366.post-59265095018269774732012-06-07T10:22:00.002-04:002012-06-07T10:22:44.054-04:00Creating Tension to Increase Strength<div>
DIESELS,</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Today, I am sharing with you one of the biggest</div>
<div>
keys to improving strength performance, and I </div>
<div>
learned this when I first started tearing cards.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Incidentally, the Card Tearing Week special is</div>
<div>
still going on and you can pick up the Card </div>
<div>
<div>
Tearing eBook for just $19.99 <span style="color: blue;"><strong><a href="http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=P2krV&m=3Y7X.nTKlSRhG3B&b=IIW0NrB6GngWqkl6vT90Ww" target="_blank" title="">right here</a></strong></span>.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
When I first started tearing cards, there was</div>
<div>
<u>a lot of grunting, sweating, and fury</u>, but there </div>
<div>
wasn't <u>much tearing going on</u> with the deck of </div>
<div>
cards.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Instead, the <u>cards would slide all over the place</u></div>
<div>
and I couldn't do what I wanted with them. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Maybe you have seen this when you have torn</strong></div>
<div>
<strong>a deck of cards? </strong><br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Eventually the decks would tear, but they were</div>
<div>
turned into a mess because I had no control </div>
<div>
over what I was doing.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
This was very early in my strength journey, and</div>
<div>
I was learning as I was going, and around that time</div>
<div>
I read an <strong>article by Pavel Tsatsouline about Tension</strong>.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
He wrote about creating Tension in the larger</div>
<div>
muscles of the body in order to <u>stabilize joints </u></div>
<div>
<u>and transfer this strength</u> into the extremities. </div>
<div>
He was talking about the Bench Press in the </div>
<div>
article, but I thought, <u><strong>"this has got to work </strong></u></div>
<div>
<u><strong>for card tearing</strong></u>."</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
So, I began experimenting with Tension, and </div>
<div>
I found that if I squeezed the deck of cards really </div>
<div>
hard, the muscles all the way up my arms and </div>
<div>
into my torso would eventually all turn on as well.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Give it a try - you will see for yourself what I mean.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
If you don't feel it, then practice it, because Tension</div>
<div>
is a skill.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
So then I thought, well what if I tense up the upper</div>
<div>
back and torso first?</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
What I found was the Tension would radiate down </div>
<div>
the arms into the hands (just like Pavel had described</div>
<div>
in the Bench article) and it felt like I had a much </div>
<div>
better grip on the cards. </div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
Once I got a hang of this Radiant Tension, card </div>
<div>
tearing became a lot easier for me, and I even began</div>
<div>
experimenting with other techniques of card tearing</div>
<div>
(there's lots of different ways to tear cards, like I </div>
<div>
cover in my <span style="color: blue;"><strong><a href="http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=P2krV&m=3Y7X.nTKlSRhG3B&b=IIW0NrB6GngWqkl6vT90Ww" target="_blank" title="">Card Tearing Ebook</a></strong></span>)</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
What's awesome is, if you are passionate about Card </div>
<div>
Tearing or another Feat of Strength, once you get </div>
<div>
good at applying Radiant Tension with your favorite</div>
<div>
feat, <u><strong>you can apply it to the other feats</strong></u>. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
And you can also <u><strong>apply it to other more conventional </strong></u></div>
<div>
<u><strong>lifts</strong></u>. So even if you are not big into something like </div>
<div>
Squats, you can learn to apply this concept to your </div>
<div>
Squatting.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
After a while, you will even notice that once you</div>
<div>
strengthen your skill of Tension Production, you won't </div>
<div>
even think about creating tension - you'll just do it </div>
<div>
when you need to.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
So, in a way, Tearing Decks of Cards can help you </div>
<div>
improve your squat.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
All the best in your training,</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Jedd</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
P.S. If the emails become sporadic in the next few </div>
<div>
days, I apologize ahead of time, but I will be </div>
<div>
traveling to Ohio for <u><strong>Grip Sport Nationals </strong></u>and won't </div>
<div>
have my regular computer access. Wish me luck, </div>
<div>
and I will have a full report next week. And if you</div>
<div>
want to pick up one of my most popular ebooks,</div>
<div>
check out <span style="color: blue;"><strong><a href="http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=P2krV&m=3Y7X.nTKlSRhG3B&b=IIW0NrB6GngWqkl6vT90Ww" target="_blank" title="">http://www.CardTearing.com</a></strong></span>. </div>Jedd Johnson, CSCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00041224965696982917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34591366.post-14961023983700472412012-05-19T06:17:00.000-04:002012-05-19T06:23:12.966-04:00Nothing is Going to Stop Me<div>
I do coaching in many ways through the internet and it gives</div>
<div>
me the opportunity to work with many different people</div>
<div>
in varying degrees of one-on-one interaction.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Whether it's <a href="http://thegripauthority.com/">TheGripAuthority.com</a> where I work with more </div>
<div>
people but on a less-personal basis, or my One-on-One<br />
program where I work with fewer people, but have more<br />
personal contact, I am all about helping people attain their<br />
goals.<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
However, one thing you have to know about training -<br />
whether it is for Grip Strength or some other aspect of the<br />
Iron Game, you've got to have the right Mindset.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
In other words, you can't go into your training doubting<br />
yourself.<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
If your goal is to lift a certain weight, like the deadlift, or<br />
pick up a certain Grip Strength challenge item, or do some<br />
other awesome feat, you can't have any doubts that you<br />
will get it.<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
You have to have the mindset that - -<br />
<br />
"<b>NOTHING is going to stop me</b>." </div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
Here's a little story...<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
I used to train with a guy all the time who would constantly,<br />
right before he went for a lift, say something like, "Man I<br />
don't know if I can lift this."<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I would get on this dude's case all the time because that<br />
kind of sh*t used to pi** me off big time!<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
You have to go after your goals like a savage, crazed,<br />
BEAST.<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
If you fail at doing something the first time, who cares? </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
Failing once doesn't mean you won't ever get it.<br />
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
Ever watch those TV programs where the lions go after<br />
the gazelles? Those savage, crazed BEASTS will run<br />
around the savannah chasing after prey for hours until<br />
they tackle one.<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
If they quit their pursuit after one miss, they'd never eat,<br />
the pack would die off, and the Lion race would go extinct.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
That's how you've got to go after your training. Like a<br />
Lion in the grasslands chasing down their prey.<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I'm not saying you need to grow your hair long and growl<br />
out loud every time you lift (although I am enjoying doing<br />
just that these days) but you do need to approach each set in<br />
the right way.<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
If you are letting little doubtful statements like, "Not sure if<br />
I can do this" enter your mind, stop it right away and think<br />
of something else to replace it.<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
One thing I like have been using lately is "<b>This is MINE</b>,"<br />
before I go after a lift. In the past, I have even used,<br />
<br />
"<span style="color: blue;"><b><a _wpro_href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/road_to_the_record/" class="" href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/road_to_the_record/" target="_blank" title="">New Record in December, Baby</a></b></span>!"<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
You might have something else, like "Light Weight" a la Ronnie</div>
<div>
Coleman. Or maybe there is a line from a movie you like. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<b>Find something you like and run that through your head </b><br />
<b>every time you are about to hit a lift and you will see </b><br />
<b>improvement</b>.<br />
</div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
Whatever works for you to develop that "NOTHING is going<br />
to stop me from reaching my goals" type of mentality, </div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
Heck, you can even wear shades in the gym and declare right<br />
before you go for something HUGE, "I came here to kick ass<br />
and chew bubble gum, and I am all out of bubble gum, like<br />
Rowdy Roddy Piper in the movie, Them." </div>
<div>
<div>
<br />
Whatever gets you in the right frame of mind - like the Lion<br />
on the prairie hunting down those tasty gazelles.<br />
</div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
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All the best in your training,<br />
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P.S. I first learned how truly powerful this Mental Training<br />
can be when I was shooting <span style="color: blue;"><b><a _wpro_href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/road_to_the_record/" class="" href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/road_to_the_record/" target="_blank" title="">Road to the Record</a></b></span>. I was training<br />
for the Two Hands Pinch world record and I kept saying, over<br />
and over - "New Record in December Baby!"<br />
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Sure enough, it worked and I've never stopped doing it since.</div>
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If you want to see exactly what I mean, check out my DVD, </div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b><a _wpro_href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/road_to_the_record/" class="" href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/road_to_the_record/" target="_blank" title="">Road to the Record</a></b></span>, and see how I train like a savage, raging, BEAST. </div>Jedd Johnson, CSCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00041224965696982917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34591366.post-24872500552988400532012-01-24T15:04:00.000-05:002012-01-24T15:04:07.449-05:00New DVD: Braced Bending<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thegripauthority.com/braced/images/bending-header.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="70" src="http://thegripauthority.com/braced/images/bending-header.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Mike Rinderle and I have released our second project together, called, <a href="http://thegripauthority.com/braced/images/bending-header.png">Braced Bending: How to Detroy Everything in Your Path</a>.<br />
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In this one, we cover techniques for bending not only various lengths of steel, but also wrenches, horseshoes, hammers, and even how to roll frying pans.<br />
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So check this thing out today. <a href="http://thegripauthority.com/braced/images/bending-header.png">Braced Bending</a> DVD<br />
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I want to hear about the damage YOU can cause.<br />
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All the best in your training,<br />
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<br />Jedd Johnson, CSCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00041224965696982917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34591366.post-14131301774629058352011-10-14T17:02:00.001-04:002011-10-14T17:24:54.668-04:00What I Read on the JohnBecause I have a little daughter that seems to get bigger and smarter every day, I try to spend as much time with her as possible.<br><br>
However, I also know the importance of continuing to learn and develop. <br><br>
So what I generally do is keep a couple of books near the porcelain throne in order to read them bit by bit and continue to learn without having to miss out on cool stuff with my daughter. <br><br>
She says, "Uh Oh," every time she breaks a crayon or drops her bottle now, by the way... <br><br>
We have two different bathrooms at my house, so these are the two things I am reading.<br><br>
1. <a href="http://jedddiesel.criticalb.hop.clickbank.net/?w=45"> Vince Gironda, Legend and Myth</a> - It' taken me a while to get through all of this book, since its 334 pages, but it is a pretty entertaining read.<br><br>
Gironda seemed to go beyond what everyone else was doing back in his day. <br><br>
For instance, Gironda instructs AGAINST using milk for protein shakes. He says Milk has too much carbohydrate, that it is incompatible because Protein is an acid medium and Carbs are alkaline.<br><br>
He also says not use a blender for shakes because the blender emulsifies the fat and it becomes a "suspension too small for digestion." Instead, he suggests mixing protein with heavy cream, using a spoon, and then eating it like pudding.<br><br>
Sounds freaking crazy, but everybody thought I was crazy for lifting the Two Hand Pinch apparatus the way I do. Now all the people that lift it like me are lifting way more than they used to and the people that say I am crazy are stuck at the same weight while I continue to push the record up.<br><br>
Whether you think Gironda is bonkers or not, take this into consideration.<br><br>
Gironda suggests an exercise for upper back development called High Bench Rowing where you lie face-down on a bench and row dumbbells in an abbreviated range of motion.<br><br>
This sounds amazingly similar to a movement called a Bat Wing, described by the legendary Dan John in a T-nation article I read not too long ago. Dan John is also the author of the other book I am in the process of slowly digesting... (see below)<br><br>
Look, if you are a person whose sole interest is Strength Training, then Gironda's Book is not for you, BUT if you are focused on muscle building in your training, there are probably some damn good gems in this book for you.<br><br>
I mean, on page 164, it outlines Gironda's approach and method of Barbell Pressing for delt development. While many articles and guru's out there will tell you that Military Pressing should be done first as the primary way to train delts, he looks at it totally differently and says they should be done as a finisher and in a completely different way from anything I have ever read before.<br><br>
If you have been thinking about getting this ebook, you should hurry because the Intro Sale is over tonight. <br><br>
You can go here to get it = > <a href="http://jedddiesel.criticalb.hop.clickbank.net/?w=45">Gironda Book</a><br><br>
2. The other book I have recently started is a collaboration from Pavel Tsatsouline and Dan John called, <a href="http://www.dragondoor.com/easy-strength-ebook/?apid=4ca315749bd81">Easy Strength</a>. I have only just started this one, but considering the breadth of information both of these guys have put out, I'd bet this one is going to be awesome. <br><br>
This one is more of an athletic strength training book and includes topics like training various degrees on 1 Rep Max, the use of Big Core Lifts, Program Design, Plyometrics, Lifting Heavy Weights, etc.<br><br>
I will bring you more information on this down the road, as I have only had the opportunity to start this one recently.<br><br>
Until then, have an outstanding weekend and all the best in your training. <br><br>
JeddJedd Johnson, CSCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00041224965696982917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34591366.post-10871492313376223702011-10-13T11:25:00.004-04:002011-10-13T11:36:40.964-04:00Improving the Log PressI recently posted a couple of video on <a href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/improving-overhead-press">improving the log press</a> at my main site, <a href="http://www.dieselcrew.com">DieselCrew.com</a>. You can see the full article here: <a href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/improving-overhead-press">Strongman Training Log Press Strength</a>.<br /><br />Included in the post were a couple of videos, which you can see below:<br /><br /><center><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/G5-nUSd8YAE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></center><br /><br /><center><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Oitf2Q22R9w" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></center><br /><br /><center><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3KR4ybgCkbc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></center><br /><br />After posting these video clips, I got a few questions, which I answered via my newsletter, but because I have continued to get questions on these videos, I wanted to post them here as well.<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Q: Why are you going so light on the band-resisted work?</span><br /> <br />Actually, the weight in the video is deceiving. The log <br />we are using is a homemade log built from scrap and <br />weighed 174-lbs empty. (We left it outside one night and <br />scrappers came by and stole it from us - bastards). <br /> <br />With the log being so heavy, and with me being so tall, <br />all that made sense to do at the time was the black <br />mini-band for the added resistance.<br /> <br />Band-resisted bench press is an exercise that countless <br />Powerlifters do in order to build strength for the bench <br />press. Generally, they keep the bar weight light and move <br />the bar against the bands with as much speed as possible.<br /> <br />This is of course possible with the log as well, if you <br />have a light enough log. For instance, with a light <br />enough log, you could attach bands and perform a <br />more strict version of the press with less leg drive and <br />put the focus more on the shoulders and triceps. <br /> <br />How we have it set up in that video, it focused on leg <br />drive and tricep strength, by having to really commit to l<br />ocking the log out.<br /> <br />The Log Against Bands was HUGE for me as a <br />competitor. I strongly suggest you try it if you are looking <br />to increase your Overhead Lifting.<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Q: How would you go about adjusting the log <br />against bands set-up in order to increase or <br />decrease the resistance?</span><br /> <br />Good question. In the video, we have the bands attached <br />near the floor. We modified that squat cage by drilling <br />holes in its feet and putting in eye-bolts so that we could <br />easily connect bands.<br /> <br />A good way to be able to adjust the tension of the bands <br />is to change the location where they are rigged or choked. <br /> <br />For instance, you can choke the bands to the pins of the <br />squat cage in order to decrease the distance you are <br />stretching the bands. The higher the pins and the spot <br />the are rigged, the lighter the resistance will be and vice versa.<br /> <br />I use a slightly different set-up in the video labeled "||||" <br />on this page: <a href="http://dieselcrew.com/intro-to-strongman-training.html">Strongman Training</a><br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Q: Where are you training in those videos? It looks <br />like a garage, but not like your garage?</span><br /> <br />Yes, that is a garage we are training in, in a couple of <br />those videos. You see, up until about 2006 I did the <br />majority of my Strongman Training with about 3 to 5 <br />other dudes in Sayre, PA. Back then we were competing <br />in Strongman, so we all met at my buddy, Jim "Smitty" <br />Smith's place to train.<br /> <br />I had a series of injuries late 2005 and 2006 and I decided <br />to stop competing in Strongman. Around this time, gas <br />prices started to go through the roof and I began putting <br />together my own garage gym at the end of 2006, so I <br />don't get up there much anymore. <br />(They don't come down here either, LOL)<br /> <br />Those guys also started training full time at a commercial <br />facility in Elmira NY, which is even further away, so I get <br />up to train with them even less these days, especially now <br />that I have a daughter.<br /> <br />Believe me, I miss training with those guys. <br />We are a group that loves giving it our all, pushing one <br />another, topping one another, and talking major <br />SMACK all at the same time.<br /> <span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Q: Is that a mullet in the Log Clean video? </span><br /> <br />No! That is not a mullet. I never had the balls to carve <br />a mullet out of it. <br /> <br />From 2005 to 2008 I had some pretty long hair. In fact, <br />I was traveling on red-eye flights one time and was given <br />service at an airport shop after hours because the guy <br />thought I was Triple H... <br /> <br />Triple H basically stole my look, even my chin-strap beard <br />that grew into a mustache. <br /> <br />Hopefully this Q and A section help you better <br />understand the reasoning behind what is going on in the <br />videos. If you have any other questions, let me know and I <br />will try to cover things in more detail in a future email.<br /><br />For more information on Strongman Training, check out our DVD, below:<br /><br /><center><a href="http://dieselcrew.com/strongman-training.html"><img src="http://www.dieselcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/smbanner.jpg" width="400"></a></center>Jedd Johnson, CSCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00041224965696982917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34591366.post-68696701567554072992011-06-05T18:23:00.005-04:002011-06-05T18:47:44.861-04:00Strongman DVD Coming SoonGuys, I am coming out with a DVD on Strongman Training very soon. If you want to get on the early bird list, sign up below:<br /><br /><strong>Put your name and email in the box below.</strong><br /><br /><center><img src="http://www.dieselcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/strongman-dvd-info.png" alt="" title="strongman-dvd-info" width="400" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9325" /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://forms.aweber.com/form/23/1962599423.js"></script></center>Jedd Johnson, CSCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00041224965696982917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34591366.post-20370090395681608112011-05-16T20:07:00.000-04:002011-05-16T20:07:00.306-04:00Isometrics for Gripper Strength<i>This is another outstanding guest post from Mike Rinderle. Enjoy!</i><br /><br />When you hear the term isometrics, many people flash back to the old Charles Atlas Courses in the back of our childhood comic books. But isometric training is making a big comeback for weightlifters, strongmen, and even grip athletes. So how do we apply isometrics (Isos) to your gripper training for huge gains? <br /><br />An isometric exercise is one where the range of motion during the muscle contraction is very small or non-existent. It allows you to exert maximum force over a very short distance (or statically) for a period of time. This leads to stronger tendons, the ability to fire your CNS more efficiently, and increased time under maximum muscle tension, which will lead to strength gains.<br /><br />There are 3 main types of Isos used to increase gripper strength: static, short concentric (positive), and short eccentric (negative). Let’s look at how we can apply all three to really jumpstart your gripper performance.<br /><br />Overcrushes (static): Use a gripper that you can close and hold for at least a few seconds. If it is filed or is a narrow handle gripper that is even better, because it will strengthen you BTR (beyond the range). Close the gripper and squeeze as hard as you possibly can for as long as you can. If you can hold for more than 15 seconds, it is time to move up a gripper level, or file some more off the handle of the one you are using. I would do no more than 2 - 3 of these per hand because they will fry your forearms. Don't fall into the trap of just holding them barely hard enough to keep them closed. Squeeze with everything you've got until the gripper starts to open up, and then you let it open. This is not a negative, and doing a negative as it opens up after a hard overcrush can injure you. Just let it open slowly.<br /><br />Choker closes (concentric): Get a sturdy hose clamp, tape the tops of the gripper handles and clamp your goal gripper to parallel or inside parallel (whatever width you need to close it). You will do explosive singles on this gripper. Only singles. Your goal is to explode into the close and click the handles as fast as you can. Wait until you recover and do another one just as hard and as fast as the last. Once the closes start to get a bit slow, or you can't touch the handles anymore, you stop. Period. If you can get more than 5 - 7 of these then it is time to open the clamp up slightly wider the next time you do these or use a harder gripper.<br /><br />Bounce Forced Negatives (BFNs) (eccentric): Use a gripper one level higher than your goal gripper. Use your leg, or off hand to cheat close it and then fight like hell to keep it from opening up. When it gets to parallel, use your other hand (or leg) to force it back shut and fight like crazy to keep it shut again, repeat one more time when it gets to parallel. That's one set of 3. Do no more than 2 sets. These will toast you. Also, this will be a bigger gripper than you are used to and if it has sharp knurling you need to not just let it spring open after the last negative gets to parallel, or you could lose some skin. Let it open slowly.<br /><br />Use only one of these as a finisher for each grip workout you do. Alternate them for best results. I believe if you add some Iso work into your arsenal of training weapons, you will be amazed at how fast the gains come. Each movement trains the muscles, tendons, and CNS in a slightly different way, but each is very effective. Many people using these see a jump of a whole gripper level in just a few weeks. So give them a try and have a great grip workout!!!Jedd Johnson, CSCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00041224965696982917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34591366.post-58704357863171993112011-05-15T19:59:00.003-04:002011-05-15T20:02:38.482-04:00Stronger Grippers with Thumb Training?I just sent this out to my newsletter and thought I would post it here for those of you who still stop by.<br /><br />I know that Grippers are one of the most widely recognized and most obsessive part of Grip Strength training.<br /> <br />Many people think that in order to close big grippers, they have to do a tremendous amount of gripper work ONLY.<br /> <br />While volume with the grippers can be a good thing, there are other ways to train the hands in order to improve gripper performance.<br /> <br />One such way to bring up your grippers without doing more gripper work is by training the thumb.<br /> <br />Now, you might be thinking, what does the thumb have to do with Grip Training? <br /><br />Actually, the thumb is very important in a good solid crush because it serves as a foundation for the back handle of the gripper, especially the thumb pad.<br /><br />Adding size to the thumb pad will actually strengthen your gripper power because that foundation on the back handle will be more stable.<br /><br />For instance, check out what Chris Hope recently wrote in a comment on my blog regarding Home Made Strength II:<br /><br />= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =<br />I got this downloadable DVD, and <span style="font-weight:bold;">the info is great</span>. I've made the modified pony clamp, and it has <span style="font-weight:bold;">helped me to rep the COC#1</span>, and I'm only 2mm off on the 1.5. <span style="font-weight:bold;">The 8 week workout video is also great</span>, giving me some great ideas for mixing up my grip training.<br />Thanks Jedd!<br />Chris Hope<br />= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =<br /><br />If you are looking to increase your Gripper strength, then you HAVE to include some direct thumb work, and there aren’t many better or CHEAPER ways than the way I show you in <a href="http://www.homemadestrength.com/homemadegrip.htm">Home Made Strength II</a>.<br /><br />In fact, the Thumb Clamp tool I show you how to build in HMS 2 might cost you $9 total, compared to $50 to $75 for other lever-style devices on the market.<br /><br />If manhandling BIG GRIPPERS while SAVING nearly $50 is something you’d like to do, then check out <a href="http://www.homemadestrength.com/homemadegrip.htm">Home Made Strength II</a>.<br /><br />All the best in your training,<br /><br />Jedd<br /><br />P.S. Just as Chris said, the HMS2 downloadable DVD is accompanied by an 8-Week Grip Program Video and PDF that will show you 24 other awesome Grip Exercises. Get ready to have a handshake that will break bones! Get HMS2 here = > <a href="http://www.homemadestrength.com/homemadegrip.htm">Home Made Strength II</a>Jedd Johnson, CSCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00041224965696982917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34591366.post-10836852921981690232011-04-03T08:37:00.003-04:002011-04-03T09:07:49.437-04:00The Common Thread - Grip Strength<span style="font-weight:bold;">Squat, Bench, Deadlift, Muscle-ups, Snatch, Clean, Jerk, Curls, Ropes, Pull-ups, Push-downs, Climbing</span>.<br /><br />What is the common thread between all of these awesome ways to train, get stronger and build muscle?<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />The Common Thread is your Grip</span>.<br /><br />If you are lacking in the Grip Strength department your performance in any of these lifts will suffer.<br /><br />While it may be clear to see <a href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/why-you-should-train-your-grip"> why Grip Strength is important</a> in lifts such as Deadlifts and Pull-ups where your hands have to Grip something and be able to hold on well enough execute the movement, it may not be as obvious for other lifts, such as Squats. After all, your upper back is taking the brunt of the load when you Back Squat, right? <br /><br />Let’s look closer.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What is Grip Strength?</span><br /><br />Grip Strength is often referred to as just Hand Strength, but really it is much more than that. Yes, the hands are involved, but they are only a part of the equation. Really to have a truly strong grip, you must look as Grip as everything from the elbow down. <br /><br />Here’s why.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Many of the muscles in the hands actually originate above the elbow</span> at the medial epicondyle (some flexors, pronator) and the lateral epicondyle (some extensors, supinator). And since these muscles cross the elbow joint, they also influence the joint. Remember that point.<br /><br />Because so many hand muscles start so far up the arm, it really expands the acreage that we have to consider when we set out to train for Grip Strength effectively. <br /><br />Not only do we have to include training for the hands, but we also have to include <a href="http://www.thegripauthority.com">work for the wrist, forearm and elbow</a>. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Why Grip is Important for Your Training</span><br /><br />Most trainees would agree that <a href="http://www.thegripauthority.com">strong hands</a> would be an asset for strength training and muscle building. After all, if your hands are strong, that means you’ll be able to pull more weight in many exercises, you’ll be able to do more repetitions, and you’ll be able to train longer if need be, right? <span style="font-weight:bold;">Yes</span>.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Now, let’s connect a few points</span>. When your hands are strong you will see better results in the weight room because it will transfer to better performance when performing pulls like deadlifts, rows, and pull-ups.<br /><br />But what about all the other lifts that do not involve pulling? Is Grip Strength important in those lifts as well? <br /><br />Yes it is.<br /><br />A strong Grip, or in other words, a strong and balanced hand/lower arm unit will also provide better stability during lifts where the hands are pressing against the bar, dumbbell or other implement. For instance, when performing the Bench Press, Jerk, Kettlebell Press, etc, you will be better able to execute these lifts when your grip is strong because you will have better control over the implement.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">So is Grip Strength important for lifts like the Bench Press, Jerk, Kettlebell Press</span>? Yes it is!<br /><br />But what about other lifts like the Back Squat? It might seem like the hands are just sitting there going along for the ride, but if you are doing them right, they are doing much more than that.<br /><br />You see, the hands are also capable of producing what is known as <span style="font-weight:bold;">Radiant Tension</span>. In other words, when you squeeze your hands, the tension begins to radiate inward toward the body. By doing this, you can actually increase the intensity of other contractions in the body. <br /><br />The Back Squat is a perfect example of this. When performing this lift, you should apply appreciable tension to the bar by squeezing it prior to decent and continuing to apply this tension throughout each rep. By doing so, your upper body will remain more stable, thus allowing you to Squat more weight and do more repetitions.<br /><br />So, now you can see that there are many benefits to be gained from Grip Strength training, right? So the next question is how are you going to get your hands on some equipment that will help you build Grip Strength and do so by hitting the lower arms from all angles?<br /><br />Here are some examples of equipment you can buy to build Grip Strength…<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Grippers</span> – These things are obsessive and people really love training with them. They give you serious Crushing Grip and provide hours of training fun. Cost – about $20 apiece.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sledge Hammers</span> – These are great as well because they not only work the lower arms and hands, but they also incorporate a load of upper body and arm involvement, also contributing to your core training and cardiovascular health, especially if you use them to hit tires or other dense objects. Cost – about $30.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thick Rope</span> – These take your Grip, Arm and Shoulder training up another level of intensity, while also dropping bombs on your conditioning. Fantastic training tool. Cost - $90 or more.<br /><br />Unfortunately many people these days are on a limited budget and it is tough to invest in tools like these and even though many pieces of equipment can be used to train for Grip Strength and other outstanding strength and conditioning benefits, their costs prohibit many people from purchasing them.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Here is the solution => <a href="http://www.homemadestrength.com/homemadegrip.htm">Home Made Strength II: Grip Strength Edition</a></span>. This on-line DVD is downloaded to your computer along with the bonus manuals and reports so that you can start building affordable pieces of quality grip gear that you can use to get a better grip and thus improve all of your other lifts.<br /><br />As you can see Grip Strength is the common thread for many lifts. Don’t let it be the weakest link in your chain of strength.<br /><br />Jedd Johnson<br /><a href="http://www.dieselcrew.com">DieselCrew.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.HomeMadeStrength.com/homemadegrip.htm">HomeMadeStrength.com/homemadegrip.htm</a>Jedd Johnson, CSCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00041224965696982917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34591366.post-3819238868136731502011-04-02T21:41:00.003-04:002011-04-02T21:56:36.074-04:00How to Improve Your Grip Strength for Real World Situations<span style="font-style:italic;">Guest Article by Mike Rinderle</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.thegripauthority.com">Strengthening your grip</a> can help you excel in your chosen sport and in the gym, but what about your day-to-day life? <br /><br />In this article we are going to look at 3 exercises that will help you look like a stud in real world situations.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Helping your buddy move</span>: Nothing brings out the competitive nature in me like helping a buddy move. I do not want to be the first guy to have to put down my end of the cabinet, chest-of-drawers, or couch. <br /><br />What usually gives out first in this real world test of wills is a person’s grip. Basically, moving furniture is a series of rim lifts with just your fingers or finger tips holding on for dear life. <br /><br />To strengthen yourself in this area, find the heaviest Olympic plates you can, wrap your fingertips under the lip and hold for time. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Carrying groceries in from the car</span>: I never want my wife carrying in more grocery bags than me, so I am always loading up the most plastic bags I can for each trip. <br /><br />I don’t know about you guys, but 100 lbs of groceries hanging off individual fingers by those skinny plastic bags hurts!!! The key to making yourself impervious to the pain of grocery shopping finger torture… ring lifts. <br /><br />Get some good quality rings that you can attach to a loading pin and do single and multiple finger ring lifts. Before you know it, you’ll own those plastic bags with no problem.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Opening a stuck jar</span>: I don’t know about you, but I want to be the guy people hand the jar of pickles to when they can’t open it. There is nothing more embarrassing than not being able to open a jar and then have someone else pop it right open. <br /><br />Opening a jar brings all kinds of grip strength factors into place: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=5BF9C519381B3A04">crushing grip</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=D64993A2AE097216">thumb strength</a>, rotational strength. So any grip work you do will help in this test of strength, but the one that incorporates them all is the wrist roller. The one I have is made from a piece of 2 ½” PVC pipe. The larger diameter and smoothness really adds to the difficulty and you can set it up in a power rack in a couple seconds. It really hits the thumbs and forearms. Make sure you raise and lower the weight in both directions, and before you know it, you will be dominating any jar in the kitchen!<br /><br />So there you have it. Three exercises you can add to your current workouts to become a real world grip stud! Have a great grip workout!<br /><br />For more information, check out DieselCrew.com, a <a href="http://www.dieselcrew.com">Grip Strength Training Site</a>. It has hundreds of free articles on building superior hand strength. If you are looking for <a href="http://www.thegripauthority.com/grip-training-program/">workouts that will show you how to improve you grip strength</a>, check out his free program that includes <a href="http://www.thegripauthority.com/grip-training-program/">8 weeks of Grip Workouts</a>.<br /><br />Thanks for the article Mike! <br /><br />All the best in your training.<br /><br />JeddJedd Johnson, CSCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00041224965696982917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34591366.post-76704312397483225222011-04-01T10:41:00.002-04:002011-04-01T11:06:28.696-04:00Trouble Bending the Grade 8 Bolt (Grade 5's are No Problem)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQJvnVA7M7nAoKgP9LS1ciMx225n45heU-lsIA_kTwZ_rsr-ngB4r8EAmeiZlw7JXqRDBLlGx8Re56RhUsqjs6XQrY-GomBDxzvmaokzSQqR_zIiipsMA0QxENSSBzRBSmLUKAw/s1600/crushdown.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQJvnVA7M7nAoKgP9LS1ciMx225n45heU-lsIA_kTwZ_rsr-ngB4r8EAmeiZlw7JXqRDBLlGx8Re56RhUsqjs6XQrY-GomBDxzvmaokzSQqR_zIiipsMA0QxENSSBzRBSmLUKAw/s400/crushdown.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590631582175337442" /></a><br /><br /><br />I hope you have been seriously destroying some crazy steel lately in your training.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">I got my hands on the new nail from IronMind, called the Gold Nail the other day</span>. <br /><br />This thing is 8.375 inches long and 3/8 inches thick, so this thing is a monster.<br /><br />I wanted to share an email I got this week from a subscriber named Erik, in regards to bending:<br /><br /><ul>"I do have a question. I already bought your e-book, and the progression chart helps a lot. But I'm stuck hard on grade-8 and have been for a few months. Is it better to have one or two big, heavy bending sessions a week, or <span style="font-weight:bold;">grease the groove from day to day</span>? I know gtg helps with a lot of big lifts, sometimes more so than exclusive workouts."</ul><br /><br />So, as it turns out, <span style="font-weight:bold;">Erik can bend a Grade 5 bolt over and over</span>. In fact, he has bent tons of them, but he's having trouble with the Grade 8.<br /><br />If you are not familiar with the Graded bolts, we are talking about 6-inch long and 1/4-inch thick bolts that are made under strict manufacturing conditions to resist bending. <br /> <br />In fact, <span style="font-weight:bold;">when you attempt to bend a Grade 8 bolt, it will actually flex back on you </span>if you do not do enough damage to it.<br /><br />Being stuck at a certain nail, bolt or steel bar generally is caused by one of two things.<br /><br />Either you are <u>not strong enough</u>, or there is a <u>problem with your technique</u>, or <u>BOTH</u>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />As far as greasing the groove, I don't really buy into that for bending, personally</span>. <br /><br />Volume bending can be awesome for getting you used to bending, but I'm not sold on generating a pile of bent steel in order to move up the ladder. Besides, <span style="font-weight:bold;">Erik is already slaughtering Grade 5's and it hasn't seemed to pay any dividends</span>.<br /><br />However, <u>that does not mean that using Grade 5's won't help the situation</u>. If you wrap electric tape or duct tape around the center of the Grade 5, you will reinforce it and make it tougher to bend. This would be my first suggestion, to see how far you can put a kink into it with your current technique.<br /><br />The next suggestion I have is to run down through this post: <a href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/how-to-improve-strength-for-bending-steel-nails-bolt">How to Improve Strength for Bending</a>.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://www.dieselcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kink_grade_8-300x225.jpg"><br />Grade 8 Bolt - Kinked</center><br /><br />That post is all about <a href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/how-to-improve-strength-for-bending-steel-nails-bolt">improving the kink</a>, and was written especially for someone else who was having trouble finishing off Grade 8 Bolts, so run down that post and see if any of the suggestions will help you out.<br /><br />If you feel that strength is not the issue, <span style="font-weight:bold;">then it is probably technique</span>. <br /><ul><li>Are you not loading tension into the bar? </li><br /><li>Are you standing too straight up? </li><br /><li>Are your hands too close together?</li> </ul><br />There are lots of variables here, depending on which bending style you use, what kind of wraps you use, your body type, the positions your body likes to operate in, etc. These techniques are all covered in extreme detail in my <a href="http://jeddcard.jeddiesel.hop.clickbank.net">Nail Bending eBook</a>.<br /><br />So, in review, here are the steps I'd like to see <span style="font-weight:bold;">Erik, the Future Red Nail Bender</span>, try out.<br /><br /><ul>1. Load up tape on the center of a Grade 5 Bolt and give it a try to see if you can get it (test your strength).<br /><br />2. Review the <a href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/how-to-improve-strength-for-bending-steel-nails-bolt">"Improving the Kink"</a> post, here: <a href="http://www.dieselcrew.com/how-to-improve-strength-for-bending-steel-nails-bolt">Force Production for Bending</a>. (force production and technique)<br /><br />3. Review the various technique run-downs in the <a href="http://jeddcard.jeddiesel.hop.clickbank.net">Nail Bending eBook</a>. See if there is something that might be off, and try changing things up (technique)</ul><br /><br />If it is not one of these two things (or a combination of both) then the only possible thing I can think of is that you are not <span style="font-weight:bold;">attacking that thing like a savage beast</span>. <br /><br />Remember, you are doing something that you're not supposed to do. That Grade 8 bolt was not made to be bent with human hands. If it were, it would be easy to do, and what's awesome about that? <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Attack it with a savage beast mentality like you are going to tear down an entire town with all of your rage</span>. <br /> <br />Keep your technique dialed in and commence with the <u>hostile takeover of the Grade 8 Bolt</u>.<br /><br />Hopefully this helps you out Erik - thanks for sending in the question.<br /><br />If anyone else has a question, please feel free to do the same.<br /><br />Be a Savage Beast!<br /><br />Jedd<br /><br />P.S. If you are struggling with a bend and need help, don't forget about the two best Bending resources on the planet: the <a href="http://jeddcard.jeddiesel.hop.clickbank.net">Nail Bending eBook</a> and the <a href="http://www.thegripauthority.com/nail-bending-dvd.htm">Nail Bending DVD</a>.Jedd Johnson, CSCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00041224965696982917noreply@blogger.com0