Napalm Jedd Johnson of the Diesel Crew

New DVD: Braced Bending

2012-01-24T15:04:00.000-05:00

Mike Rinderle and I have released our second project together, called, Braced Bending: How to Detroy Everything in Your Path.

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.

So check this thing out today. Braced Bending DVD

I want to hear about the damage YOU can cause.

All the best in your training,

Jedd

What I Read on the John

2011-10-14T17:02:00.001-04:00

Because 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.

However, I also know the importance of continuing to learn and develop.

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.

She says, "Uh Oh," every time she breaks a crayon or drops her bottle now, by the way...

We have two different bathrooms at my house, so these are the two things I am reading.

1. Vince Gironda, Legend and Myth - It' taken me a while to get through all of this book, since its 334 pages, but it is a pretty entertaining read.

Gironda seemed to go beyond what everyone else was doing back in his day.

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.

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.

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.

Whether you think Gironda is bonkers or not, take this into consideration.

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.

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)

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.

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.

If you have been thinking about getting this ebook, you should hurry because the Intro Sale is over tonight.

You can go here to get it = > Gironda Book

2. The other book I have recently started is a collaboration from Pavel Tsatsouline and Dan John called, Easy Strength. 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.

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.

I will bring you more information on this down the road, as I have only had the opportunity to start this one recently.

Until then, have an outstanding weekend and all the best in your training.

Jedd

Improving the Log Press

2011-10-13T11:25:00.004-04:00

I recently posted a couple of video on improving the log press at my main site, DieselCrew.com. You can see the full article here: Strongman Training Log Press Strength.

Included in the post were a couple of videos, which you can see below:

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.

Q: Why are you going so light on the band-resisted work?

Actually, the weight in the video is deceiving. The log
we are using is a homemade log built from scrap and
weighed 174-lbs empty. (We left it outside one night and
scrappers came by and stole it from us - bastards).

With the log being so heavy, and with me being so tall,
all that made sense to do at the time was the black
mini-band for the added resistance.

Band-resisted bench press is an exercise that countless
Powerlifters do in order to build strength for the bench
press. Generally, they keep the bar weight light and move
the bar against the bands with as much speed as possible.

This is of course possible with the log as well, if you
have a light enough log. For instance, with a light
enough log, you could attach bands and perform a
more strict version of the press with less leg drive and
put the focus more on the shoulders and triceps.

How we have it set up in that video, it focused on leg
drive and tricep strength, by having to really commit to l
ocking the log out.

The Log Against Bands was HUGE for me as a
competitor. I strongly suggest you try it if you are looking
to increase your Overhead Lifting.

Q: How would you go about adjusting the log
against bands set-up in order to increase or
decrease the resistance?

Good question. In the video, we have the bands attached
near the floor. We modified that squat cage by drilling
holes in its feet and putting in eye-bolts so that we could
easily connect bands.

A good way to be able to adjust the tension of the bands
is to change the location where they are rigged or choked.

For instance, you can choke the bands to the pins of the
squat cage in order to decrease the distance you are
stretching the bands. The higher the pins and the spot
the are rigged, the lighter the resistance will be and vice versa.

I use a slightly different set-up in the video labeled "||||"
on this page: Strongman Training

Q: Where are you training in those videos? It looks
like a garage, but not like your garage?

Yes, that is a garage we are training in, in a couple of
those videos. You see, up until about 2006 I did the
majority of my Strongman Training with about 3 to 5
other dudes in Sayre, PA. Back then we were competing
in Strongman, so we all met at my buddy, Jim "Smitty"
Smith's place to train.

I had a series of injuries late 2005 and 2006 and I decided
to stop competing in Strongman. Around this time, gas
prices started to go through the roof and I began putting
together my own garage gym at the end of 2006, so I
don't get up there much anymore.
(They don't come down here either, LOL)

Those guys also started training full time at a commercial
facility in Elmira NY, which is even further away, so I get
up to train with them even less these days, especially now
that I have a daughter.

Believe me, I miss training with those guys.
We are a group that loves giving it our all, pushing one
another, topping one another, and talking major
SMACK all at the same time.

Q: Is that a mullet in the Log Clean video?

No! That is not a mullet. I never had the balls to carve
a mullet out of it.

From 2005 to 2008 I had some pretty long hair. In fact,
I was traveling on red-eye flights one time and was given
service at an airport shop after hours because the guy
thought I was Triple H...

Triple H basically stole my look, even my chin-strap beard
that grew into a mustache.

Hopefully this Q and A section help you better
understand the reasoning behind what is going on in the
videos. If you have any other questions, let me know and I
will try to cover things in more detail in a future email.

For more information on Strongman Training, check out our DVD, below:

Strongman DVD Coming Soon

2011-06-05T18:23:00.005-04:00

Guys, 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:

Put your name and email in the box below.

Isometrics for Gripper Strength

2011-05-16T20:07:00.000-04:00

This is another outstanding guest post from Mike Rinderle. Enjoy!

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!!!

Stronger Grippers with Thumb Training?

2011-05-15T19:59:00.003-04:00

I just sent this out to my newsletter and thought I would post it here for those of you who still stop by.

I know that Grippers are one of the most widely recognized and most obsessive part of Grip Strength training.

Many people think that in order to close big grippers, they have to do a tremendous amount of gripper work ONLY.

While volume with the grippers can be a good thing, there are other ways to train the hands in order to improve gripper performance.

One such way to bring up your grippers without doing more gripper work is by training the thumb.

Now, you might be thinking, what does the thumb have to do with Grip Training?

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.

Adding size to the thumb pad will actually strengthen your gripper power because that foundation on the back handle will be more stable.

For instance, check out what Chris Hope recently wrote in a comment on my blog regarding Home Made Strength II:

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
I got this downloadable DVD, and the info is great. I've made the modified pony clamp, and it has helped me to rep the COC#1, and I'm only 2mm off on the 1.5. The 8 week workout video is also great, giving me some great ideas for mixing up my grip training.
Thanks Jedd!
Chris Hope
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

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 Home Made Strength II.

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.

If manhandling BIG GRIPPERS while SAVING nearly $50 is something you’d like to do, then check out Home Made Strength II.

All the best in your training,

Jedd

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 = > Home Made Strength II

The Common Thread - Grip Strength

2011-04-03T08:37:00.003-04:00

Squat, Bench, Deadlift, Muscle-ups, Snatch, Clean, Jerk, Curls, Ropes, Pull-ups, Push-downs, Climbing.

What is the common thread between all of these awesome ways to train, get stronger and build muscle?

The Common Thread is your Grip.

If you are lacking in the Grip Strength department your performance in any of these lifts will suffer.

While it may be clear to see why Grip Strength is important 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?

Let’s look closer.

What is Grip Strength?

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.

Here’s why.

Many of the muscles in the hands actually originate above the elbow 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.

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.

Not only do we have to include training for the hands, but we also have to include work for the wrist, forearm and elbow.

Why Grip is Important for Your Training

Most trainees would agree that strong hands 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? Yes.

Now, let’s connect a few points. 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.

But what about all the other lifts that do not involve pulling? Is Grip Strength important in those lifts as well?

Yes it is.

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.

So is Grip Strength important for lifts like the Bench Press, Jerk, Kettlebell Press? Yes it is!

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.

You see, the hands are also capable of producing what is known as Radiant Tension. 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.

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.

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?

Here are some examples of equipment you can buy to build Grip Strength…

Grippers – 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.

Sledge Hammers – 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.

Thick Rope – 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.

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.

Here is the solution => Home Made Strength II: Grip Strength Edition. 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.

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.

Jedd Johnson
DieselCrew.com
HomeMadeStrength.com/homemadegrip.htm

How to Improve Your Grip Strength for Real World Situations

2011-04-02T21:41:00.003-04:00

Guest Article by Mike Rinderle

Strengthening your grip can help you excel in your chosen sport and in the gym, but what about your day-to-day life?

In this article we are going to look at 3 exercises that will help you look like a stud in real world situations.

Helping your buddy move: 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.

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.

To strengthen yourself in this area, find the heaviest Olympic plates you can, wrap your fingertips under the lip and hold for time.

Carrying groceries in from the car: 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.

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.

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.

Opening a stuck jar: 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.

Opening a jar brings all kinds of grip strength factors into place: crushing grip, thumb strength, 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!

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!

For more information, check out DieselCrew.com, a Grip Strength Training Site. It has hundreds of free articles on building superior hand strength. If you are looking for workouts that will show you how to improve you grip strength, check out his free program that includes 8 weeks of Grip Workouts.

Thanks for the article Mike!

All the best in your training.

Jedd

Trouble Bending the Grade 8 Bolt (Grade 5's are No Problem)

2011-04-01T10:41:00.002-04:00

I hope you have been seriously destroying some crazy steel lately in your training.

I got my hands on the new nail from IronMind, called the Gold Nail the other day.

This thing is 8.375 inches long and 3/8 inches thick, so this thing is a monster.

I wanted to share an email I got this week from a subscriber named Erik, in regards to bending:

grease the groove from day to day

So, as it turns out, Erik can bend a Grade 5 bolt over and over. In fact, he has bent tons of them, but he's having trouble with the Grade 8.

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.

In fact, when you attempt to bend a Grade 8 bolt, it will actually flex back on you if you do not do enough damage to it.

Being stuck at a certain nail, bolt or steel bar generally is caused by one of two things.

Either you are not strong enough, or there is a problem with your technique, or BOTH.

As far as greasing the groove, I don't really buy into that for bending, personally.

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, Erik is already slaughtering Grade 5's and it hasn't seemed to pay any dividends.

However, that does not mean that using Grade 5's won't help the situation. 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.

The next suggestion I have is to run down through this post: How to Improve Strength for Bending.

Grade 8 Bolt - Kinked

That post is all about improving the kink, 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.

If you feel that strength is not the issue, then it is probably technique.

Are you not loading tension into the bar?

Are you standing too straight up?

Are your hands too close together?

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 Nail Bending eBook.

So, in review, here are the steps I'd like to see Erik, the Future Red Nail Bender, try out.

"Improving the Kink"

Force Production for Bending

Nail Bending eBook

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 attacking that thing like a savage beast.

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?

Attack it with a savage beast mentality like you are going to tear down an entire town with all of your rage.

Keep your technique dialed in and commence with the hostile takeover of the Grade 8 Bolt.

Hopefully this helps you out Erik - thanks for sending in the question.

If anyone else has a question, please feel free to do the same.

Be a Savage Beast!

Jedd

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 Nail Bending eBook and the Nail Bending DVD.

Visitors - Please Post a Comment

2010-10-24T10:35:00.002-04:00

Hello.

Over the last few months I haven't put up many posts here at this blog.

I mainly use it as a testing site for the guest posts I send to other sites to make sure I have formatted them correctly.

However, I can't help but noticing that every time I use the blog for a test post, there are plenty of new faces that show up in the "Visitors" section.

I kind of thought this blog was dead, but maybe I am wrong.

Am I disappointing you by not putting up new content here?

I want some feedback. If you want new posts here, leave a comment below. I can do that.

Thanks,

Jedd

Tonight's Workout

2010-05-24T09:48:00.002-04:00

Tonight's Workout

So I was sitting here drinking some coffee and I thought I would send out an email about what I was thinking about for my workout tonight.

If you have any suggestions for me, I am open to them. Just hit me back with a reply. Otherwise, if you're looking for something new to throw in, maybe I can help you out...

A. Warm-up: Foam Roller / Pipe Roller & Flow Stuff (10-15 mins)

B. Full Body Lift: Some Type of Deadlift

C. Lower Body: Testing between RDL's, Bulgarian Split Squats, Pistols, Back Squats

D. Some form of Shrug: Oly Bar, Axle, Dumbbell, Farmer, Trap Bar

E. Some form of Posterior Delt: Flyes, Face Pulls, Scarecrows, etc.

F. Grip - Thick Bar: RT, Loadable Dumbbell, 2" Vertical Bar

G. Extensor work until my forearms explode

Now, in case you're wondering, I'm not going to do all off the lifts listed above. I will be using the Biofeedback protocol to see which tests better. Then, I will do that exercise until it stops testing well.

I am shooting for Lower body day today because I have a couple of days to rest until the next softball game. That way my lower back and hammies are fresh for the game.

I like to put my Trap work and my Posterior Delt work in on this day because the way my gym is laid out, it lends itself to Lower Body and Upper Body Posterior work very well.

I have been splitting my Grip up into 3 days: Thick Bar Day, Gripper Day and Pinch Day. I usually end up doing 4 Grip Days per week, so one of them generally gets repeated. Also, on my weekend workout day, I throw in a bunch of forearm stuff for recovery, mass, and prevention stuff.

So there's an idea of how I split stuff up and how I choose what I am going to do.

Any questions or comments, please feel free to post them below.

-Jedd-

P.S. You can also subscribe to my RSS feed and my email feed while you are there to continue to get blog updates.

P.P.S. Want to learn how to build some freaky wrist strength? Sign up for The Grip Authority today. June's feature is coming soon and Wrist Training is what we are looking at: Wrist Training at the Grip Authority.

Card Tearing eBook Feedback

2010-03-10T07:38:00.002-05:00

Nothing makes me feel better than when someone who set the goal to tear a deck of cards follows the steps and finally accomplishes their goal!

Read more here ==>Feedback on Card Tearing eBook

Mighty Mitts Report

2010-03-10T07:36:00.002-05:00

The Mighty Mitts grip competition, held this past weekend at the Arnold Sports Festival, was an outstanding experience for me. I thought I would put together a quick write-up here to let you all know how it went...

Read more here ==>Mighty Mitts Report

Arnold Classic Update

2010-03-05T20:14:00.002-05:00

Hey now!

Well, one day of the Arnold Expo is down. The Mighty Mitts competition has proven to be very stout, both in terms of the competitors and the events as well.

The first event today was the Anvil Carry. We had to pick the 173-lb anvil up by its horn and carry it for distance.

The horn was very smooth. I thought I had a pretty good grip on it, but I must have been mistaken because I took like two steps with the thing and it shot out of my hand like a greased goose turd.

That stunk, because I expected way better of a performance.

The next event was the Sorin Monster Deadlift. Richard Sorin got a freakin' huge monster axle deadlift apparatus designed that weighed 500-lbs and it has huge globes on it.

Having never fully deadlifted 400-lbs in the double overhand style on an axle, I was extremely happy with being able to pull the bar to just below knee height. Again, my best axle deadlift in competition (double overhand) is 396-lb, so pulling on 500-lb was crazy!

Tomorrow, we will do the Double Inch Replica Dumbbell Farmer's Walk and then the Mark Henry Dumbbell Challenge Dumbbell.

In case you're not familiar with those two implements, I'll tell you a bit about them. The Inch Dumbbell Replica is 172-lb cast iron dumbbell with a 2 3/8 handle on it. To deadlift one is an elite feat of grip strength. There's less than a dozen people in the world that have ever walked with one in each hand. All ten of us are going to try to do that tomorrow.

The Mark Henry Dumbbell event is even more thunderous. It is also a dumbbell in one solid piece and it weighs about 300-lb one a 2 3/8 handle. It is in a wooden box and it must be lifted up out of the box without touching the sides. This one is gonna be big!

Now, if you're planning on coming tomorrow, make sure you check out my Arnold Classic Survival Guide. I posted it the other day so you know what you need to bring to enjoy yourself to the fullest extent.

You can get it right here = = > Arnold Expo Survival Guide

Hope you're having as much fun this weekend as I am!

-Jedd-

http://www.CardTearing.com < = = Monster Sale This Weekend

33% Off

Heavy Club Swinging

2010-03-02T23:14:00.001-05:00

I recently showed everybody the Demolition Club on the Diesel site. You can check it out here: Demolition Club.

My efforts were recognized today by Kevin Wikse in his latest video. Check it out:

Thanks Kevin! I appreciate the recognition and keep up the good work and awesome video clips.

All the best in your training.

-Jedd-

Weekend Update = TGA & Arnold Classic

2010-02-28T21:43:00.002-05:00

My weekend has been pretty busy.

On Friday, I shoveled my butt off. I have a driveway that is about 120 feet long and we were expecting company so as soon as I got home Friday I started shoveling. I cleared the whole driveway off in less than two hours. My back was locked up like Fort Knox afterwards, but I went down and trained for the Mighty Mitts contest anyway.

I worked all thick bar because all the events in the contest are thick bar. It was a great workout and I actually set a couple of PR's despite my hands feeling like grizzle after all of the shoveling.

In case you haven't heard, I am competing in Mighty Mitts next weekend - it is the first ever Grip Contest on the Arnold Classic stage, so if you are planning on coming to the Arnold, give me a holler when you see me on stage.

On Saturday, I hit another workout in the morning. I decided my back didn't get a good enough throttling during the marathon shoveling session, so I did a bunch of work on my glute ham raise, just doing back extensions. I also did belt squats, but instead of just having my hands passive out in front of me, I put on rubber bands and did static extensor holds during my 20-rep sets. Talk about a forearm pump.

I strongly suggest you try that out. It's important to train the extensors for balance in the hands, and i plan on doing that more in the future.

The rest of the day, I worked on the site, including the post about swinging my giant home made Demolition Club. If you didn't see it, it's right here: Demolition Club Update

Saturday night was the first Saturday night I have taken off since December. We had a diaper party. In case you don't know what that is, let me tell you. My fiancee and I have a baby on the way, so I invited a bunch of my buddies down for cards and all the food and drink they could handle. The price of admission? A package of diapers. It's like a baby shower for the dad that gives us an excuse to hang out all night. So now I have a huge stack of diapers of various sizes for when the little bundle of joy comes.

So far today, I posted all the new March videos and workout PDF's on the Grip Authority. This month's feature is Rolling Thunder Training, and I shot a 30-minute video on how to train with it effectively and how to increase your numbers on it. I also put together a video for the Workout of the Month, along with the downloadable print-off of the workout. So if you're a member, log in and check it out. To join, go to TheGripAuthority.com.

At 1 PM I am meeting with the Rod and Gun Club to vote on something that has to do with mineral rights. In this area of Pennsylvania there is a lot going on with underground mining of natural gas in the Marcellus Shale and we have to figure out what the group wants to do along these lines. Exciting.

After the meeting, it'll be time to come back and hit another big workout to set the tone for the week. It's upper body day and I think I'll get the log out and do some overhead work.

These are the kinds of weekends I like. Lots of stuff going on means I can look back when the weekend is done and be glad I accomplished so much.

Next weekend is going to be a different kind of busy though because I'll be traveling to Columbus and staying there all weekend for the Mighty Mitts competition and just general Arnold Classic Weekend excitement. I'll try to get as much video as possible of the Mighty Mitts. It is going to be awesome. Like I said, give me a shout on the stage if you're at the Arnold, and tap me on the shoulder if we end up walking by one another.

Hey, that's all for now. Have a great day and weekend!

-Jedd-

The Grip Authority - Let Me Show You How to Do Feats of Grip Strength

Aaron Corcorran - Best Hub Lifter Ever?

2010-01-21T06:00:00.001-05:00

Is Aaron Corcorran the best hub lifter ever? I have never seen a bigger lift than this using a 45-lb plate as the gripping surface...

What do you think? Is Acorn the best ever on hubs? Leave a comment below.

-Jedd-
The Grip Authority - Build World Class Grip Strength

Grip Tip - Wrong Way Blob Lifting

2010-01-20T06:00:00.001-05:00

Bob Sundin covers "Wrong Way" Blob Lifting.

All the best in your training,

-Jedd-

The Grip Authority - Build World Class Grip Strength

Paul Knight = Crip Skillz

2009-11-10T07:07:00.005-05:00

Paul Knight = Crip Skillz

Paul Knight = Grip Skillz

Paul Knight = Clip Skillz

Sick stuff in this video. Gripping, cinematography, rap, it all adds up to a highly entertaining show.

-Jedd-

Grip Training Report - Columbus Clutch Convention

2009-11-04T22:58:00.003-05:00

We met tonight at Nick Rosendaul's for about 2 hours of gripping. It was awesome. It was Nick, Climber, Brad Audrey (strongman) and Rick Freitag (not sure of his board name), and me.

We started out with some choked grippers. Brad and I got the 191. Chris was a pube away on the 182. I didn't see anyone else's attempts.

Next we went to two hands pinch on climber's cromed set-up. We hit it at 48 mm. We worked up to 240. I got it off the ground but couldn't lock it out. I hit everything up to like 225 for a triple, so I was a little worn out when i got to 240. It felt pretty comfortable in my hands considering I usually train on 54 by myself and only do 48 a few times a year when I train pinch with Brad Martin.

We tried some one hand pinch with the euro. the +/- 100 lbs was a bit too much for me at 48 mm. Rick didn't do too bad - got it about 3 inches or so. i could only break it off a li'l bit and then it would pop out of my hand.

Rick and Brad pinched pretty well considering they never pinch. Nick said he felt off. Chris was looking pretty solid. Keep hitting it hard Chris. I want to see 240 out of you at Gripmas. It is right there - keep your volume up brother.

We then went to 1.9 inch axle. We worked up to 205. Brad was the only one that pulled a legal lift.

We messed with hammers. This is a rough one for me. S-T-U-G-G-L-E.....

We moved through all of this very quickly and got a lot of good solid work in. My hands got a good workout.

During the last 20 minutes or so, we did some feats. Nick tried a smaller shoe. It was thick!

I pulled the blobs out. Nick has a fatman and a York Blob Replica that is of the narrower sort. I kept trying until I was able to lift the fatman with the first two fingers and a thumb. I think I did it forward and reverse. Not sure about the reverse. Maybe some of the other guys remember. My memory is shot from interviewing OSU students all week.

I then hit an easy snatch with Nick's York Blob and a tougher snatch with the Fatboy Blob he has that weighed in at 51 lbs. That was the only thing that we got on film, but it was a great workout altogether.

Thanks Nick, for having us over. You and Andrea always take care of us and welcome us and I appreciate it every time I am in town. Thanks again buddy.

-Jedd-

Four Hour Tour Training Report

2009-10-25T09:35:00.000-04:00

Today's workout was awesome. If you didn't make it up, you missed a killer time. We streamed everything live on UStream and I know several board members were watching.

This is what we hit:

Grippers
Two Hands Pinch
Double Over Axle
One Hand Axle
Gripmas Hammer Levering
Hammer Deadlifting
BTR Block Weight Loading

This went great. It was very structured - without a doubt the most structured grip get together I have every held or attended and it enabled us to get a ton of stuff done.

We started everything with an intense warm-up, hitting full body general followed by specific warm-ups, stretching, leg swings, etc. I felt great.

We ran the grippers at contest intensity. What I mean by that is we took one round of warm-ups then 4 rounds of max attempts just like a contest. We also took two rounds of triples after that. We finished this all in about 20 minutes.

We moved on to pinch and did the same thing, cycling through to work towards a max attempt. We tried to do a couple other things up around our max, but there were cut thumbs and humidity issues, so we moved on to the axle.

In the middle of the pinch, Mike and Brent each lifted the Blob - Mike for the first time. Frank also lifted the Blob - did we ever figure out if it was the fatman guys?

The axle lifts went well and then we finished with loading block weights for as many reps as possible in a minute's time. This was just downright awesome hard work. The platform we were lifting to was 44 inches high, so it was pretty much a high pull to load it. Lifting to this height is important and so is training for the heightened work capacity.

Then we ate around 3.

Mike headed out around 4. Brent, Frank and I walked down stairs, got talking and started training again on my fitness gear 45 hub and the fatboy replica. Frank and Brent both got the fitness gear 45 by the hub, Brent multiple times. I never got it but hovered it a few times.

Today was awesome. I had a great workout. My hands are throttled. My thumbs are on fire, but never tore.

Frank tore his thumb so bad it looked like when a callus rips off in the farmers walk. Sick stuff. It looked like he could have hidden a dime in there.

Thanks for coming up guys. Thanks for pushing me.

-Jedd-

P.S. The best part was we knew there were time constraints and we shoved a ton of solid work into the time frame without any waste or rush.

Check out Jedd's Products

Nail Bending eBook - The Most Complete Reference on Nail, Bolt, and Steel Bending in the World

Card Tearing eBook - Learn How to Tear Cards with Your Bare Hands

Stone Lifting Fundamentals DVD - The Premier DVD on Stone Lifting, Hands Down

Home Made Strength On-line DVD - Build Strength Without Breaking the Bank

The Sh*t You've Never Seen DVD - Hardcore Strength Training Footage from the Diesel Crew

The Ultimate Sled Dragging Manual - Innovative Ways to Train with Out of One of the Most basic Implements

How to Bend Nails | How to Tear Cards | Strongman feats of Strength | How to Build Your Own Equipment | How to Lift Atlas Stones | The Sh*t You've Never Seen | How to Implement Sled Dragging for Athletes

Grip Exercise for Building Muscle

2009-10-23T06:41:00.004-04:00

This is a twist to conventional plate pinches. If you've been on Diesel for a while you know that grip strength is a HUGE part of athletic development. Unfortunately, it is often overlooked.

Read more here ==> Grip Exercise for Building Muscle.

All the best in your training.

-Jedd-

Strength and Power Workouts with Strongman Implements

2009-10-19T21:30:00.002-04:00

Here is a recent workout we did focusing on utilizing the strongman Axle. The axle is a great tool and should be incorporated into your workouts frequently because there are many benefits.

Benefits of Utilizing a Strongman Axle:

serious grip strength

eases pain in hands, wrists and elbows while benching

non-revolving aspect and thickness of the bar forces concentration, more tension and more immediate importance of rate of force development (RFD)

can be defined an odd object as the distance from the athlete's center of gravity (COG) to the center of mass (COM) of the implement is increased

can be substituted for all barbell movements

Click here to read the rest of this post ==> Strongman Axle Training.

-Jedd-

How to Build Your Own Strength Training Equipment

2009-10-12T22:43:00.002-04:00

For the last few weeks, I have been posting about a new project Joe Hashey and I have been working on called Home Made Strength.

If you've read Joe Hashey's site, you know that he has been building his own equipment for years and has been using it in his training and when working with his athletes in his garage gym.

Above, Joe's home made loading pin he has used for years

If you've read my articles on training for lifting the Inch Dumbbell, you know that one of the most important training implements I used was a piece of home made strength equipment - a thick handled dumbbell made from a PVC pipe and Duct Tape.

Some of the most effective equipment can be made from very simple materials.

After more than 5 years, this thing is still holding up and even made an appearance in this year's Grip Strength National Championship.

Just because it's home made doesn't mean it's going to break or fall apart. This stuff is for real.

Above, the home made Inch Trainer design I have used for years.

In fact, some of the grip equipment I have been using the most lately has been stuff I made on my own or someone else helped me with - rotating thick bar stuff, portable steel pinching devices, home made modified hand grippers, and MORE!

For years, Joe and I have been designing and making our own equipment so that we could save money.

Now, we want to pass the knowledge on to you with the Home Made Strength Online DVD.

Start Building Strength Without Breaking the Bank.
Click here ==> Home Made Strength

All the best in your training,

-Jedd-

What Do You Want?

2009-09-30T06:50:00.001-04:00

I had a pretty un-creative weekend.

I wanted to put together a few short blog posts both for here, the Diesel site, and for guest posts on other pages.

So I brainstormed during the Yankee's game, but I had like creative thinking block, I guess.

So, I am wondering what you all are looking for.

What are you guys unsure about?

What can I put together that you all might enjoy reading about here?

Is there a feat you're trying to perform?

Are you bored and want something new in your training but don't know how to get started?

Help me out. Post a comment below on something you would like covered or explained here that will help you out.

Thanks guys. All the best in your training.

-Jedd-

Rinderle - One Hand Axle Deadlift

2009-09-29T06:02:00.001-04:00

Mike's back again. In the clip below, he hits 180 on the axle.

The Gripmas Carol is the next contest I am headed to on December 12th. The One Hand Axle Deadlift is one of the events. Looks like Mike is planning on going and he's planning on doing well in that event.

The Gripmas Carol will be held in Crooksville Ohio, about an hour drive from Columbus. I'm looking to help get as many people there as possible. If you are interested or have any questions on how to prepare, please leave a comment here.

-Jedd-

Mike Rinderle - Working Hard on the Axle

2009-09-27T20:58:00.002-04:00

Mike Rinderle is not screwing around. After a few months of training and a couple of grip contests he knows what he needs to work on and he is setting out on a journey to bring his numbers up.

Below, he works on the Axle, hitting 270 for a set of 3.

Keep training hard Mike.

-Jedd-

Dave Whitley Scares the Sh*t out of Jim Labadie

2009-09-13T15:14:00.002-04:00

Watch as The Iron Tamer, Dave Whitley, scares the sh*t out of Jim Labadie.

Gotta love it when they squirm!

I loved how he teased the busting the hot water bottle feat and then transitioned to the balloon. Never saw anyone do that before. Good stuff.

Anybody else reading this blog performing this feat in their shows?

What are you doing to set yourself apart from the rest of the people performing this feats? Post a comment.

-Jedd-

Grip Newcomer - Craig Call - Blob Lifter - Craig Call

2009-09-08T21:34:00.002-04:00

Craig Call first called me on the cell phone earlier this year and wanted to know about stategies for certifying on the IM #3.

He met up with Andrew Durniat this past weekend and started dropping bombs on grip feats left and right, even lifting the 50-lb blob!

Awesome stuff, guys! Love to see this stuff!

-Jedd-

Two Inch Vertical Bar Technique

2009-08-23T23:42:00.002-04:00

Here is a great clip from Ben Edwards I just found. Ben is great with technique whether it's nail bending, grippers, or in this case, 2-inch Vertical Bar.

You gotta check this out.

Like I said, Ben knows his stuff. I really suggest you subscribe to his channel because he has lots of videos like this on it, and he does them all the time.

All the best in your training.

-Jedd-

P.S. I would be glad to do some technique videos for you. Please leave a comment here if there is something you'd like to see a video of!

Adam Glass - Pinch Array

2009-08-18T18:30:00.002-04:00

Adam was working pinch last night. What kind of pinch?

Pretty much every type known to man.

Nice work bro!

-Jedd-

New Grip Article - Feats of Strength and Power

2009-08-15T20:17:00.003-04:00

There is another blog I wrote for along with Adam Glass called Feats of Strength and Power.

I just posed a brand new article there called, Graded Bolts - Perfect Stepping Stones to the Red Nail.

Click the link to check it out ===> Steel Bending Article.

All the best in your training,

-Jedd-

Arm Wrestling Tips

2009-08-13T20:38:00.002-04:00

Check out these excellent arm wrestling tips from Joe Musselwhite.

Leave a comment if you think anything was missed. Joe's a pro, but sometimes it's hard to think of everything on the fly.

Thanks,

-Jedd-

Nail Bending is Fun

2009-07-30T23:30:00.007-04:00

Image from WorldsStrongestLibrarian.com

Josh Hanagarne, the World's Strongest Librarian, recently posted a review of my Nail Bending eBook.

Nail Bending eBook Review

Bending nails really is fun, but even more than that it is exciting. It is hard to describe what it feels like to hit a new Personal Record when bending.

I liken it to hitting a home run off a really good pitcher.

For instance, when I was in high school, I could hit pretty well, but had a hard time against lefties, especially this one kid from Wyalusing named Matt Haverly.

I knew I could hit this kid's fastball, but this one game he was feeding me curveballs all night and before I knew it, I had already struck out twice against him.

In my last at bat against Haverly in this one particular game (it might have actually been the very last time I ever faced him) for some reason he started me off with a fastball and I crushed it over the fence for the homer.

The conditions changed and my confidence combined with him trying to slip a fastball past me resulted in a home run and a Personal Record for me against him.

Very similar, I tried multiple times to bend my first red nail in August 2004 only to fail the first two times I tried that summer.

I guess when I finally bent the red nail, it was all just perfect. Like batting against Haverly, I knew I could bend the red nail, I just hadn't done it yet. Then finally everything fell in place, the red nail "gave me a fastball" and I hit it over the fence for a homerun and new bending PR!

The same thing will happen to all of you. If you try hard enough and often enough, you will break through your bending plateaus and get new personal records.

All the best in your training,

-Jedd-

P.S. You can pick up your copy of the Nail Bending eBook here ===>Nail Bending Info

Den Cenidoza - Red Nail Progress

2009-07-28T06:39:00.001-04:00

Dan Cenidoza recently bent his first red nail.

I said within a couple weeks he'd be bending them in IronMind pads, and sure enough, he just did one in IMP's recently.

That's what I call nail bending progress.

What's your bending progress like? What is your most recent PR? Let us all know in the comments section below.

-Jedd-

30 Ways to Up Your Bench

2009-07-27T06:50:00.001-04:00

It's time to Up Your Bench.

AJ Roberts has put together an unbelievable system to increase your bench press. I just got an insider look at it and it looks awesome.

Look, AJ is a professional powerlifter who trains right at West Side Barbell.

AJ is an awesome guy. I recently hung out with him in New Jersey one night after a day-long seminar and not only is he cool to hang out and joke with, but the information he gave me in that one conversation helped me add 40-lbs onto my bench press.

He's already put up a free 29-minute video on the 30 biggest mistakes people make on the bench press. You can check it out now by clicking here ===> 30 ways to Up Your Bench.

This week, he is releasing his brand new product and I actually put together bonus for it about Grip Considerations for the Bench Press. It is over 50 minutes in length itself.

For now, go check out AJ's fr.ee video and sign up for his newsletter.

If you want to put some weight on your bench press, then AJ is your man. He'll show you how to make it happen.

AJ's Link: Up Your Bench

All the best in your training.

-Jedd-

Adding Nail Bending into Your Current Program

2009-07-26T10:49:00.005-04:00

A common question I get from athletes who are looking to start performing feats of strength, like nail and bolt bending, has to do with the work load and stresses of bending on their hands and forearms. Specifically, is it safe to add nail bending into their current program?

Many of those who write are already very active in strength training, bodybuilding, powerlifting, strongman training, and kettlebell lifting, such as the writer below. Check it out here.

This a good question and I don’t blame you if you are unsure if bending will overwhelm your grip, and your body for that matter. When starting out, the volume and stress of bending nails and bolts under such high intensity can be enough to cause injury, especially if you go about it too much too fast.

I took this into consideration when I wrote the Nail Bending eBook. I knew that many people starting out were not already participating in a consistent grip training program, but I knew that far more would in fact already be devoting a great amount of time and effort into other full-body training protocols.

I knew that these new benders would want to maintain their high levels in their already developed training programs. So, to allow them to keep up with their current training programs, I included a ramp-up program that would allow them to start out slowly and gradually work up in stresses and volume by slowly introducing volume of grip and wrist training into the program.

This conditioning cycle lasts several weeks before any bending is even introduced.

I also included some other pointers for beginning benders:

Increase water intake

Increase your calories

Increase your preventive measures

As you can see, I have covered a lot of preventive stuff in the Nail Bending eBook, aside from just multiple techniques to bend nails, bolts, and stock, how to wrap, and all that other bending-specific information. I included this because I have felt the pain of overuse from nail bending and I did not want that to happen to you all who are looking to get started in the sport of nail bending and grip strength.

Hopefully this has answered your questions, but if not, please leave me a comment below and I will get back to you.

If you have ideas for new benders to keep them injury free when starting out, don't hold back - please post below!

Thanks, and all the best in your training.

-Jedd-

P.S. You can pick up the Nail Bending eBook here: How to Bend Nails

Barry Gibson Bends the 60D Nail

2009-07-19T07:02:00.001-04:00

Ever see anybody bend a 60D nail before? Here is Barry Gibson bending one over his thigh.

All the best in your training,

-Jedd-

P.S. To learn how to bend nails yourself, check out the Nail Bending eBook. Click here ===> Bend Nails with Your Bare Hands.

Two Plates - Three Fingers

2009-07-17T06:53:00.001-04:00

Aaron Corcorran messing around with two 20-kilo plates while listening to Sublime. He gets good air with three fingers and lifts it lefty.

All the best in your training,

-Jedd-

Teemu Watch -- Working on the #4

2009-07-16T22:13:00.001-04:00

Here, Teemu works on a #4 rated at 213 lbs. Sick.

This guy is freaky.

-Jedd-

Teemu Watch - 12 Reps with a 3.5

2009-07-16T06:23:00.002-04:00

Here, Teemu reps out on a 3.5 - 12 repetitions.

To give you an idea of how strong this guy is, I struggle to close 3.5's one single time and he just rattled off a dozen. Phenomenal!

All the best,

-Jedd-

Blob lifting at Sorinex

2009-07-15T06:46:00.001-04:00

From Bill Long, here is a spot of Blob Lifting during the Summer Strong showcase at the Sorinex facility late last month.

-Jedd-

Mace Tutorial

2009-07-14T06:44:00.001-04:00

This is a StrongerGrip.com mace I got from Ryan Pitts, the gent in the interview clip below. This equipment is top of the line!

All the best in your training,

-Jedd-

Interview with Ryan Pitts - StrongerGrip.com

2009-07-13T06:39:00.003-04:00

Here's an interview with Ryan Pitts at StrongerGrip.com

-Jedd-

Aaron Corcorran Pinch two 20's plus weight

2009-07-12T10:24:00.002-04:00

Here, Aaron Corcorran demonstrates a two-20killo plate pinch plus weight, gradually increasing the weight.

98.29 lbs

100.1 lbs

101.7 lbs

103.43 lbs

104.6 lbs

This guy is a thinking man's grip athlete. Very smart and very strong!

All the best in your training,

-Jedd-

Summer Strong from Sorinex

2009-07-06T16:04:00.003-04:00

Plenty of Grip Feats in this video clip from the boys at Sorinex.

All the best,

-Jedd-

The Teemu Watch: #4

2009-07-02T21:45:00.001-04:00

As I have mentioned here before, Teemu is one of the best crushers in the world.

He always updates us on his progress at his YouTube page.

Here he shows a clip of the first time he was able to hold the handles of his 207-rated #4 together:

Anybody else getting close on the 4?

All the best in your training,

-Jedd-

From the Mind of Aaron Corcorran

2009-07-01T07:31:00.002-04:00

Here are some video clips from the very innovative Aaron Corcorran.

Some warm-up Movements Aaron uses:

Testing for the 2010 Medley at the Arizona Grip Competition:

"How do you stop it?" - The line of the year in grip video clips...

-Jedd-

Ben Edwards - Crush Down Pad Tutorial

2009-06-29T21:27:00.002-04:00

Here, Ben Edwards talks about how to use crush down pads when crushing bending stock down the last inch or so to legal width.

Don't be fooled into thinking these crush down pads are not useful. I have a set and they work out great for finishing heavy bends, especially in contests. All you have to do is pull your first set of wraps off, and put the set of crush down pads on to finish the bend.

Check out what I'm talking about in Ben's video.

Many do not realize that there is quite a bit of technicality in the sport of bending nails, bolts, and stock.

For more information on short unbraced bending, your best resource is my Nail Bending eBook.

You can pick it up at this link ==> How to Bend Nails.

All the best in your training,

-Jedd-

Adam Glass - 35 45 Combo

2009-06-28T06:51:00.002-04:00

Here, Adam Glass shows some grip training clips.

Check out about half way through where he does the 35 / 45 Combo Lift in an attempt to work up to Two 45's Pinch.

That is a good way to train to lift Two 45's.

Plenty of other good stuff in that clip as well.

-Jedd-

Donyale Mannino

2009-06-27T06:25:00.000-04:00

Slim introduces Donyale Mannino! Here she bends a bolt of some sort. I am having difficulty understanding what the bolt is, but I think it might be a 5 inch grade 2 bolt.

If you want to learn how to bend nails, check out my Nail Bending eBook today!

-Jedd-

More Feats from AOBS

2009-06-25T07:09:00.002-04:00

Here, David Whitley performs at AOBS demonstrating his outstanding kettlebell skills, including a pinky press, a lady two-hands-anyhow, while also bending a bar over Mike the Machine Bruce's throat. SICK!

Mike Bruce then shows more of his tremendous neck power by swinging Denis Rogers all over the room at the end of a chain hung from his head.

All the best in your training,

-Jedd-

Long Bar Bending at AOBS

2009-06-24T07:12:00.004-04:00

Hey, real quick everybody, make sure you put your email address in to the right so you can be sure to get all the updates from my blog! == >

From Dan Cenidoza (BeMoreTraining.com), some footage of a gent doing some long bar bending.

Anybody have any other good AOBS footage? Post a link here!

-Jedd-

Adam Pinching and Ripping

2009-06-14T19:53:00.002-04:00

Adam Glass dominates 4 phone books in like a minute and then eats two 35-lb plates for breakfast.

All the best in your training,

-Jedd-

Dave Whitley at OSU

2009-06-09T07:32:00.000-04:00

Here's another clip of David Whitley, SRKC, at the Oldetime Strongman University performing several feats.

In this clip you will see horse shoe bending, nail driving, and wrench breaking!

All the best in your training,

-Jedd-

Dan Bends the Grade 8

2009-06-08T07:47:00.000-04:00

My good buddy Dan Cenidoza recently bent 5 grade 8 bolts in 45 minutes! Awesome stuff!

Here's a video clip of one of those bends:

You can see that Dan doesn't use a ton of wraps. It's not 3 inches thick and hanging off another 6 inches from the end of the bolt.

Also notice that Dan's not just trying to kink the nail with his hands. He's really worked on his technique and he's focusing the tension generated from his core and upper body through his arms and into his hands to help him bend the nail.

The grade 8 is so close to the red nail. I think if Dan double wrapped and pushed on the ends of the nail a bit more he'd probably be able to sweep one right now, but I doubt he's going to do that. He's more interested in bending as a pure feat of strength thing, which is great.

Congrats, Dan. You are really destroying the bolts now!

Hey readers - if you have questions, leave a comment below. I'll be glad to help you out.

All the best in your training,

-Jedd-

P.S. Have you seen my Nail Bending eBook? It's got everything you need to know to start bending nails safe and strong. Check it out here ===> How to Bend Nails.

Bob Sundin - 232 on the Old RT

2009-06-06T08:40:00.001-04:00

Bob does this lift at just 168 lbs bodyweight.

-Jedd-

Bruce Lee - Two Finer Push-up

2009-05-31T21:05:00.002-04:00

I want to try this. I use to do finger tip push-ups back in the day, but this looks quite a bit tougher.

Anybody ever try this?

-Jedd-

Cool Stuff from Dave Whitley...

2009-05-30T06:15:00.002-04:00

Real cool stuff from Dave Whitley's channel...

Looking forward to the rest of the series of clips...

-Jedd-

The Biggest Travesty in the Strength World

2009-05-28T22:41:00.001-04:00

Watch as Eli works on the mighty Diesel sand keg.

Weighing a mighty 230 pounds plus, and filled with sand, dirt, tools, nails and other refuse, it has never been pressed overhead.

Also watch as Eli takes a staggered grip on the keg and locks it out for multiple reps, and claiming them as legitimate, then talking smack about it.

A true travesty of justice in the world of strength...

-Jedd-

AMD is Live

2009-05-25T09:20:00.004-04:00

Smitty has released Accelerated Muscular Development.

This thing is truly all-encompassing. You'll never have a need for a personal trainer again with this program. You'll get everything you need for lifting, recovery, and nutrition in one package!

Check it out here.

-Jedd-

Gabriel Goes for the #4

2009-05-23T09:03:00.001-04:00

This dude's crush is off the charts. He'll be shutting this #4 down in no time!

-Jedd-

Teemu Nearing a Number 4 Close

2009-05-19T06:00:00.000-04:00

Teemu has one of the best crushes in the world. Here, he nears a parallel set close on a #4.

-Jedd-

Wade - That's Huuuuuuuuuge

2009-05-17T16:20:00.001-04:00

As Paris Hilton would say, "That's Huge."

-Jedd-

Thumbless Gripper Closes

2009-05-15T08:25:00.003-04:00

I have been trying many new things my gripper training recently, trying to spur some gains. Here is a short run down of things I have been trying:

Gripper drop sets - I make an attempt at a goal gripper and then immediately do a hold for time with a much lighter one.

Continuous handle cutting - I cut a gripper handle for beyond-the-range closes and every time I close it I shave more off.

Thumbless gripper closes - I attempt to close the gripper without assistance from my thumb.

I have never heard anyone speak about this type of close before, so I thought I would make a video to illustrate the concept.

I utilize my thumbs a great deal with gripper closes. I think this technique is going to help me out because my fingers are forced to put in the extra work.

Incidentally, all three of these techniques make me feel it big time in my last two fingers. I also encourage everyone to try the drop sets - they give you a huge forearm pump!

All the best in your training,

-Jedd-

Inch Dumbbell History

2009-05-15T06:54:00.000-04:00

This video clip contains the footage of Matt Bissonette and Joel Sward performing their famous Inch Dumbbell Farmer's Walks.

Unless you've tried to lift the Inch Dumbbell you just can't quite understand how huge these feats are.

The Inch weighs 172 lbs.

Its handle is 2 and 7/8 inches thick

It is made of cast iron.

Because it is all one unit, the instant the bells both leave the ground, they start to rotate and try to rip the inch out of your hand.

The Inch Dumbbell is evil and to overcome it you need to work hard and long, but lifting it for the first time is worth the investment.

I can't wait to lift two at the same time.

I can't wait to carry two over a distance.

I can't wait.

All the best in your training,

-Jedd-

New and Improved Woodall Contest Promo

2009-05-09T07:21:00.001-04:00

This just in from Rex!

-Jedd-

Tearing Catalogs

2009-05-08T06:13:00.000-04:00

Not sure if you all have ever tried catalog tearing, but this feat is no joke, y'all!

-Jedd-

Don't Forget to Subscribe

2009-05-06T20:03:00.002-04:00

Hey everyone!

Don't forget to subscribe to my blog! I have a feedburner newsletter you can sign up for at the top of the right hand margin. No cost - all free. Just put in your email address and you will be sent an email to confirm the request.

You can also follow my blog. That is right underneath!

Thanks and all the best!

-Jedd-

Keg Lifting for Grip Strength

2009-05-06T18:23:00.003-04:00

Joe Hashey has his athletes doing a very cool looking grip lift with a keg. Check this out.

Don't you guys think that this could be a pretty cool event for a grip contest? We could micro load it with pea gravel that was previously weighed out in 5-lb or 10-lb allotments and lift it to lockout! Might be a pretty cool event to have for a crowd!

-Jedd-

Garage Update #3

2009-05-02T23:22:00.002-04:00

Have you ever taken notice of what I have lifted in for the last couple of years? Not an impressive lifting facility by any means! Check this out...

The garage will soon be finished and I will be producing a ton more content. The goal behind this is to HELP YOU ALL OUT.

Please leave a comment here and let me know what kind of stuff you would like to see in my videos down the line.

Thanks and all the best in your training,

-Jedd-

The Beast John Dennis - 555 Axle

2009-04-28T22:49:00.000-04:00

John Dennis has a sick grip on him and I would love to see this freakin' monster get involved in specific Grip training along with his strongman training. Check out how close he comes to getting 555 in the DO Axle Deadlift!

Hit me with an email John! We gotta train, brother!

-Jedd-

Gardener Getting Ready

2009-04-28T10:43:00.000-04:00

Steve Gardenener is not messing around.

Here are some clips of his recent training.

All the best in your training,

-Jedd-

Hammering Strength into the Wrists Part 2

2009-04-27T22:38:00.001-04:00

Just posted a new article on StraightToTheBar.com - Hammering Strength into the Wrists Part Two. Sledge hammers are awesome for working the hands, wrists, and overall lower arms. Believe me, there are some exercises in this article that are going to give you indestructible wrists. I shot the footage several days ago, and I am still feeling it.

If you think you are tough enough to try these exercises out, then click here.

I also show you one of the exercises we have used here at Diesel to keep us injury free for years, so get over there and check it out right now.

All the best in your training,

-Jedd-

P.S. Here's that link again. CLICK HERE

Aaron Corcorran Murders a BBSE

2009-04-27T06:56:00.000-04:00

This is Aaron Corcorran dropping a bomb on a Beef Builder Super Elite!

All the best in your training,

-Jedd-

Wade's Homemade Pinch Apparatus

2009-04-27T00:07:00.000-04:00

In this clip, Wade shows off his homemade pinch apparatus. Looks really nice!

And some monster lifts, too!

-Jedd-

Teemu Obliterates a 3.5!

2009-04-26T05:41:00.000-04:00

Teemu takes care of this 3.5 - a 17 second hold! Freaky!!!

-Jedd-

Mobster Tearing it Up

2009-04-25T23:59:00.000-04:00

Here is Steve Gardener making short work of some big weights on the Two Hands Pinch and on the Two-Inch Vertical Bar!

Email me when you get more big lifts, Steve!

-Jedd-

notching bikes

2009-04-25T07:14:00.000-04:00

Adam is one of the best card tearers in the world. You can probably count on one hand the number of people that can perform the notching feat in this video, and Adam is one of them.

Adam sent me demos for many card tearing feats for my Nail Bending eBook. Having the insight of a professional strongman performer like him made it even better in the end.

Check out the Nail Bending eBook today!

-Jedd-

Woodall Contest Promo Video

2009-04-24T07:07:00.000-04:00

Check this bad ass promo video out for the Chad Woodall Grip Contest! The audio was stripped off by YouTube. Hopefully it gets put back on because it looks like this thing is going to be awesome with some audio.

See you at the contest!

-Jedd-

Circus Dumbbell Mayhem

2009-04-23T06:00:00.000-04:00

The Circus Dumbbell from Sorinex is a tremendous feat of grip strength. It has a 3-inch handle and weighs 202 lbs!

Here, Tex Henderson, Rich Williams, and Brian Shaw lift it with ease!

All the best in your training,

-Jedd-

Lifting a Blob50 The First Time You See It?

2009-04-22T06:52:00.004-04:00

Is it possible to lift the Blob 50 the first time you come across it? Yes it is! I did it with the blob, and recently, Parris Janusek did it as well, with a Blob 50.

Nice work, Parris!

All the best,

-Jedd-

Garage Update

2009-04-21T06:34:00.000-04:00

Did you see my "New Garage Gym Update" videos?

Here's update #1.

Here's update #2.

Gonna be a lot of Grip Training going down here, guys. Lots of people are already contacting me as to when they can come try out the new facility! It's going to be awesome!

All the best in your training,

-Jedd-

DieselCrew.com

Ronnie Coleman Tries the COC #3

2009-04-20T06:03:00.000-04:00

Paul Knight and Rex Hubbard hosted a Grip Challenge at the Ronnie Coleman Classic this past weekend.

Here is a video clip of Ronnie Coleman hitting the COC #3 gripper.

Awesome stuff! Word is, a lot of new people were introduced to the sport of Grip this weekend! Good job Paul and Rex!

-Jedd-

Wade Gillingham - Credit Card Gripper Work

2009-04-17T21:17:00.002-04:00

Looks like Wade has been working hard on the credit card set with the grippers.

Millimeters away from a close. Nice work, Wade.

-Jedd-

Ben Crush Working on Grippers

2009-04-15T07:10:00.002-04:00

Chris Mathison Bends the Red

2009-04-15T07:06:00.002-04:00

Chris Mathison bends the IronMind Red Nail with leather wraps.

Chris has a ton of grip potential. His feats he has pulled off prove he is one solid grip athlete.

Check back here soon.

All the best in your training.

-Jedd-

Bobby Goodfellow - Grip Feats

2009-04-13T12:54:00.001-04:00

John Eaton met up with Bobby Goodfellow this past weekend and "Goody" dominated a handful of excellent grip feats, including a 50-lb Blob lift, and MM0 #3 close, 3-25's and a double 45 hub lift. This is a great list of feats to accomplish over several months' time, but "Goody" did it all in one session, making it even more spectacular!

Check this out:

Various Feats by Goody

Mash Monster 0 Cert Video (Parallel Set #3 Close)

Listen to the handles click on the first attempt!

Goody trained here at my house early last year and was still raw. He had no blobs, no good hubs, and no good 25-lb plates to pinch. For him to come so far after very limited specific training with the implements is outstanding.

Great work, Goody!

Check out Goody's blog, Cinder Block Hands.

-Jedd-

A New Direction

2009-04-12T18:50:00.000-04:00

I have decided to take my blog into a new direction.

In the past, I have used my blog to cover a variety of topics, including grip, strongman, speed bag, kettlebells, and even wrestling and music.

Now that I have started my Kettlebell Resources, Speedbag Resources, and Stone Lifting blogs, I am going to dedicate this blog to mostly grip strength topics, like grip and forearm training articles, feats of strength involving grip, current events in grip, and other impressive things taking place in the world of grip.

I am subscribed to dozens of athletes' channels on YouTube, so I will be able to get notification of many new video clips by way of that route. However, If I miss something, do not be afraid to contact me and I will put the video clip up here.

I am also looking for people who would like to contribute grip strength related articles and how-to videos to my blog. If you contribute an article, I will put up a link directing visitors to your site or blog. This could be a great way to increase traffic to your blog, and thus increasing your revenue. Please contact me if you would like to talk about sending in an article for consideration.

I feel that this streamlining of topics on this blog will be very beneficial and less confusing for the new readers coming by who have been asking what exactly my blog is about. I also think it will be beneficial for the sport of Grip strength, helping it to grow.

As always I welcome questions, and please let me know if there is anything you'd like to see presented here or on Diesel!

All the best in your training,

-Jedd-

To Crush a Can of Soda...

2009-03-21T08:52:00.000-04:00

Jeff Wilson, from No Limits, writes about his mission to crush a can of soda with his bare hands on Straight To The Bar. Cool read!

Check it out here.

-Jedd-

New Product - The Card Tearing eBook

2009-03-18T22:43:00.000-04:00

On the Diesel site, I have been hinting at a new product that I have been working on, and I am releasing it now!

The Card Tearing eBook is LIVE!

For the next 72 hours you can claim your copy of this ebook for the ridiculous low price of $24.97!

Check it out at www.CardTearing.com

Make no mistake about it. This ebook is not just an add-on or accompaniment to the Nail Bending eBook I released two years ago. The Card Tearing eBook is a separate entity all to itself that I devoted several months of my life to, in an attempt to make it something that truly stands out!

But, you have to act fast to get it at $24.97, because the price will be going up soon!

Visit the link below to get your copy right away!

www.CardTearing.com

All the best in your training,

-Jedd-

New Diesel Grip Product

2009-03-14T21:18:00.001-04:00

I have been working on the next installment in my series of grip strength products for months now and the release date will be taking place sometime this coming week!

Now, the most important thing that you can do to make sure you can take advantage of the incredibly low introductory price is to sign up for our Grip Strength Newsletter!

And when you sign up for the Grip Strength Newsletter, not only will you be the first to get the chance to get this product, you will also be assured that you receive timely notifications of all of our new grip strength articles, videos, interviews, and radio shows!

I will be sending out newsletters on a regular basis to make sure that you have the information you need to safely and efficiently build tremendous grip strength that will make you a better athlete, a better strongman or grip competitor, and a better performer of feats of strength.

So don't wait any longer. Sign up for the Grip Strength Newsletter, NOW.

Grip Strength Newsletter!

All the best in your training,

-Jedd-

Smitty Reviews "How to Get Ripped Abs"

2009-03-03T05:46:00.000-05:00

Smitty recently reviewed "How to Get Ripped Abs" by John Alvino. Here's what he had to say:

John Alvino's

fat loss program

Platinum Bonuses

You know you want to be ready for summer, packing a chiseled waist line. If Smitty says he's impressed by a program, then you can bet it's a good one.

All the best in your training,

-Jedd-

David Webster Documentary

2009-02-28T19:43:00.000-05:00

Just saw this on Nick McKinless' Blog - David Webster's BBC Documentary.

For those of you headed to the Arnold this year, you are sure to see David Webster refereeing parts of the Strongman contest!

-Jedd-

2009-02-26T21:28:00.001-05:00

New Workout Log Post

2009-02-23T22:26:00.000-05:00

Recently added a post to my workout log on the Diesel site, Fire Walk with Me.

Check it out: click here.

-Jedd-

New Wrist Training Article

2009-02-23T19:48:00.000-05:00

Just put out a new article on wrist training. Please check it out. Depending on readership, I may write a few more in a series.

Hammering Strength into the Wrists.

-Jedd-

Brett Jones Bringing the Kettlebell and Grip Feats

2009-02-22T13:01:00.000-05:00

Brett Jones has been a great ketlebeller for a while, but it's been some time since I heard of him doing grip stuff. In this compilation, Brett brings some big grip feats to the table at the 2007 RKC in Denmark. I'd love to see where he's at now with the grip stuff. The way he manhandles the Dragondoor Beast Kettlebell, it looks likehis support grip is on point.

-Jedd-

P.S. Check out our Advanced Kettlebell eBooks.

Karl Gotch Macebell Workout

2009-02-19T19:31:00.001-05:00

Here is Karl Gotch swinging a macebell while giving instruction to one of his wrestling students, who is rocking a serious mullet.

-Jedd-

DIY Grip Video - Hammer Grip Pickups

2009-02-15T20:23:00.001-05:00

Here, Coach Hashey shows us his Do-it-Yourself Grip implement he uses for Hammer Grip Pickups.

This implement reminds me of the Jug, from Fat Bastard Barbell Company. Real cool!

-Jedd-

P.S. Check out Joe's Manual - Bull Strength.

Napalm Jedd Johnson of the Diesel Crew

New DVD: Braced Bending

What I Read on the John

Improving the Log Press

Strongman DVD Coming Soon

Isometrics for Gripper Strength

Stronger Grippers with Thumb Training?

The Common Thread - Grip Strength

How to Improve Your Grip Strength for Real World Situations

Trouble Bending the Grade 8 Bolt (Grade 5's are No Problem)

Visitors - Please Post a Comment

Tonight's Workout

Card Tearing eBook Feedback

Mighty Mitts Report

Arnold Classic Update

Heavy Club Swinging

Weekend Update = TGA & Arnold Classic

Aaron Corcorran - Best Hub Lifter Ever?

Grip Tip - Wrong Way Blob Lifting

Paul Knight = Crip Skillz

Grip Training Report - Columbus Clutch Convention

Four Hour Tour Training Report

Check out Jedd's Products

Grip Exercise for Building Muscle

Strength and Power Workouts with Strongman Implements

Benefits of Utilizing a Strongman Axle:

How to Build Your Own Strength Training Equipment

Start Building Strength Without Breaking the Bank. Click here ==> Home Made Strength

What Do You Want?

Rinderle - One Hand Axle Deadlift

Mike Rinderle - Working Hard on the Axle

Dave Whitley Scares the Sh*t out of Jim Labadie

Grip Newcomer - Craig Call - Blob Lifter - Craig Call

Two Inch Vertical Bar Technique

Adam Glass - Pinch Array

New Grip Article - Feats of Strength and Power

Arm Wrestling Tips

Nail Bending is Fun

Den Cenidoza - Red Nail Progress

30 Ways to Up Your Bench

Adding Nail Bending into Your Current Program

Barry Gibson Bends the 60D Nail

Two Plates - Three Fingers

Teemu Watch -- Working on the #4

Teemu Watch - 12 Reps with a 3.5

Blob lifting at Sorinex

Mace Tutorial

Interview with Ryan Pitts - StrongerGrip.com

Aaron Corcorran Pinch two 20's plus weight

Summer Strong from Sorinex

The Teemu Watch: #4

From the Mind of Aaron Corcorran

Ben Edwards - Crush Down Pad Tutorial

Adam Glass - 35 45 Combo

Donyale Mannino

More Feats from AOBS

Long Bar Bending at AOBS

Adam Pinching and Ripping

Dave Whitley at OSU

Dan Bends the Grade 8

Bob Sundin - 232 on the Old RT

Bruce Lee - Two Finer Push-up

Cool Stuff from Dave Whitley...

The Biggest Travesty in the Strength World

AMD is Live

Gabriel Goes for the #4

Teemu Nearing a Number 4 Close

Wade - That's Huuuuuuuuuge

Thumbless Gripper Closes

Inch Dumbbell History

New and Improved Woodall Contest Promo

Tearing Catalogs

Don't Forget to Subscribe

Keg Lifting for Grip Strength

Garage Update #3

The Beast John Dennis - 555 Axle

Gardener Getting Ready

Hammering Strength into the Wrists Part 2

Aaron Corcorran Murders a BBSE

Wade's Homemade Pinch Apparatus

Start Building Strength Without Breaking the Bank.
Click here ==> Home Made Strength