Grip Exercises

2-Handed Pinch
This is an ever-growing collection of exercises which have a definite grip element. Enjoy.

Pinch Grip

In the pinch grip, the fingers press an object against the thumb. Think of carrying a book, magazine or newspaper.

Crimp Grip

I first heard Jedd 'Napalm' Johnson talk about crimp grip in relation to tearing cards; and it's simply the variety of pinch grip that emphasises the tips of the fingers and thumb. Think of turning a screw-top lid on a wide jar.

Bottlecap bending
Frying Pan Roll-up (Gayle, aka 'Built Old Lady')
Getting the Most out of Your TTK (Jedd Johnson)

Crushing Grip

Crushing grip is what most people think of as 'grip strength ', and it involves all fingers and thumb pressing an object against the palm. Think of a handshake.

411lb v-bar lift (Theo Burggraff)
New World Record : Two-Hand Pinch (Martin Arildsson)
Mop Head Pull-ups

Supporting Grip

Supporting grip is effectively crushing grip without the thumb. Think of holding the bar in a deadlift, or a Farmer's Walk.

Grip Feats

These feats clearly demonstrate one or more varieties of grip strength. Superb.

Full Soda Can Crush (Jeff Wilson)
Nail Driving Through Phonebook and Board (Tommy Heslep)
Snatching the Beast with Woollen Gloves (Jedd Johnson)

This site also has several great article series on grip, including :

Why Bend Steel? - Adam Glass
Simple question, great answer. Point your non-bending friends here.
The Investments (part II, III, IV, V and VI) - Adam Glass
Several tools which form the basis of a great training plan.
Straight to the Grip Contest (part II, III, IV, V and VI) - by Jedd Johnson
Getting ready for your first grip contest? Here's what to expect.
Horizontal Pinch Device (for Pinch Grip training) - Chris Rice
There were some great entries in the DIY Equipment competition, and this is my personal favourite. A superb way to train your pinch grip (at various widths).
Lifting the Inch Replica Dumbbell (part II, III, IV and V)- by Jedd Johnson
Want to train with a replica Inch? Here's how.

You might also like to look at the range of bending, tearing, kettlebell and club work we enjoy here. Great ways to train.

on the rack

tell us about it

Straight to the Bar is very much an interactive website. In addition to the articles here, there are a number of ways to share your passion with other lovers of the iron :

Seen something cool? Send us a tweet
Discuss it in the forums
Join the SttB Facebook group
Vote for stories on Digg & StumbleUpon
Add training and comp pics to the Flickr group
Create articles on styles and techniques
Subscribe to the tutorial videos on youtube

»» more »»

reading

the team

There are several great writers here, looking at the world of strength training from a number of angles. The regulars :

Scott Bird (@scottbird)
Writer and Fitness enthusiast
Jedd 'Napalm' Johnson (@jeddjohnson)
Grip champion and Strongman
'Unbreakable' Adam T Glass (@adamtglass)
Bending freak and Strongman
Kat 'The Mighty Kat' Ricker
Bodybuilder and Writer
Joe Hashey (@jhashey)
Athlete, Teacher and Trainer
Josh Hanagarne (@joshhanagarne)
Kettlebell and grip afficionado
Bill Long (@bill_long1)
SPC and grip fanatic

In addition, articles are submitted from across the globe. Got a piece you'd like to share? Let us know.

training at work

There's always a way to train while you're at work. (Josh Hanagarne)

elsewhere

This is a fantastic book. If you've ever considered learning this incredible strength feat, the Card Tearing eBook (review) is the perfect place to start. Love it.

In addition to the articles on this site are a number I've written elsewhere. Including :

Training Bull Strength style. Good stuff.

thanks to

The Gymboss is a superb interval timer. As Jim noted:

'20 seconds never felt so long, 10 seconds never so short, and four minutes never so painful.'

Love it.

I get regular questions regarding the hosting of this site, my favourite stats package and so on, so here are a few details :

Web hosting : pair Networks
Stats : pMetrics
Feeds : FeedBurner
Computer : MacBook Pro
Email : AWeber
Bus. Cards : VistaPrint
Advertising : Chitika

Pair is easily the fastest and most reliable host I've come across - perfect for a site like this. If you're setting up your own blog, forum or ezine; check them out. Brilliant.

Want more? Here are links to several other products I use to keep Straight to the Bar running smoothly. All highly recommended.

what to get?

Finally, thanks for dropping by. If you’d like to help support this site (and get in great shape at the same time), here’s a list of strength-training books, DVDs and tools I recommend. Love them.

Diesel Crew Bending eBook (review)
If you're new to the world of nail bending, this is the perfect book to get. It'll show you the exact techniques you'll need to get started right away. Written by world-class bender Jedd Johnson.
Loadable Kettlebells from Art of Strength
The team at AoS produces a lot of great stuff, but I particularly like their loadable kettlebells. Fill them with shot, sand or grain; and enjoy.
Clubbells
Whilst any sort of club or hammer is great, the RMAX Clubbells are my favourite. Beautiful things.
MBG Powerwheel
The Powerwheel from Monkey Bar Gym is a brilliant way to work the abs without spending hours on crunches and sit-ups. Love it.
Rope
Rope for climbing, sled dragging, pull-ups and many other fun things. Wouldn't be without it, and the AoS Outlaw Ropes are my personal favourite. Superb.
Gymboss
The Gymboss is the perfect way to time your fat-shedding interval workouts. Great thing.
Precision Nutrition
Ready to start eating right? Over to Dr Berardi.