Functional Hand Strength

Joe Kinney DVDs are here!

2009-11-20T15:12:00.006-05:00

Joe Kinney DVDs are here!

GET A GRIP! With Joe Kinney

- NOW AVAILABLE-

Get a Grip! With Joe Kinney DVD $39.99 + $7 Shipping

Order by Phone: 1-800-978-0206

"Get a Grip With Joe Kinney" DVD Cover - First Look

2009-09-29T13:49:00.005-04:00

"Get a Grip With Joe Kinney" DVD Cover - First Look

Here's a look at the proposed cover for the re-release of Joe Kinney's "Get a Grip" DVD. I think it looks pretty damn sharp if I do say so myself. Our design department did a great job. Look for a release date in about a month or so. Keep an eye out for more details soon in our daily announcements.

One thing is for sure: when it comes to grip training, nothing will ever be the same once this video hits the streets. In the meantime, you can get your grippers immediately by following the link.

GET A GRIP! With Joe Kinney

- NOW AVAILABLE-

Get a Grip! With Joe Kinney DVD $39.99 + $7 Shipping

Order by Phone: 1-800-978-0206

"Get a Grip" With Joe Kinney - Grip Strength DVD

2009-09-22T10:06:00.005-04:00

As you may or may not know, Joe Kinney was the man who first closed the Ironmind #4 gripper... and he did so as if it were no more than a Trainer. At the time (back in 1998 or so) he also put together a great training video outlining some of the unusual methods which he used to be able to mash the #4.

It showed things like Joe crushing the #4 and grinding the handles, the unusual way he uses the wrist roller to build wrist strength and his own creation "The Secret Weapon" - among other things.

It was not a Hollywood production by any means, but it did get Joe's point across very well, and in my opinion it is one of the best pure "training" videos ever made. I was lucky enough to get a copy of it way back when and have run it ragged from how many times I have watched it.

GET A GRIP! With Joe Kinney

- NOW AVAILABLE-

Get a Grip! With Joe Kinney DVD $39.99 + $7 Shipping

Order by Phone: 1-800-978-0206

Anyhow, fast forward over a decade and you'll find me trying to get in touch with Joe Kinney because I had some questions for him and I was curious to see what he has been up to. It took a while, but I eventually did connect with the man and found that we saw eye to eye on a lot of different training topics.

-- If you have been reading my emails for the past year, I'm sure that you remember my having mentioning this several times.

What you don't know, however, is that I also asked Joe if we could transfer his old grip video onto DVD and start featuring it on the site.

He agreed - but not only that, he suggested that we may want to add some new footage to help illustrate some of the techniques and tactics on the video that may not have been as clear as he wanted back then.

Needless to say I was delighted, and so a few weeks back me and our video production crew trekked down to Bean Station, Tennessee to sit down and talk training with the man himself... Well you know how it is when two folks start talking about training... about two and a half hours later the batteries ran out in the cameras but not before we had covered just about every detail I could think of about his training.

Things like his exact set and rep scheme and technique for the secret weapon... how often he trained... what his workouts looked like... if he did any other type of training along with his grip work etc etc etc. There was a lot more too it than that but you should get the idea there.

Anyhow, here's the important thing you should know:

About a month from now we are going to make Joe Kinney's grip video available once again. We'll have the "original" as it looked when it was originally released, and on top of that two ADDITIONAL hours of Joe Kinney footage on grip training techniques and such.

We are still doing a bit of editing, putting on credits and titles etc etc, then there's however long it is going to be at the replicators, which shouldn't take too long at all. Bottom line, if you want to train for super human grip strength, then you simply must get this dvd.

I cant hardly believe it myself, and I was there the whole time.

Now, as I mentioned, this project is still in production and when it is ready, you can bet that I am going to let everyone in the world know so they (and you) can grab a copy.

At the moment, I need you to make sure to keep an eye on your in-box for updates and a specific release date, which we should have shortly. For our sanity, please do not call or email and ask when it will be ready, I will make sure that everyone is made aware when I have a definite date.

Right now I can say as a ball park, mid to late October.

We are also looking to create a short trailer so you can see what it is all about beforehand in case you're curious. Also, I need you to spread the word about this to anyone you think may be interested.

Everybody needs stronger hands but "Joe Kinney Strong" is a whole new ball game.

More updates soon...

Train hard,
John Wood

NEW Ironmind #1.5 Hand Grippers

2009-07-14T17:41:00.005-04:00

NEW Ironmind #1.5 Hand Grippers

We are proud to announce that we have the brand NEW #1.5 hand grippers from Ironmind. Actually, the packaging is the only thing that has radically changed BUT the fact of the matter is we are the first place to feature these new grippers - not even Ironmind has them available yet.

Currently, the only level available in this new 'style' are the #1.5 grippers (rated at 167.5 lbs. of closing poundage. We will be making each of the other Ironmind gripper levels with the new packaging available over the coming weeks.

Otherwise, if you want to be the first one on your block (literally!) to grab this new gripper, then you may order online right here:

- Order Online -

Order by phone: 1800-978-0206

Dr. Ken's Log Bar

2009-07-03T16:06:00.003-04:00

Dr. Ken's Log Bar

Here's what Dr. Ken's Log Bar looks like in a rack after a recent workout. As you can see, you'll need the 7-foot version if you plan on using a rack for lockouts, holds or partials. The Log Bar is [particularly useful for building up your pressing strength. The most useful feature of Dr. Ken's Log Bar is the neutral-grip handles - which take stress off the rotator cuffs and will allow you to perform many different exercises in greater comfort. This type of bar usually fits a lot of people to a "T".

You can substitute the Log Bar altogether for a normal barbell or alternate the two types of bars, adding variety to your program.

Watch This Now: NOVA - Marathon Challenge

2009-05-12T23:03:00.002-04:00

I found this show recently and enjoyed it a lot. Grab a cold one and take a look, then lace up your shoes and go for a run.

Other Websites

2009-03-29T21:21:00.003-04:00

Please Visit Our Other Websites:

www.trapbartraining.com

www.oldtimestrongman.com

www.bodyweightbasics.com

The Climbing Rope Attachment Clamp

2009-03-29T20:43:00.003-04:00

The Climbing Rope Attachment Clamp

We receive many requests to be able to purchase the steel attachment clamp for our climbing ropes separately. If you would like to do so, you certainly can. Please visit the following link for more information: The Climbing Rope Attachment Clamp

Game Face

2009-03-14T11:15:00.002-04:00

"I believe the game is designed to reward the ones who hit the hardest. If you can't take it, you shouldn't play"

-- Jack Lambert --

A Sense of Urgency

2009-03-13T15:38:00.003-04:00

It happened a hundred and eight years ago, and only a few miles from where I am sitting here writing this...

It was on a fall day in 1901 when the great football coach Fielding H. Yost arrived in Ann Arbor. The train had no sooner come to a stop when Yost grabbed his bags and began running up State Street toward campus. "Whats the hurry?" asked a bewildered onlooker.

"I've got to get to work" said Yost at full gallop.

"Work" he did -- From 1901 to 1904, Michigan won four straight National Championships without losing a game.

And, as you might expect, Yost undoubtedly earned his nickname "Hurry Up!" because of the admonishments which he continually barked at his "sluggish" players.

A few of them:

"Hurry up and be the first man to line up."

"Hurry all the time; football is not a slow or lazy
mans game."

"Hurry up if you are behind in any play. Then is the time you need most to hurry."

"Hurry up and stop every play of the opponents before it gets started. Tear through and get the runner behind the opponents line, never wait for him."

"Hurry up even if you are tired; do not slow down. If you cannot stand the pace , get yourself in better condition. Football is a strenuous game."

"Hurry up! ... If you can't hurry, make way for someone who can!"

Now, the reason I bring this us is that I cannot help but notice that one of the things that is sorely lacking in todays world is a sense of urgency. There are a lot of people talking about a lot of things... talk, talk, talk, talk, talk...

...but few people rolling up their sleeves and doing something about it.

The bottom line is this... You say you want something things to change? Then how quickly are you going to start doing something about it?

Whether you want to change the world or just change yourself, it should be quite clear that its not going to happen by waiting, hesitating, or otherwise dragging your feet.

What are you going to do TODAY to get the wheels in motion?

Now, a lot of people are going to read this and smile, and nod their head and think "maybe tomorrow" ... but I know there will at least be a few hearty souls who read those words and think "dammit hes right" ... and what happens next...well, that is really whats at stake, and the rest is up to you.

A century ago Yost didn't want to waste so much as a single minute... you shouldn't either.

Hurry Up!

Train hard,
John Wood

P.S. If you need a "Kick in the Pants" so far as your training is concerned, let me strongly recommend a copy of Dinosaur Training

P.P.S. Hurry Up!!

12/16/2008 Conditioning Workout

2008-12-17T12:15:00.004-05:00

Training in a blizzard - I must be crazy.

My favorite steps

Time to "shut 'em down" as they say in the D.

Jesse James

2008-11-17T20:22:00.003-05:00

" ...it taught me to be independent and never expect a handout and never wait for anybody to hand me anything in any aspect of my life."

- Jesse James (1847–1882)

New Log Bar Training Guide Cover

2008-11-11T11:47:00.004-05:00

New Log Bar Training Guide Cover

Here's a look at the cover that we may end up using for the re-done new edition of Dr. Kens's Log Bar Training Guide. We are still looking at a few different options so we may or may not use this version (although I think this one looks great.) Regardless, it is going to be first class all the way and contain a lot of intense training info, workouts etc etc.

If you want one, well, it's free with a Log Bar purchase so you know what you have to do. And speaking of that, the clock is ticking if you want your own Log Bar to arrive in time for Christmas. I can guarantee it will be there ONLY if you order sometime this week and that means before 5 pm this Friday.

If you want to take action immediately, here's the new T2 Log Bar and the Original Black Finish. For more information on Log Bars and what they can do for your training please check out our Log Bar Resource Page.

Life's Tough...

2008-11-09T18:52:00.002-05:00

John Wayne wasn't talking about training but he may as well have been...

"Viking Death Prayer"

2008-11-06T20:07:00.002-05:00

"Lo there do I see my Father
Lo there do I see my Mother, my Sisters and my Brothers
Lo there do I see the line of my people
Back to the beginning
Calling me to join Them
Bidding me to take my place among Them
In the Halls of Valhalla
Where the brave
May live
Forever."

"Viking Death Prayer" - from the movie "The 13th Warrior"

Don't give up! Hold the line!

A Lesson from the Mighty Atom

2008-10-20T22:26:00.001-04:00

A Lesson from the Mighty Atom

Go See The Express

2008-10-10T09:18:00.002-04:00

About a year and a half ago we got a frantic phone call: "We need climbing ropes NOW - can you do it?" (The short answer was yes, but we needed a bit more information.)

The woman at the other end of the phone explained that here name was Francine and the she worked for a production company in Chicago. They were shooting a new football movie and needed six 2-inch climbing ropes for one of the scenes.

The first thing we did was calm her down and get some of the details -- "Yes, I'm sure we can get whatever you need but we will need some more information first."

She explained that there were several scenes where members of the football team would be climbing ropes on an outside tower which is something that the team actually did back then.

She was also adamant about getting 2-inch ropes, which, at that point was not something we featured on the site but that our manufacturer could do. From there we got the proper length and things were set. (These ended up being the first 2-inch ropes we ever sold)

Our very quick and capable rope manufacturer was able to get their ropes to them by the end of the week so they could get their shooting done on schedule.

As for the movie itself, its about Ernie Davis: The Elmira Express, a great,great football player and the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy (Something that even Jim Brown couldnt do)

Imagine my surprise when the scenes with our climbing ropes ended up in the movie trailers.

They did the shooting at Chicago's Lane Tech high school and built everything from scratch, I hear from my buddy Victor Soto, a former manager at Michigan who now works in the movie business.

You've probably seen all the commercials by now, the movie opens tonight and I'll be first in line to see it. It looks like a pretty good one although I may endup shedding a tear or two by the end of it.

In any case, if you want to climb the same ropes that they do in Hollywood movies, you can get em here: 2-inch Climbing Ropes

Hey, what can I say, just another day at the office.

Train hard,
John Wood

Ever Been to Bean Station, Tennessee?

2008-09-26T15:36:00.004-04:00

If you know your gripper history you know where this email is going, otherwise, let me tell you a little bit about my next adventure...

You see, about 12 years ago a man got a crazy idea in his head that he wanted to be the first man in the world to close the Ironmind #4 gripper -- something which most people thought was impossible. He tried some things that worked and some things that didn't and came up with plenty of "unusual" training techniques for building super-human hand strength...

When all was said and done, Joe Kinney of Bean Station, Tennessee did it -- the first man to close the #4 and he didn't just close it, he slammed it shut like it was a Trainer.

And a few months later Joe put together a great training video showing exactly how he did it.

... Like I said, that was over a decade ago and since then Joe has been a bit of a mystery man. However, just recently I was able to contact him through a friend of a friend and today, I'll make my way down south to meet the man himself and shake the hand that closed the #4.

Now, I'm sure you have all kinds of questions, I know I do.

You probably want to see his "Get a Grip with Joe Kinney" video, and know how he trained with his "Secret Weapon" grip machine etc etc -- I will say that very soon ALL these types of questions will be answered, so you'll just have to stay tuned.

Meanwhile, if you want to add your name to the #4 list then you better get training. You'll need a full set of IM grippers and you can get 'em here: Captains of Crush Hand Grippers

More updates coming later on...

Train hard,
John Wood

2-Inch Manila Climbing Ropes

2008-09-18T12:49:00.006-04:00

2-Inch Manila Climbing Ropes

A closer look at out 2-Inch Manila Climbing Ropes, keep in mind that 2-inch ropes are likely more than you can handle, we would highly suggest beginning with traditional 1.5-Inch ropes ropes first. This picture is roughly life-size and, as you can see, 2-Inch ropes are no joke.

Sledge Hammer Training

2008-08-17T22:59:00.005-04:00

Sledge Hammer Training

I was playing around with paint shop and created this image which I think is pretty nifty -- of course a sledge hammer is one of the most useful tools for building wrist and forearm strength. Just ask The Hammer Man...

Return of the Iron Suitcases

2008-08-17T15:12:00.004-04:00

The farmers walk is a great exercises and has always been one of my favorites -- just grab a weight in each hand and start walking. How far you go is up to you, but one thing is always for sure: you can go a lot farther than you think you can since your mind will give out before your body does.

Needless to say, this is a great exercise for building hand strength AND mental toughness.

As far as the weights you can use, a pair of dumbbells is a good choice, as are sandbags, or even some specially made handles which some folks like to use.

If you got a chance to check out some of Brooks Kubiks old Dinosaur Training videos, you saw Brooks performing the Farmers walk with some highly unusual impliments: a pair of 180-pound iron suitcases made by Dr. Ken.

Imagine two pieces of metal each shaped like an " I " with handles welded on top and that's what we are dealing with.

Brooks, the madman that he is, decided to take these little monsters for a walk around the city block in his vid and if you've seen it, you know it is in-tense.

Well, this past weekend I decided to dust off the Suitcases and take em for a spin for the "Farmers Walk" portion of the training dvd we are currently in the middle of shooting.

Let me tell you, they sure havent gotten any lighter over the last 10 years.

Anyhow, give the farmers walk a try if you've never done so, and see how far you make it. Also be on the lookout for more details on the new video.

Train hard,
John Wood

P.S. If you want to learn more about the Farmers Walk and several other great grip exercises, theres two whole chapters on them in Dinosaur Training. If you STILL dont have a copy, do yourself a favor and sprint on over to this page asap: Dinosaur Training

Ironmind Handgrippers in Action

2008-08-17T15:06:00.002-04:00

Isaac Hayes (1942-2008)

2008-08-10T14:45:00.003-04:00

Isaac Hayes (1942-2008)
"One Bad Mutha"

8-8-08

2008-08-08T11:03:00.002-04:00

Welcome to Friday, August 8th, 2008, or 8-8-08. From what I read the number 8 means wealth and prosperity for those who believe in Chinese numerology, so it's only fitting that some very important and amazing things are happening today.

Im sure youve heard that tonight marks the opening of the 2008 Olympics (at 8:08 pm!) and that should be quite a sight to see. One of the favorites to bring home all kinds of gold is Michael Phelps who did most of his preparation for the Olympics at the Canham Natatorium at UM which is not a stones throw from the track when I run.

Now, that's pretty cool...

And, of course, our buddy Ivan Ivanov is over in Beijing as well. I'll have some
more details on him and what hes doing over there very soon too.

Today also marks another milestone -- all of our NEW Trap Bar training guides are, as of 8:47 am, packed and in the mail so if you took action, you'll be seeing yours within a few days.

To reiterate, that the training booklet from Al Gerard, the training booklet from Dr. Ken, my "5 x 2" workout special report and a limited edition Strongman training card prototype -- did I say it was Sandow? I thought he would be a good one to start things off with.

It's quite a haul, and if you want in, heres the quickest way NEW Trap Bar Guides

or, if you wanted to talk to Shelby to place an order, here's her number:
1-800-978-0206.

I'll be out running a mile today after work and following it up with a quick 4-5 hard sets, maybe some muscle control during opening ceremonies -- should be another great one.

Train hard,
John Wood

P.S. "He who refuses to embrace a unique opportunity loses the prize as surely as if he had tried and failed." ~ William James

NEW Trap Bar Training Guides Now Available

2008-08-05T13:39:00.001-04:00

WIth great excitement I would like to announce that our brand new training guides are now available -- please visit this page and click on the picture or link: Watch This Page!

(If the page hasnt changed when you click through, keep hitting the refresh button until it does.)

Enjoy!

Train hard,
John Wood

Functional Hand Strength

Joe Kinney DVDs are here!

GET A GRIP! With Joe Kinney - NOW AVAILABLE-

Order by Phone: 1-800-978-0206

"Get a Grip With Joe Kinney" DVD Cover - First Look

GET A GRIP! With Joe Kinney - NOW AVAILABLE-

Order by Phone: 1-800-978-0206

"Get a Grip" With Joe Kinney - Grip Strength DVD

GET A GRIP! With Joe Kinney - NOW AVAILABLE-

Order by Phone: 1-800-978-0206

NEW Ironmind #1.5 Hand Grippers

Order by phone: 1800-978-0206

Dr. Ken's Log Bar

Watch This Now: NOVA - Marathon Challenge

Other Websites

The Climbing Rope Attachment Clamp

Game Face

A Sense of Urgency

12/16/2008 Conditioning Workout

Jesse James

New Log Bar Training Guide Cover

Life's Tough...

"Viking Death Prayer"

A Lesson from the Mighty Atom

Go See The Express

Ever Been to Bean Station, Tennessee?

2-Inch Manila Climbing Ropes

Sledge Hammer Training

Return of the Iron Suitcases

Ironmind Handgrippers in Action

Isaac Hayes (1942-2008)

8-8-08

NEW Trap Bar Training Guides Now Available

GET A GRIP! With Joe Kinney

- NOW AVAILABLE-

GET A GRIP! With Joe Kinney

- NOW AVAILABLE-

GET A GRIP! With Joe Kinney

- NOW AVAILABLE-