Slow it Down for Big Gains

One simple way to increase the intensity of your workout is is to slow the movements down and get the most out of each rep. Sometimes what happens is that over the course of several workouts, the struggle to get "just one more rep" leads to a little bit of cheating here and there.

I dont necessarily think cheating is a bad thing, it actually can be used productively in some situations but theres a reason why the skinny kid at your gym
who does nothing but "bellytoss" benchpresses and cheat curls with a 25 lb. dumbbell ever gets any bigger.

You see, the goal of a workout is to put a certain kind of stress on your muscles. Your muscles then adapt to this stress and grow stronger.

If you "cheat" in certain movements, it creates either momentum, (which takes the stress off the muscles) or an adjustment in form (which allows for greater
weight to be used, albeit without a corresponding increase in strength)

In either case, muscle growth will not occur, or if it does, not in an appreciable degree.

Often times the purpose of increasing bar speed is taught because it gets the bar through the sticking point into amore favorable leverage position.

Now, Im not saying you have to move at a snail's pace here either, just an extra count or two will be fine, and you would be very surprised at what a difference
this can make.

This technique works especially well for hand grippers since the strength curve of the spring resistance is so steep.

Take a gripper that you think is pretty easy, and I suggest erring on the lighter side (Even if you can close a #3 like me, grab a #1) Heck, even the Guide or Sport will do.

Then, using your normal form, squeeeeeze as needed, but take at least a good second longer than usual and get a good overcrush when the handles touch. Then let the handles out slowly and repeat.

If you work up to closing a #3 like this, you'll be one scary person.

You'll find that even with an easy gripper, this is quite a challenge, and the soreness that you will experience the next day will let youknow youre on the right track.

Like I said, this technique can be used with a number of exercises, -- get the most out of every rep.

Train hard,
John Wood

FHS Turns Three Years Old Today

Man, where does the time go... It was on this date exactly three years ago that the Functionalhandstrength.com website came on-line and begins to learn at a geometric rate. It became self-aware at 2:14 a.m. Eastern time, on January 19th 2005. Oh wait, that was Skynet from the Terminator movies that became self aware but today is, in fact, our three year on-line anniversary.

Woo-ha!

Man, it has been a hell of a ride so far hasn't it? - in just a very short time we have manage to turn the strength world on its ear with innovative products and helped an untold number of people realize the importance of grip training as well as help them begin down the path of true strength (in its various forms and permutations.)

We have made many great friends so far along the way and continue to do so as our email list members continue to increase dramatically with each passing day.

We have also helped introduce grip training concepts and provide top quality equipment to some of the top teams, Strength coaches and gyms in the industry.

Our client list currently includes:

The 2005 World Champion Chicago White Sox, The Detroit Lions, The Baltimore Ravens, The University of Michigan Wolverines, Team Canada, The Michigan State Spartans, The Villanova University Wildcats, The Huntington Fitness Company, The STAR Gym, The Breakfast Club Gym, The Calloused Hands Gym, The Mongo Man Bar & Gym, Iron Tiger Faction, The Bowling Green State University Falcons, CB West Bucks Football, Texas Alternator, AK Steel, The Massanutten Military Academy, The Abbey Life Fitness Centre, Martial Arts Koncepts, Revolution Fitness

- and far too many more to list.

That aint bad company

Since in the strength biz FHS is already the lead dog, the top of the mountain, king of the hill, A number 1 (you get the picture) Im sure you are wondering what is next for FHS - how could we possibly top what we have done so far.

Let me just say that we have just been getting warmed up...

You can count on some big, Big, BIG surprises in store - some things that are going to knock your socks off (so if you dont wear socks you better get some.)

Hasta la vista, baby!

Slick your hair back, buckle up your chinstrap, batten down the hatches, never mind the cannons and get ready for the next 365.

Train hard.
John Wood

P.S. Celebrate with one of our hallmark products, get yourself a set of Ironmind Hand Grippers right here.