Monday, January 23, 2012

More eye candy

Hey strength seekers

I have got to share with you a few of the latest projects ready to go out.  A mace, club and sledge rack.  Super piece for displaying your StrongerGrip swinging gear when not in use.  Gets them off the floor or from leaning against the wall.  This one is a bit extravagant using oak and metal that really looks nice and also has the SG swinging ape laser engraved on one side and the company it's going to on the other.

Then there is the baddest set of barrel clubs yet!!  These babies have two loading chambers to make the shifting shot inside a much less effect.  More balance and easier to use especially with such big barrels. Oh and then the custom welded chain on ends, flat bottoms for resting and ring around the handle.  Truly a custom set.  I reallllllly wanted to keep these for myself:)

A request for a smaller globe dumbbell.  It has 6" globes, 1-1/8" handle(Perfect size to put any of the fatgripz sleeves on) and a loading capacity of 7 lbs to approx. 60 lbs with lead shot.  Probably 40-45 lbs with steel shot.



 Fun stuff to make!  You know you want some.  Enjoy!
Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Monday, January 9, 2012

A custom New Year and a BIG Thank YOU.

Hey strength seekers,


I truly hope you are having a blessed and healthy New Year. During the holidays I was busier than Santas elves.  I came super close to finishing all the current custom orders.  I have a handful that are juuuust about completed.  You have to check out these pictures. You are looking at a custom Swingball,a set of Big 12" loadable globes and a chain mace with handle and chain welded solid.  Very awesome creations.  It's pieces like these that I wish I didn't have to send out.
I have a plan for 2012.  Get ready for some customization options in the StrongerGrip store.  Stuff that I currently make with some custom twists available.  Then for Custom stuff that you would like that is truly different(with each SG piece made by my own mitts, that makes them all unique) I'm entertaining starting a list of Custom gear you want and I will give you a time frame depending on where you are on the list.  It will allow me to get custom orders and finished before taking on new ones.  This is good for everyone.  I also have some limited custom pieces that I will create in small batches and give you a chance to get in on a first come basis as well.  For example, say I make 10 Custom chain maces like the one pictured.  I will first make the series of 10 and then offer them up.  When they are gone, they're gone.  This will keep it fun for me and also put some very unique pieces of physical culture out there. 
For the New Years give away.  Those that sent me an email will get $30 StrongerGrip store credit, I will send you details on how to claim that.  All of you will also be in a drawing for some prototypes that I have around which I will get photos of and post a blog on what's at stake.  This'll let me clean up the shop so to speak. 

2011 was fantastic for me and am looking forward to an even better 2012.  I want to thank all of you who have supported my dream by reading my blog as well as being a customer.  You all keep me dreaming and creating.  You keep me motivated and excited for each day.  I can not thank you enough. 
 Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Monday, December 26, 2011

Merry Christmas

Hey strength seekers

I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas!  I love Christmas because of what it means to me.  I love getting together with family and friends. 
What follows Christmas is  the New Year.  The promise of change.  The opportunity to get better.  The chance to change things in your life.  No matter where you were or what you did last year, you now have the amazing gift of a New Year.  We all do.  What we do with it is totally in our hands.  I want you to have the best year you can have.  A strong, healthy and vibrant year is waiting.  Go and get it.
The end of this year has been amazing for StrongerGrip.  It has also been a personal best for many things in my own life. 
In my quest for health and strength I am always gathering and taking in information.  Honestly, mostly focusing on training.  Nutrition seemed to lack behind.  Not any more.  I was inspired by something called primal or paleo eating.  Not new by any means, but when you discover something on your own and actually test it out and implement it in your own life, it's a whole new world.  I'll share more of my primal journey as the New Year starts.  I've been slowly becoming quite a force in the kitchen and also been transforming the kitchen into somewhere I want to be and can maneuver around in with ease.(I need to do this in the shop next!)

Check out these pictures of my new beam, made from old barn boards and the horseshoe hangers that were made recently.  With the wood, my dad helped out, the steel I was good with.  This has definitely made things easier in the kitchen.  So, you may be wondering why I'm sharing my kitchen experience with you.
  It is just another piece of the health puzzle.  I'm leaner, stronger and have never felt better, EVER!  That's why I'm excited about this.  I went from a bloated, energy drinking 189 lbs to a lean, strong, and full of energy(without the drinks) 170 lbs! 
My goal was not to lose weight,  It was to simply get control of my eating habits and eat more nutritious and healthy foods.  That's it.  Our beliefs on nutrition, health and training come from somewhere.  Are they true?  Do we hold on to these beliefs without testing them out?  If something is not working for you, it's time to change or test out something else.  It's not that hard.  What is hard is letting go of years and years of beliefs that may not be true.  What would you like to see from yourself in the New Year?  Whatever it is, go after it!!

With the New Year coming, I am giving away some New Years gifts.  If you are on my email list, you already know about this.  If you're not on it, to get it on the giveaway is to send me an email with the subject SG New Year to ryan@strongergrip.com and that will put you on the list and give you the chance to win something!

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Thursday, December 15, 2011

If Ghost Rider had a Mace

Hey strength seekers

As 2011 comes closer to a close, I'm working my tail off to finish all custom orders.  I will do this.  One that has just shipped was a Mace with chain bands around the globe.  I LOVE it!  Now to find the time to make myself one.  Maybe next year.  Picture Ghost Rider with his chain, now give him a Mace and it's game on! 
Functional, Artistic and Worthy of a Super Hero!

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Monday, December 12, 2011

Basics and getting after it

Hey strength seekers

I love sharing weight swinging with others.  A very neat thing about this is letting people know that having fancy equipment is not a necessity.  Steel pipes, pvc, wooden dowels, anything you can think of can be used to learn club movements.  Last week at an elementary school I shared club swinging with over 500 kids.  They had plastic bowling pins to use and it worked just fine.  In any endeavor focusing on the right things is important.  Not the superficial.  Many that are seeking health are looking for superficial things, supplements, fancy gyms, the latest ab-trocity machine instead of the basics and just getting after it.  The quickest way to anything is focusing on the basics and then doing them. 


The only magic formula I know of is learning the basics and then getting after it!  The secret to everything. 

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Useful Steel Art

Hey strength seekers

I'm a big believer in creativeness in all areas of life.  I think we all have an artist inside of us that comes to the surface if we let it.  I've been doing a ton of cooking and creating in the kitchen in the last couple of months.  Eating primal and cooking healthy has been a joy for me.  Very different than snacking on crap and putting anything that was available in my mouth.  Connecting with healthy food and preparing it has changed the way I feel more than I can express. 
While I've been in the kitchen there have been a few things that I've noticed.  We have a handful of bowls and 10,000 lids, but none of the lids fit any of the bowls.??  When preparing food, it's much more enjoyable when things are organized.  Eating healthy can be quick and fun if you lay out a plan and have the necessary things at hand. 
This has lead me to making some cast iron pan holders.  Using old horseshoes and hand bent 60D spikes. They turned out amazing and now I will not have to search or find  a place for them anymore.  A perfect example of useful steel art!  Here are some pictures. 
Have a super Sunday!
Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Saturday, December 10, 2011

20% off SandBell® and SteelBell®

Hey strength seekers

As grip tools and overall fun total body training toys SandBell® and SteelBell® are the bomb!  You can do kettlebell movements with them, you can slam and throw them, partner tosses, you name it.  With a super friendly texture and feel to them, you will love them!  Get 20% off for a limited time, use discount code SB20 at checkout to get 20% of them NOW!




Put some fun in your training!

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

New Toy arrived!

Hey strength seekers

I just received my USA-Universal Strength Apparatus today in the mail!!  Oh man, I am impressed and excited about the possibilities with this.  I love searching for new stuff to add to my arsenal of training fun and this is going to fit in perfect.  It's similar to the TRX, which I have one of those, but in my opinion the USA is more versatile, easier to use, more comfortable and CHEAPER!  I got it on sale at a price that I simply could not pass up.  If you are interested go to this link and check it out under equipment, right now it's only $59.99 and you get two ladder units, DVD's, carrying bag and door things.

I have many DVD's from Elastic Steel and love the info.  I have all the stretching info out there, my goal is to do the splits one day, and Paul's insights clicked and made sense more than the other stuff I have combined.  I actually just ordered his Kick Master Combo today.  For some reason my dream of being a supreme master ninja of a human being won't be denied!  I'm sure it's something that got knocked loose in my brain when my stroller went down the steps when I was a wee lad.  I will keep on the journey of possessing strength, flexibility and total awesomeness if it's the last thing I do!!

Where was I?  Oh, New toy.  If you have been wanting to get some kind of suspension training device, I would recommend the USA.  And if you are searching for any flexibility, kicking instructional, I've been pleased with what I've gotten from ElasticSteel

Now it's time to play with my new toy!!  You know what I just envisioned?  A collapsible/adjustable  unit to hang my new suspension toy to, plus a pull up bar too.  That way I can train in the house and switch rooms if my wife boots me out of one.  This is going to be awesome!

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Friday, December 9, 2011

Mace Swinging Strength

Hey strength seekers

One of the staples in my training is using the Mace.  The wonderful benefits of this tools are numerous.  I believe it has allowed me to stay healthy and injury free as well as recuperate quicker from some of the training I do.
Wednesday I was at a local school sharing the physical culture of Club swinging.  Grades k-6th.  I had each class, about 70-80 kids in each class, and showed them two basic club swings.  They all had a plastic bowling pin that they used.  It was fun and very cool seeing them concentrate and "get" the movements down.  Especially the younger kids.  At the start of each class, I wanted to get their attention, so out of the blue I did a headstand, tripod, then straightened my legs up then I did a freestanding press!! I was impressed!  Simply because it was the first time I was able to actually press up without assistance of a wall.  And the kids loved it!  I have been wanting to do this since watching Ninja Assassin a few years ago.  The way that clubs and mace swinging build  strength in the shoulders and arms allowed me to do this without much practice of the actual press up.  If you are into or have ambitions of doing some cool handbalancing, then you must check out my buddy Logan Christophers Lost Art of Handbalancing.  It has tons of great info as well as products, which I have all of them!

My next thing I'd like to accomplish is a standing back flip and a running up a wall back flip.  I'm working on them.  Here are a couple of mace movements that are worth adding to your training.









Have a Fantastic Friday!  The StrongerGrip t-shirts are in!  Get yourself one and you're sure to set New PR's.
Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Your journey, stress and sh*t

Hey strength seekers

If you are alive then your on a journey.  You may not know it, but the things that happen to you, drive you to make certain decisions.  Many decisions and life choices lead you to certain results.  This journey is ever changing, either willfully or not.  How we deal with things that happen on this journey makes a big difference in how enjoyable the journey is.   What the heck, Ryan? Where you going with this?  Hang in there, all of life is connected.  Strength and the pursuit of it involves way more than just physical stuff.  There are tons of factors that can help you get stronger or hinder your quest for strength.  Mental state, daily stress the bullsh*t of everyday life.  Where is your mind? How do you deal with stress and bs?
Have you ever heard of a charmed life?  Sounds simply wonderful, don't it?  Well I believe you can have a "charmed life" if you get a hold on how you perceive stress and how you react to it.  It always amazes me when I hear someone telling me all the bs that goes on in their life.  Over and over.  This is simply no fun for me and by the sounds of it, isn't a party for them either, BUT they keep focusing on the bs.  They don't make changes to get out or away from it.  In the end it becomes a sh*t pool that they take comfort in.  Why?  Life happens.  I've got problems, you've got problems, mine are not bigger than anyone elses and vice versa.  Actually, I like to think everyones are bigger than mine that way I don't focus on mine:)   I truly believe the individual journey you and I are on can be made much more worthwhile if we do a few things.
*Get to know yourself and be honest with who you are and what/who you'd like to become. 
*Take charge of your journey and be mindful of your actions.
*When you encounter sh*t, acknowledge it, step over it, around it, and for heavens sake don't pick it   up, don't put it in your pocket for later and try not to give it to everyone around you, remember it's sh*t.
*Know that you can be better.  Whether strength, health, career, or any other life  endeavors, you CAN get better. 
*Always test out advice for yourself. Make changes and see how the work for YOU.  There is no one else who can really tell you what you need.  You will find these things out on your own as your journey goes on.  Try new things, make changes, test out information, be mindful of stress causing thoughts and situations, and treat them for what they are.
You control your journey.   Go after what you want. 
I tend to live and think simple.  I want health, strength and a fun and enjoyable long life.  Will there be sh*t along the way, you bet!  It won't stop me, don't let it stop you. 
If anyone has a story about their journey, I'd love to hear it.  It's in the overcoming of obstacles that inspires me.  The little things that make me really appreciate my journey even more.
email me at ryan@strongergrip.com

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Pull up and over for good fun

Hey strength seekers

I love moving!  Not from place to place, I would dread moving all the stuff I have!!! I mean moving my body.  And by moving my body I mean moving it pain free, effortless and full of spark!  Simply doing things that your average person wouldn't.  One of the few things I read online is AdamTGlass blog.  For a few reasons.  The guy is inspiring because he gets stuff done, continually improves and loves to train.  He also shared the gym movement with me that continues to make me better.  He posted this week doing some insane grip stuff along with some bodyweight stuff he's putting in the mix.  The one that I saw and said to myself, that's just cool. Is the pull up and over.  A fun exercise that you just won't see many people doing.  Is it hard?  I don't think so. I banged em out right away after running out to my pull up bar that I put on the kids basketball pole.  I put a 1" solid shaft through the pole.  On one side I put a 1-1/2" sleeve that rotates on the 1" bar.  This is a blast!  It's just another thing to spice you your training and make you more useful:)



Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

I've gone Primal

Hey strength seekers

I'm sure I am a lot like you.  I continually search for information on health and strength.  You would think as I put more years on that some point I would be content.  I don't see that happening anytime soon. My latest search has brought me to the Primal lifestyle.  I've been sponsoring MarksDailyApple for the last 3 years and NOW, finally have gotten in tune with what he's doing over there.  And I will tell you, I like it, I like it a lot.  Whether it's training or nutrition, I consider my self fairly well versed.  Although in my experience knowing and putting into action are two different universes and many think that because they know something or someone who did "that" that they themselves are experts. 
This is what I've been doing.  My training has been Primal for years.  Meaning, I don't set a schedule to train.  I don't count reps, I don't wear spandex or leg warmers, and I don't even know what I will do on any given day.  This has served me well, kept me injury free and getting stronger.  I do test every movement that I do and if all is well, it's on.  Each day if you were to camp out at  the SG home, you see me throughout the day doing pull-ups, rope stuff, mace and club swinging, sledge hammer smashing, kettlebell stuff along with sandbag and many other physical endeavors.  If you added the time each day that this happens, I believe it would be a pretty low #. 
Diet, nutrition, what I put in my mouth.  This is the biggest change in the last month and a half.  I WAS getting way to comfortable drinking energy drinks, eating snacks, sugar loaded treats and just pretty much ignoring what I was putting into the old yapper.  Ever done this?
This is where the light turned on for me with Primal eating.  Made sense and was worth doing an experiment.  I didn't listen to what others thought or knew about what I was going to do, I just did it.  Pretty good move for any accomplishment.  Find out yourself, that way when you give something it's due attention and after looking back at the results, good or bad, you know if it's for you.
The Primal way is a fantastic fit for me. 
In a month and a half I went from a bloated 187-189 to 176-178 body weight.  I feel super. My belly isn't soft and uncomfortable.  I may have some abs showing for once in my life.  I have discovered the fun and creative ways to make food.  Real food.  Real good food.  I don't have hunger pains, I have more energy than ever and here is what floored me, I am stronger than I've been too!  At my last grip contest, I was 2 weeks into my Primal eating and I also had strength that I couldn't explain.  It was either the StrongerGrip Gripballs or the Primal eating.  Maybe both!

This is life changing for me and I wanted to share it.  I was literally buying energy drinks by the case!!  I have not had one in a month and a half, nor do I want one. 
This is just another step on my journey to health and strength. How is yours going?

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving + 3 Grip Tips

Hey strength seekers

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!  Enjoy the day with friends and family. If you get a chance, sneak some training in too!  I also wanted to let you know that right NOW until Nov. 28th you can get FREE SHIPPING on your order by using the code "thanksgiving" at the checkout. Anything in the SG Store will be shipped for FREE!

Yesterday I spent the day with Savage Strength author Mike Gillette.  We were at an Iowa school where he talked to them about leadership and did some pretty cool strength displays as well.  After we talked to the wrestling team about strength and grip.  I gave them 3 tips that will give them a fantastic grip with stuff they already have.  They are things that you can do as well.  Even if you train at a regular gym.
Here they are.
1) Plate pinch deadlifts.  Super for thumb and pinch strength. Take olympic plates, start with what you can do and work up.  Place two plates flat smooth sides out, stand them up and pinch them together using your fingers on one side and thumbs on the other.  Now proceed to pick up and set-down, repeat as desired.  Use, 25's, 35.s then 45's. 
2) Plate curls.  This is fantastic for wrist strength.  Hold your hand out in front of you, palm up, fingers straight, now grab a plate that you can handle, try a 10 or two 10's, put the smooth side of the plate against your palm, grab the other side of plate with thumb, with plate pinched in this position, proceed to curl the plate while focusing on keeping the wrist straight(in line with your lower arm) no bent wrist.  As the curls get easier and your wrist strength increases go up to a 25 lb, then 35 lb. 
3) Hex dumbbell two hand pinch.  A superb wide grip thumb and finger builder.  Take a basic hex dumbbell. Put it on floor.  Looking down on it grab the hex parts with each hand. Fingers on outside and thumbs on inside of hex head.  Squeeze and pick up.  With the various weights available you can get a perfect grip workout. 
3 things that you can do NOW to build a very respectable grip.  While I was showing the wrestlers  some grip stuff, I shared the Fatgripz thick handle sleeves with them as well.  A great convenient way to get yourself a great grip. 

Enjoy the day!
Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

What is Savage Strength?

Hey strength seekers

Strength is awesome, more is better, and Savage Strength is downright cool!  That is what my friend Mike Gillette's new info product offers you, Savage Strength.  Now when I say friend, I mean that, really, I do know someone as cool as Mike:)  Him and I are actually meeting up tomorrow and going to a local school for a presentation.  How cool is that.  Hopefully some of Mike's coolness will rub off on me.
I've had the chance to preview Savage Strength and I am telling you that Mike has done a fantastic job of laying out the path for you to get Savage Strength.  You will have no questions on how to get it.  He shares it all with you.  These are my words with my backing.  It's a great product.  Below you find a bio on Mike.


Former SWAT Commander and Executive Bodyguard, Mike Gillette is a relentless student of the human factors which allow people to succeed against overwhelming odds. In his line of work, these ‘odds’ have centered on threat management and peak performance training methods.
His research and experiences have taken him through many different worlds and disciplines. They have ultimately produced a body of knowledge which has been put to use by clients ranging from armed professionals to ordinary people who must operate in extraordinary circumstances.
Mike’s knowledge was first put to the test after he was injured in a climbing accident in 1984. This came just several months after he had left active-duty service as an Army paratrooper to attend the University of Arizona on an ROTC scholarship. With a broken back and screws holding his ankles together, Mike was discharged from military service.
This was hard to take for someone who had received perfect scores on every one of his Army fitness tests and had run his first marathon on a dare.
The next four years were a combination of discipline, experimentation, and disappointments. But through diligent study, pain and hard work, Mike had restored himself physically to the point where he could enter the field of law enforcement.  As distinguished graduate of his academy class and with several academy fitness records under his belt, Mike was selected to attend a police fitness-trainer pilot program.
Mike excelled as a trainer, and would eventually become one of the most highly credentialed tactical trainers in the United States, with over 25 different Use-of-Force and Weapons Systems instructor designations to his name.
In 1995, concurrent with his law enforcement and training duties, Mike returned to military service in a part-time role. Following a rigorous selection process, he was accepted into the 194th Long-Range Surveillance (Airborne) Detachment and full ‘jump’ status.
This was a significant milestone for Mike, who had been told 11 years earlier by an Army surgeon that he would never run again, much less jump out of any more airplanes.
Post-9/11, Mike was been tapped to provide threat management training and consulting to a variety of high-risk public and private-sector clients. He is also recognized as a subject-matter expert for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the areas of counter-terrorism training and threat assessment. Mike’s current duties include regular assignments providing close-protection for CEOs and high net-worth individuals throughout the United States and abroad.
Often sought for his distinctive commentary, Mike has been featured by such media outlets as Forbes Magazine, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, CBS-TV and Fox Television’s “America’s Most Wanted.”
Mike Gillette has been active in the study of martial arts for decades, having earned advanced black belts in Japanese, Filipino and American martial arts styles.
In 2010, Mike was inducted into the Martial Arts Masters Hall of Fame. Mike has also, by necessity, pursued a life-long study of strength and conditioning methods and is considered a master practitioner of mind/body power. Through his sometimes unnerving public demonstrations, Mike provides real-time validation of his training methods.
Mike’s current mission is sharing his unique mind/body improvement techniques with the world through his new Savage Strength Training System.
 
Mike is one bad dude and I'm proud to call him my friend. 
That's also a pretty sweet mace he's swinging! 
Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Saturday, November 19, 2011

It's Finally Time for T-shirts

Hey strength seekers

Once again I find myself all excited!  Over the years SG t-shirts have been requested.  I wanted to offer them but didn't want just a plain t with StrongerGrip on it.  So the years passed and I kept thinking what would be cool for a t-shirt.  Through a friend I was introduced to The Shirt Guy out of NY.  We hit it off and started collaborating on what became one of the coolest branding image I have seen in a while.  Matt took on this endeavor and did more than just print shirts, he created something that I am extremely proud to offer.  He took my vision and literally drew by hand (art) into a multi-colored image and put them on the high quality, fitted American Apparel shirts.  What we have brought you is a sweet T that you'll want to wear and just wearing it should bring you PR's like never before!
It was a many month process to get what I am now ready to offer, but like all StrongerGrip stuff, you are getting quality, art and coolness.
Right now you can pre-order yours and save $4.00  Cost includes shipping.  They will be shipping Dec.2
Thanks for all your support and I promise you will love wearing this shirt.  Heck, you might not want to take it off!
Have an awesome weekend!

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Friday, November 18, 2011

Does your mind ever wander at work?

Hey strength seekers


Have you ever been at work at found your mind was somewhere else?  No!  I have and still do.  When I had a regular job, I would always, always be sketching out something that popped into my head.  And if I wasn't doing that I would wander off and do pull ups off some pipes or i-beams, or handstand push ups against the wall.  Now that I am self employed and get to make cool stuff for a living, my mind still wanders!!!!!!!  And this is what comes from that........
Totally insanely cool New toys!  This keeps it fresh for me.  Things like this give me the edge in the marketplace too.  No big corporation telling me that's a stupid idea or get back to work you bum.  I simply let my mind go free and create!
I get to combine my artistic ideas and make them into functional training gear!  It is a complete blast!
And the time FLIES by.  A regular 8 hour shift at the quarry seemed like 20 hours and then some.  A day now seems like 5 mins!!! It is unreal. 
If you are in a situation where you've had enough or simply can't see yourself doing what you do for the next 20-30 years, take some serious inventory and see what other possibilities await you.  Start researching, read some books, and ask yourself what are you willing to sacrifice.
Life goes fast, grab on and pursue what you see as worthwhile.  Things don't happen overnight, but the journey is priceless.
Have an awesome weekend!
I have to get back to work:)

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Super Cool Custom loading pins

Hey strength seekers


I've been asked why I drive 10 hours roundtrip to compete in Grip.  The last 2 years I have competed in 9 Grip contests.  Each trip 10 hours.  Doing the math 90 hours of driving!!  Why would anyone do that?  First, I love Grip. Second, it's great meeting people and connecting with customers and grip enthusiasts, like myself, it's also a blast to share grip with those new to it. Third, the drive is where my mind goes free and ideas seem to flow.  In those 90 hours of driving, I have pages and pages of ideas for equipment, business ideas, domain names, and more! It's almost magical.  And that's why I do it, and will continue to do it.  This last trip I had a request to make a set of Dinnie stone trainers for Dustin W.  I didn't get them finished in time, but on the drive up I had a bad ass idea to make them insanely cool.  Here is a pic of that idea.  Loading pins made of welded chain!  The Dinnie handles will have hooks that hook right to the top links.  After completing them all I could say was "Bad Ass"!  What do you think? If I did a limited run, would anyone be interested in owning these?

Let me know. Comment here or email me at ryan@strongergrip.com
I'm already thinking of some more chain equipment ideas...oh yeah...more BA stuff!

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Grip strength galore

Hey strength seekers

Yesterday was the Grip Decathlon II in Minneapolis MN held at The Movement Minneapolis and hosted by AdamTGlass.  The day was great. My son Logan and I arose early-4am and took to the road shortly after. It's a 5 hour drive one way.  Weather was ideal and I was feeling super.  More on that in another post. We arrived to a nice showing of gripsters ready to get it going.  The format was very smooth.  No one was sitting idle at any time.  Everyone was either gripping, pinching, hanging, or doing something with those amazing things called hands!  There were PR's, there was cheering, and encouragement.  There were new people who had not yet experienced the addicting and enjoying sport known as grip, or Grip Athletics as I like to call it.  There were seasoned gripsters who enjoyed yet another fantastic day to do amazing things with their mitts!  In 4 hours there was sooo much that got grippped, lifted, squeezed, and pinched that I would love to be a fly on the wall today for those that did their first Grip contest.  I'm sure I would be a smiling fly!
I was a sponsor for the event and everyone that competed is receiving the NEW SG T-shirts with the StrongerGrip Ape on them.  And the top dog, Ben Edwards 1st place will be getting $100 in SG bucks to spend as he desires in the SG store.
I have never felt better than I did at yesterdays event.  It was almost surreal for me.  I'll comment on what I did and changes I think may have attributed to the almost magical strength that I felt.  It may have been the New SG Ape shirt, I'm just saying.  They are being printed as I write, so look for them in less than 2 weeks.
Grippers.  Fun, challenging and sometimes downright frustrating.  I have never even been close to closing a #3 before and kinda, sorta put in aside as an unattainable deed for me.  Wrong!! My grippers were surprisingly strong and I closed 2 different rated 3's yesterday!! Yeah! Here's a video of the #3  155 rated close.  And it felt easy.


Enjoy your Sunday.
Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Marine Corps 236th Birthday

Hey strength seekers

I have mega respect and honor for those that serve and have served our country.  The Marine Corps 236th birthday is today.  A HUGE thanks to all that have served and currently serving.  I have many family members that served in the Marines.  Here is a 10% discount code for this occasion.  It will be good until Saturday.  Use discount code hooah at checkout to get 10% off your order.  I am able to do what I do because of something called FREEDOM!  And I will not take it for granted or forget why I have it.
Thanks!
Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Something New something cool

Hey strength seekers

With the kind of stuff I make and training I do there is not much out there that I've found cool in the way of little display items that show people what I do or what I'm into.  Example, you walk into someones house or see someones desk and there are things that give you an idea of what kind of person they are or what their interests are.  Have I lost you yet?  I've always been into art type of stuff.  Recently, not sure what made me do it, but I made a mini-kettlebell.  It's cool as all get out, or should I say get-up.  I wanted a little desktop item for my office or shelves.  The response was pretty good when I leaked a few pics out last week.  I have big plans for an online presence for gift type stuff that tells people that you kick ass in your spare time.  I just listed the mini-kettlebell on etsy, a cool handmade website. Check it out.  And expect much more to come! 
Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

New Colors

Hey strength seekers

The weather here in Iowa is changing.  I actually like the change of seasons, although put me in CA or a warmer place and I'm sure I would adjust pretty quick.  No matter what the weather conditions are, I love being outside and playing in the fresh air.  Warm or cold, I get out and have some fun. That's what is great about the primal type tools and how they get your blood going.  It is definitely a change of mindset from indoor gym atmosphere to swinging, smashing, lifting jumping and gripping in the great gym that God made!  I find it exhilarating and refreshing.  Especially the fall, where the leaves are changing color and the landscape looks like a painting.

Speaking of change of seasons and colors.  The StrongerGrip sledgehammer series, the Monster, Medium SLS and Thors hammer have a couple of New colors to choose from.  The Monster and Medium SLS can now be purchased in Red.  It looks really cool!  The Thors Hammers now have the choice of the dark bronze head or a hammered silver.  In the comments write what color you'd like, until I get the buttons for color choices.

I also have a few more Hooked on Grip toys coming...



Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Thursday, November 3, 2011

I'm going to Explode!

Hey strength seekers

That's right, I am going to EXPLODE with JOY!  Wait just a second, let me explain.  I'm truly  blessed to be able to  make cool toys for people and make a living doing it.  That alone gets me all giddy:) 
Just like when I started making stuff a long long time ago, I did it for me.  Sounds selfish, I know, but hey, I love training and I love making stuff to train with.  Each thing I create, everything I  make and ship out, I know that it will be improving someones life.  For strength and health = improved life.  So, this is joyous for me.  You know what else I've been doing for the last 20+ years?  Sketching, thinking, inventing cool things.  At lest cool things in my mind.  Most related to the health and strength field, but not all.  A wonderful experience for me is to sketch something out and then go make it reality.  Which brings me to my latest creation that I am exploding with joy about!!............Grip, wrist strength,  hammer leverageing...Slim the Hammerman brought  sledge levering to an elite level. 
A few Grip contests have this as one of their events.  Chris Rice is a fellow grip guy with a very creative mind of his own.  I'd love to meet him and just may do that this December for the Gripmas contest.  Check out this post by AdamtGlass, in it shows the double sledge levering device Chris made. I've used it and it is cool!!!

Adams Grip Decathalon is in a few weeks. Nov. 12 and he will be having this same event.  After seeing Chris set up and what it would take for me to conjure up that, I decided to stick with what I'm a master of, Metal.  And now here is the insane Slim trainer Double Leverage set up of my own!
 Here is where my joy and excitement come in.  This design lets me use standard and or olympic plates.  It allows me to change leverage by telescoping the length from 24" to 36".  With this kind of incremental possibilities I'm putting this as my new favorite toy for wrist strength. 
Now I'm off to make more toys and work with my own new toy!!

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Friday, October 28, 2011

StrongerGrip press

Hey strength seekers

You were thinking of pressing as in overhead or strength related, weren't you?  Actually a local health publication did an article on StrongerGrip, and here it is!

Have an awesome weekend!

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Introducing the GymGripz collection

Hey strength seekers

All day I get orders ready to ship out.  I work like mad to have packages ready for the UPS driver.  After I get all that I can done and the shipping places are no longer taking packages, it's time to play!  This is when I get to become Dr. Gripenstein!!!  Well, actually when my day is done, I pick the kids up from school, help with homework and spend time with my wonderful wife. Get everyone in bed, then it's TIME to create!! 
Training grip is fairly simple.  Training grip at your local gym may not be so simple.  If you are lucky they will have a broom handle and rope setup. Otherwise good luck.  For me I don't have that problem, but realize it's not all about me:)  So making some products that are portable, convenient and easy to get your Grip on at the local gym makes sense.  Just about all gyms have barbells, pulley machines, smith machines etc.  This sparked me to The Hooked on Grip series that will be called GymGripz.  I'm super excited about these and the feedback has been nothing but good.  I'm giving you a glimpse at the beginning of the GymGripz series. 
Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Grip training at a "regular" gym

Hey strength seekers

A while back I came into a bunch of "regular" gym equipment.  Leg presses, pulldown pulley machines, smith machines, half-racks and more.  I have been looking at all this and thinking on how I can help the average person who trains at a regular gym get some grip training in.  I've also been loving my thick grip sleeves that I got. These are rubber sleeves that go over standard bar stuff to make it a thick grip without any hassle.  Honestly, theses are fantastic!  I have 3 types right now with another coming soon. The 3 are FatGripz, Tyler Grips and Grip4orce.   I did a review on these showing you that each one is unique and has it's own grip thing to offer.
What this did was get my noggin a jolt of inspiration.  This inspiration came in the form of Hooks.  I make things out of metal, so having these convenient hooks that you could put on grip stuff made sense.  First I re-released the StrongerGrip GripBalls.  I've had these available for a while.  Other places started offering them too.  I like this, it makes me improve on things.  What will soon be called the StrongerGrip GripHook series begins with the GripBalls with hooks.  The difference is you don't need a to have carabiners or other hardware to use these New ones.  Just hook over barbell, pulley machines, pulling sleds, pull up bars and you are hooked!
This afternoon another lightning bolt struck.  This is where the GripHook series comes in.  I loved the idea of the rubber grip sleeves fitting into a gym bag and being quick, portable and letting you get some Grip at your gym.  Here is what will be fast on the heels of the GripBalls....Pinch Blocks and Thick Handles!! Yes, are you picturing them!! If not I will post a picture tomorrow of some I made this afternoon.
Oh, and I found a great use for a smith machine.  It has been fantastic for some one and two hand grip pulling movements, deadlifts, rows.


Enjoy the day and get ready to get Hooked on Grip!

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Friday, October 21, 2011

GripBalls at the Playground

Hey strength seekers

My kids love playing at the park.  After school that is usually where they end up. Yesterday it was getting close to dinner time so I walked down to get them.  But first I grabbed a set of 3" GripBalls.  I wanted to see what I could do with them down there.  I ended up hooking them to the monkey bars and using different hand positions and how they worked the grip differently.  Depending on how you grab them you can get some great work done focusing on thumbs and fingers.  All this leads to a StrongerGrip of course.


Try em out, your grip will be happy!

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Making pull ups interesting

Hey strength seekers

I have been using the New GripBall with hooks for a ton of stuff.  Check out this vid showing the 3" GripBalls in action.  If you are wondering what size to get, I suggest you start off with the 3" GripBalls.  The 3-1/2" and 4" are some big balls.  Trust me.  Hey, how about this for a GripBall slogan. "Want Grip? Then get some BALLS!  Grab a set StrongerGrip GripBalls for a strongergrip."
Huh? Catchy. Yes, maybe. Let me know.
 


I will keep putting up some videos with the GripBalls in action. 

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Monday, October 17, 2011

Grip Hooks on U-GO Grip Handles

Hey strength seekers

Lots of you have gotten yourselves a set or two of the StrongerGrip GripBalls.  Last week I introduced you to the New Hook Design.  The design has been well received and look forward to the continuing feedback.  The next step for the hooks will be adding them to the U-GO handles.  I have been playing with these and like the different ways you can grip them and the various ways it puts different stress on certain parts of your grip.  Check out the pictures of the Med U-GO with hook.



  These offer a various grips, open hand and pinch on the strange shape of the U-GO handle.  Adding an out of this world dimension to your grip training.  Look for these soon.
Until they are ready grab yourself some GripBalls.  Today is the last day before the prices go up slightly.  If you miss out, no big deal, it's only a couple of bucks.

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan                                                                                                          

Friday, October 14, 2011

StrongerGrip meets American Pickers

Hey strength seekers

I'm a big fan of the TV show American Pickers.  If you have not seen it, it's on the history channel.  Two guys Mike and Frank, from good ole Iowa go all over the place looking through peoples junk(treasure) to save it from decay and bring it back to life.  It's a fun show, I'm always wanting to see them uncover some old school weights or equipment.  They haven't yet.  I met Mike yesterday as he was in my small town visiting a really great mechanic/restoration guy who happens to have his shop right by me.  My neighbor has several of the Pickers cars he's doing work on.  As I was in and out of the house getting some gear made, I saw the Antique Archeology truck across the street.  I grabbed a Mace and headed over to introduce myself.  It was Mike and a camera guy checking on the work of one of his cars.  I said a quick hello and asked for a picture.  He was friendly and happy to oblige.  The timing was perfect, but only because I acted instead of thinking about it.  I could have said to myself, I haven't showered in days, my hairs a mess, I need to shave, etc.  Nope, didn't care.  I like to get things done.  One thing I used to do is wonder or ponder the things I should have done.  Not anymore, I made a decision to act. Period.  Think of all the things you wish you would have done.  Then stop, and from this point on, just start doing them instead of thinking about em.

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Getting Hooked on Grip

Hey strength seekers

The usual entrance to starting grip training happens with thick bar introduction.  Experiencing thick bars for the first time is quite the wake up call.  For most it's a really loud alarm that smacks down your pride as you try to pick up either a dumbbell or barbell with a thick grip that weighs significantly less than you could normally handle with regular sized handles. You go over in your head what the heck just happened. Could my grip really be that weak? Why, yes it can.  Great news, it doesn't take that long to build yourself a solid grip, one in which you are able to do things most consider amazing.  A grip that has your hands, fingers and wrists healthier and more able to do things that once were not possible.
All this just by starting out using thicker bars.  Whoda thunk it.  For a quick solution to this, get yourself a set of FatGripz.  You can also check out Tyler Grips and Grip4orce. Here's an up close look at all three.

If you've been doing the thick grip already.  Maybe your even a seasoned grip master. Another step towards grip supremacy would be adding globe/ball/sphere shaped objects to work with.  StrongerGrip has been the leader in this department.  There are the GripBall dumbbells, one of the first Grip products we put out, the leverage balls, the T-bombs(currently off market, but available on request) and the first product I started making, the StrongerGrip GripBalls.  I've been selling these since 2005/2006.  A super simple grip builder.  I recently redesigned them  and added hooks to them.  Using my CAD program I came up with a nice convenient and simple hook design that will fit over 1-1/8" bars and loading pins without hassling with extra carabiners or other methods of attaching them to your implement of choice.  All ya do now is hook, grip and GO!  Here is a look at the 3.5" Gripball with hook.













The prices on these will be going up just  a few bucks next week.  The rest of this week you can get them at current prices and get the New Hook Design.  The old style ones are gone.  Get your New Hooked on Grip ones Now.  Tomorrow I will swap the old pictures with new ones.  You'll have your choice of Red or Black. Just write what color you want in the comments till I get the options buttons up and running.
The rest of this week you can get the New design for current prices.  This New design makes them more gym friendly too.  Put em in your gym bag and get your grip on at your gym.  Heck, the SG GripBalls and FatGripz will make going to a gym fun! And get some crazy looks from the normals too I'm sure.




Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Monday, October 10, 2011

Grip Strength and good times

Hey strength seekers

This Saturday I made my 10 hour round trip drive to AdamTGlass gym, The Movement Minneapolis for the final leg of The Worlds Strongest Hands grip competition.  Why on earth would I drive so far(long) for a silly grip contest?  Because I love grip training. I love meeting other grip enthusiasts who are training to get better. I also love the drive because my mind tends to go in a creative mode when I'm traveling.  No distractions(besides traffic, of course), I'm in my own little world, which is where I usually am anyway.  Ideas come to me, I jot them down, or use my audio notes on my phone, remember, I'm driving and want to be safe too.
The trip was great, more ideas got noted, I had two PR's, the 2Hand pinch and the Vulcan.  Out of 30 competitors worldwide in the 181.5 lb and under, I managed 10th.  Very happy and excited for the room for improvement.  You know I love grip.  What do you love or enjoy doing?  Are you doing it and or getting better at it?
I hope you answered yes to those.  I mentioned that I seem to always be in my own little world.  Hey, it's better than being in someone elses.  I get stuff done in my world.  I get to do things that I like in my world. I'm a happy man in my world.  I hope that those I encounter get a glimpse of who I am.  I'd also like to see others creating their own worlds in which they are happier and inspire others around them to pursue what they love.  Being able to do things you love and getting better is a fantastic way to go through life.

Where was I going with this? Free your mind(Matrix), be mindful of your actions(Jedi saying), just take action.  Small consistent actions add up over the long haul.  I promise.  Whether you have physical, business, personal or other goals, make the effort of doing SOMETHING consistently and you will reap the rewards.
While I was in MN, I picked up some new pieces for the StrongerGrip GripBalls.  I have a NEW design that makes them more user friendly and downright Awesome!  Plus, I found I can use  them on some other items that will sure to be this falls top sellers.  You'll be Hooked!

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Friday, October 7, 2011

Redneck Imagination for fun training

Hey strength seekers

Mixing up your training makes the journey more fun.  Sometimes you have to let your redneck out to come up with some cool stuff.  Here's the redneck rebounder and a good ole 16 lb bowling ball.  Using a decline bench and RR(redneck rebounder) you can get some great core training in.  Be careful, 16 lb bowling ball to face = bad weekend:)
Don't just think out of the box, do something out of the box!



Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Thumb and Pinch strength tool

Hey strength seekers

A while back one of my ideas that I sketched down was around the premise of building thumb and pinch strength.  More than just the normal deadlift type grip stuff.  This was envisioned as a dumbbell for pinch and thumb strength.  You won't find them at your local gym, but grip enthusiasts have taken a liking to it.  It became the StrongerGrip Thumbbell.  Used for pinch lifting, pinch curls, and thumb levers. 
It now has longer loading space for plates and more room for your hand. 

And of course you can use a combo of digit grips.  Thumb and forefinger, 2 fingers and thumb etc.  Have fun and build yourself a set of mean pinchers with the Thumbbell.

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Friday, September 30, 2011

Grip training and grip endurance

Hey strength seekers

A fantastic way to build grip strength that will help you become a better person(because that's what grip does:)) is sled dragging with grip stuff.  This is one for everyone.  You can use grip toys that you have bought or make your own very easily. All morning between making StrongerGrip products I have been using my tire sled and a myriad of grip tools.  StrongerGrip grip balls, Ironmind finger loops, eagle loops, v-bars, FatGripz,pinch blocks, and rings.  Hooking these items up to a chain hooked to the tire I pull them on the sidewalk and grass.  Both surfaces offer different resistance.  As I'm pulling and dragging whichever tool I'm using I twist my hand and wrist like opening a door handle while I'm dragging.  Grip training with a sled offers so many variables for you to change.  Body position as you are dragging, hand positions, arm positions, countless ways to change small things that make this great and simple for anyone wanting a better grip.  I'll edit some video and share this in action. 

Have a great weekend!

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Thursday, September 29, 2011

SledgeHammer work

Hey strength seekers

Take a ride back in time.  When hard labor was not an option.  Quick and fast, not hardly.  When you wanted a house, you built it with your own hands.  If you wanted food, you worked the land for it.  Can you imagine the long hours that our ancestors put in?  How conditioned you would have to be to just live! Fast forward to today.  How has the lifestyle changed?  Can putting in 45 min to an hour in a gym compare to yesteryear?  Back then movement was not an option.  Not much loafing around, no office or desk work.  Can we bring some of that back into our lives?  I believe we can and should.  I believe we need to look at fitness and health not as a quick workout, but more focusing on how much movement we do all day.  I believe that we can live longer and healthier if we adapt some of the old school tasks and weave them into our daily routines.  A great start is sledge hammer work.  Something as simple as hitting an object repeatedly.  You'll see real quick that the railroad builders and other laborers were some tough cookies.  I love how much your entire body is involved in in this simple task.   There is nothing more result producing than a movement that works your body as a unit and builds explosiveness, hand/wrist strength, shoulders, back, legs, arm strength, AND coordination and  awareness.  Sledge training offers this. Here's a quick video of the SG half-tire.  A great solution for sledge hammer slammers.  Tough, durable, portable.  You can use it as is or put a couple of sandbags around it to make it more stable.



Bring some old school training into your life, you'll be a better person. I promise:)

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Thick Grip Review

Hey strength seekers

The easiest way to get a StrongerGrip is to add thick bar work into your training.  One of the coolest products to come along recently are the rubber thick grip sleeves that snap over your everyday barbells and dumbbells.  There are 3 choices that I know of to choose from.  FatGripz, Grip4orce and TylerGrips.  Each one is unique and has its own offerings.  Watch the video for a closer look.



Great tools!

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Monday, September 26, 2011

Do you have a moment?

Hey strength seekers

This is a quick post asking for a moment of your time.  I have a great customer list with such a diverse range of backgrounds and ages all over the world.  I am so grateful for each one.  Would you do me a favor and follow this link and write a review for me.  It can be on StrongerGrip the company or an individual product.  Thank you!!


Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Saturday, September 24, 2011

More fun stuff

Hey strength seekers


Clean, press, slam, rebound.  This was super fun!  The harder you slam the 50 lb sandbell, the quicker it comes back to greet you.  Don't have a partner to do tosses with? Here's a great solution.



Have an awesome weekend and have fun with your training.
Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Coordination and fitness

Hey strength seekers

There are sooo many aspects of fitness and health.  Tons of ways to train for this and that.  What builds and sharpens coordination?  Are we born with it?  I wasn't.  I do believe we can get better at everything, even if we were dealt a bad hand.  The transition from static, linear weight training to dynamic movements is quite a mental hurdle for most people.  That's ok, it's completely normal.  When was the last time you tried something once and was instantly the master of that task?  Yeah, probably a few of you.  Once again, not me.  But I am one stubborn dude that keeps plugging away.  Coordination, a very beneficial thing to have for sports, life and good health.  It also makes things fun.  I posted a DIY video for making your own rebounder on my DIYstrength blog.  This is a ton of FUN!  I should have shared it with you years ago.  This will hone your coordination, sharpen your reflexes and make your training a total blast.  My son and I were outside a little bit ago on the dark.  He saw the setup I had and asked if we could throw the Sandbell on there.  I said, lets try it.  Oh man, we had a bomb of a time, after school tomorrow we'll shoot a video for you with some of the fun things we were coming up with.  You will love it!  I promise. 

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Countdown to StrongerGrip t-shirts

Hey strength seekers,

I have been wanting to get some StrongerGrip t-shirts to you guys for a while.  I've been fortunate to have some cool things happen and come together which is going to make it happen.  I make high quality strength equipment with designs that are artistic and functional.  I wanted to bring the same quality with a cool design to the t-shirts too.  All StrongerGrip equipment is Made in the USA.  It doesn't get much more American than a small Iowa town and a journeyman machinist! 
I commissioned some artwork based on some ideas and what came from that was the creation of the StrongerGrip Ape.  The first image is the Ape bending a barbell.  I thought this super appropriate for StrongerGrip and the art is also looks cool and fun to wear.  The other image is the Ape swinging from vines holding a SG sledge.  Simply perfect.  Grip, clubs, maces, sledgehammers, strong as an ape. 
I am so pleased with the outcome, that I just can't wait for them to come in!!
So, the art work is done.  What kind of shirts to get?  Everyone has a crappy t shirt that fits like a bedsheet, feels like a maternity shirt and is made in bangledesh or china.  It ends up as a car wash towel or picking up your dogs poop in the yard.  I didn't want to picture a StrongerGrip shirt in this scenario so I was given many options for shirts to print on.  I was told about American Apparel out of Los Angeles and how they have some high quality and fashionable t shirts Made in the USA.  That's right, after I heard that I knew what I had to do.  I had to bring you Made in America shirts that are also comfortable, fashionable and a t-shirt you will want...no, have to wear.  Click on American Apparel to see a cool video about them.

I'm excited as heck and will be giving you a chance to win a free one!  I'll post what you need to do to get your name in for a Free shirt.  The shirts should be in around early October. 

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Monday, September 19, 2011

Sandbells for take anywhere strength

Hey strength seekers

I am a huge fan of the various tools available to get stronger and healthier.  You will never hear me say that only one thing is going to do it all for you, rather, explore any and all ways available to you and see things around you that can be turned into workout tools.  This not only keeps things fun and interesting but keeps the drive alive to continue pursuing health as a lifelong journey.

As StrongerGrip, I am a bit partial to grip related stuff.  When I see something that not only has a grip element but is also an overall training tool, I am on it.  And then if it has a take anywhere factor, you better believe I'm a fan.  Sandbells have all these qualities and they truly are fantastic tools.  I have 5 kids and 1 grandson.  2 kids are out of the house and 3 still at home.  When I go pick them up, I get the 2 in elementary then we have to wait for the Junior high bus to drop off the 3rd.  Today, I threw a 50 lb sandbell in the van and off I went.  Picked the 2 up and my son Logan did some camera work for me.  Here is a vid of a few things to do with the 50 lb sandbell.



I have Sandbells and Steelbells available.  Get your filled Sandbells here.  I will be listing certain steelbells soon. 



Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Friday, September 16, 2011

New to Grip, get FatGripz

Hey strength seekers

My first introduction to grip was thick bars.  Something as simple as a bigger diameter handle to grip and do standard dumbbell/barbell exercises is an amazing way to build a better grip.  I've been asked many times what do I recommend for beginners who want to get a better grip.  My answer is always the same, thick handle work.  Whether you  wrap a towel around you barbell, dumbbells or pull up bar, something to make the handle thicker.
One of the coolest things I've seen lately that offers convenient and simple thick bar training is a product called Fatgripz.  I love simple and east + effective.  That's what these babies offer.  They can be taken anywhere.  If you go to a gym, take them and add them to your exercises.  Cable machines, lat pulldown, deadlift, barbell/dumbbell curls, pull up bars you name it.  They are a nice rubber that has a split seam that you open and snap over any existing standard bar.  It really does not get any easier than this.  I'm seriously looking at some possible StrongerGrip products that would work well for these.  Especially clubs and maces.  You might see some smaller diameter handles for these so you can slap FatGripz on to make them more challenging and work the grip.  I put them on my 3 lb Light weight clubs and loved the feel. So keep your eyes open for some standard handle clubs and maces that will accommodate the FatGripz product.   They FatGripz company is touting them as arm builders(smart move) there are more dudes wanting bigger guns than a better grip, but hey whatever works.  Those that train grip already know grip work builds better guns without even trying!!  I want you to get them for your grip.  They are a great solution,  nicely priced and so versatile.  Click on FatGripz to get yours.


Want Grip? Get FatGripz

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Feats of Strength

Hey strength seekers

I have two good friends that have been doing amazing things for years.  Logan Christopher of LegendaryStrength and Bud Jeffries, of Strongerman.   I met Logan at Dennis Rogers Oldtime Strongman University.  A great guy and very strong dude.  Bud is insanely strong, and knows sooo much about strength, conditioning and health in general.  They have recently put out a Feats Of Strength DVD that shows you the whole gamut of strength feats as well as performing.  I know both these guys and can vouch for their vast knowledge on the topic.  If there is anything you wanted to know on Feats of Strength and want something close to having them in person showing you the ropes, this is it.

For TONS of other info check out Logans Legendary Strength and Buds StrongerMan sites.
Oh yes, Check StrongerMan FIRST, they are having a massive back to school sale and it's only for a few days.

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Sledge Hammer strength and conditioning

Hey strength seekers

I love swinging sledgehammers!  Especially my StrongerGrip ones :) I have shown countless people how to swing different implements.  From kids to those higher up in years.  Any tool you use to condition your self is simply an extension of your body.
Lets take the sledge swing.  You have a grounding hand which will be firmly grasping the end of the handle, this will be your connection to the sledge.  Your other hand is loosely holding the sledge handle closer to the head of sledge.  You have complete control like this, there is balance, you feel secure.
Ready to start the sledge in motion?  In unison move both hands towards and over one shoulder, now taking your grounding hand pull down while the other hand sets the sledge head free, that hand will slide down handle to join the grounding hand.  Now while this is happening, there are other things happening and should be aware of while this part takes place.  When you are starting the downward strike, your hips will shoot back(this is what gives you power in the strike) and you will call upon the lats and abs to move the arms and sledge towards it's target.
And Wham!  Looking at the video, it looks like I'm sandbagging, not really trying, guess what, there is a lot of power being transferred.  It's compact and deceiving.
Give it a try.



Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Monday, September 12, 2011

Fun at Worlds Strongest Hands and MDA Challenge

Hey strength seekers

I had a great time at Worlds Strongest Hands at AdamTGlass gym in MN.  This was leg 2 of a series of Grip events that take place all over the world.  Events are two hand pinch, Vulcan gripper, coin pinch and stub lift.  Some events are loved, others are not so loved.  And when it comes to grip, some events seem to mock you as you try to reach down and pick something up.  But the thing that keeps gripsters coming back for more is that there is no way we are going to let whatever object defeat us, it WILL be picked up, it WILL be squeezed!  The hands are amazing. And training the many aspects of grip has many, many benefits for Grip athletes as well as the average individual.


Starting today over at MarksDailyApple, the home of Mark Sissons most awesome Primal site, he is holding a 30 day Primal Challenge.  This challenge includes prizes to be given away all month.  I will be offering several.  One is a StrongerGrip short mace, and (2) $100 StrongerGrip credits, which will give the winners $100 that they can use on anything in the StrongerGrip store.  Another prize will be The Ultimate Anchor from StrongerThanU.  There will also be a set of PVC clubs from DiyStrength given away. 
Get on over to Marks Daily Apple for some great information, and take on all or some of the challenges for a chance to win some excellent prizes and get healthy too!

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Keeping exercise fun

Hey strength seekers

Exercise, fitness, strength to me is a blast.  Keeping healthy is a lifelong pursuit and with all pursuits when it's no longer fun or exciting you just end up going through the motions.  That's something I'm not going to let happen in my training.  Here in Iowa we are having some fantastic weather, 70's, sunny and perfect for training outdoors.  Yesterday I was playing with my Monster Mace and 5" thick handled grip clubs.  I was experimenting with different movements and a couple felt really good and were different than I have done before.  Here is the Mace exercise that flowed well, it  added some trunk twisting and a little curling action then the mace swing.



The Fighting Library I mentioned over the weekend, that was compiled by Jake Shannon is loaded with very cool vintage wrestling, club swinging and jui jitsu information.  I've been fascinated by the old books and information that was published hundreds of years ago.  I have a small collection myself of these old gems.  I also know the time and money I've spent searching and getting some of what I have.  In the Fighting library you get a LOAD of stuff for an incredible price.  All the stuff is scanned and in PDF format for easy reading and bookmarking.  There also some cool interviews with some legends of  wrestling.  I love physical culture of all kinds and wrestling has an awesome history as well as incredible benefits if incorporated into your training.  My son and I are loving the old school pictures and moves of real wrestling.  My goal is to get him in condition so he can give me a run for my money as he gets older.  That's gonna be some great exercise in the near future!!

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Monday, September 5, 2011

Modular Plateau Buster and The Fighting Library

Hey strength seekers

Training, making equipment and business planning to make StrongerGrip run smoother.
That's what I've been up to.  This has been hands down the busiest summer in SG history.  Yeah, SG is still in it's infancy and continues to grow each year.  I have soo many projects and things I want to do and work on.  Manufacturing has been a blast for me.  I pour my soul into what I make.  Each piece gets better and better because I'm getting better and better at what I do.  Catch 22.  I simply am approaching the threshold of one mans capabilities for output. Orders are coming faster than I could have dreamed. 
That's where business planning comes in.  I'll keep you all posted about the changes and how things will be evolving. 

Modular PBSH is nearly ready.  I'm taking pics this evening and by end of week it will be available. 

Old school training information.  I love it.  Hard to find gems are a blast to read, if you can find them.  An amazing guy named Jake Shannon from scientificwrestling.com has compiled a ton of awesome info and is calling it The Fighting Library.   I am somewhat of an information nut.  I simply can not get enough!!
Check it out, it's some super great stuff!

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Weight loss, strength gains, athletic skills

Hey strength seekers,

This week is flying by!  Just like every week since I left security of a regular job and went out on my own to bring the coolest and finest training tools around!   In the realm of health, people I find people are looking to lose weight, get stronger, or get skilled at athletics.  The first two are the big ones that combined pretty much make you healthier and able to take on life.  I don't know how many ads on tv I see for this drug or that drug/supplement that will take care of(supposedly) your ailments.  This makes me wonder what in the wide world of sports are people thinking when they see these and think, that's what I need. 
For me life is simple.  Health, strength, fitness is simple.  Why?  Because long ago, I took responsibility for my own well being.  I took responsibility for my own actions.  If I was to get heartburn, I'd stop putting crap into my body that causes it, if I was to start getting fatter, I'd ramp up my activity/exercise level, if I was to get depressed, I would stop dwelling on negative stuff and or change the way I thought about things that were depressing, if I did not like my job.....well, I already took care of that!

My point is, why don't others see that their results is a DIRECT reflection of all the things they do and think? 
No one runs your life( that of course is subjective), let me rephrase that, you choose who runs your life, you choose your activity level, you choose what goes in your stomach, and you choose to learn or not learn from your mistakes. 

This weekend I will be in MN for the Worlds Strongest Hands leg 1. I love GRIP!!  There is a 181.5 lb and under division that I'm looking to be in.  I heard this was coming but didn't start getting ready for the lighter class till this Monday!!  Monday I weighed 188 lbs.  Today is Thursday and I am at 183 lbs.  Not too shabby.  Here is what I did.  I upped my physical activity and tested out my exercise movements of choice.  That's it.  I may have to weigh in, in my underwear Saturday, but I will be at the 181 mark! 
I can't wait.  Grip is the best!  Anyone interested, check your schedule and drop in.  Anyone in my local are that wants to ride along, get in touch. 

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan