StrongerGrip Blog

More eye candy

2012-01-23T10:12:00.001-06:00

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

A custom New Year and a BIG Thank YOU.

2012-01-09T21:07:00.000-06:00

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

Merry Christmas

2011-12-26T11:49:00.000-06:00

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

If Ghost Rider had a Mace

2011-12-15T18:36:00.000-06:00

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

Basics and getting after it

2011-12-12T08:20:00.000-06:00

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

Useful Steel Art

2011-12-11T11:50:00.000-06:00

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

20% off SandBell® and SteelBell®

2011-12-10T11:21:00.000-06:00

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!

2011-12-10T10:45:00.000-06:00

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

Mace Swinging Strength

2011-12-09T08:01:00.000-06:00

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

Your journey, stress and sh*t

2011-12-06T10:09:00.000-06:00

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

Pull up and over for good fun

2011-12-01T13:49:00.000-06:00

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

I've gone Primal

2011-11-30T13:53:00.000-06:00

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

Happy Thanksgiving + 3 Grip Tips

2011-11-24T10:33:00.000-06:00

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

What is Savage Strength?

2011-11-22T08:51:00.000-06:00

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

It's Finally Time for T-shirts

2011-11-19T15:26:00.001-06:00

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

Does your mind ever wander at work?

2011-11-18T11:48:00.001-06:00

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

Super Cool Custom loading pins

2011-11-16T07:34:00.000-06:00

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

Grip strength galore

2011-11-13T17:19:00.000-06:00

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

Marine Corps 236th Birthday

2011-11-10T08:45:00.000-06:00

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

Something New something cool

2011-11-09T14:59:00.000-06:00

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

New Colors

2011-11-08T09:50:00.000-06:00

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

I'm going to Explode!

2011-11-03T11:35:00.000-05:00

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

StrongerGrip press

2011-10-28T10:43:00.000-05:00

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

Introducing the GymGripz collection

2011-10-27T08:48:00.000-05:00

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

Grip training at a "regular" gym

2011-10-26T12:45:00.000-05:00

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

GripBalls at the Playground

2011-10-21T07:11:00.001-05:00

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

Making pull ups interesting

2011-10-19T12:46:00.000-05:00

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

Grip Hooks on U-GO Grip Handles

2011-10-17T08:08:00.000-05:00

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

StrongerGrip meets American Pickers

2011-10-14T16:01:00.000-05:00

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

Getting Hooked on Grip

2011-10-11T21:46:00.000-05:00

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

Grip Strength and good times

2011-10-10T13:10:00.001-05:00

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

Redneck Imagination for fun training

2011-10-07T18:30:00.000-05:00

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

Thumb and Pinch strength tool

2011-10-05T19:02:00.000-05:00

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

Grip training and grip endurance

2011-09-30T11:12:00.000-05:00

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

SledgeHammer work

2011-09-29T09:53:00.000-05:00

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

Thick Grip Review

2011-09-28T12:49:00.000-05:00

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

Do you have a moment?

2011-09-26T12:12:00.000-05:00

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

More fun stuff

2011-09-24T13:34:00.000-05:00

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

Coordination and fitness

2011-09-22T20:26:00.000-05:00

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

Countdown to StrongerGrip t-shirts

2011-09-21T21:34:00.000-05:00

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

Sandbells for take anywhere strength

2011-09-19T17:30:00.001-05:00

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

New to Grip, get FatGripz

2011-09-16T09:26:00.001-05:00

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

Feats of Strength

2011-09-14T09:25:00.000-05:00

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

Sledge Hammer strength and conditioning

2011-09-13T14:38:00.000-05:00

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

Fun at Worlds Strongest Hands and MDA Challenge

2011-09-12T08:30:00.001-05:00

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

Keeping exercise fun

2011-09-07T10:53:00.001-05:00

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

Modular Plateau Buster and The Fighting Library

2011-09-05T15:36:00.000-05:00

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

Weight loss, strength gains, athletic skills

2011-08-11T16:53:00.000-05:00

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

Green Lanterns Hammer

2011-08-04T16:19:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

You know by now, I love superheros! I have not seen Green Lantern yet, everyone know what he can do? He has a special power ring that allows him to create anything that he can think of. Pretty cool huh? Kinda like me and metal! Yep, I have a power ring too! Just kidding.
Check out this Green Monster Sledge! Green Lantern would love this!

In Brightest day, In blackest Night......Ah get out there and train. Have fun!!
Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Have swing will travel-Swing exercise

2011-07-30T11:47:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

Here at the StrongerGrip Lab I have been working like mad, a mad scientist that is! There are a ton of projects going at the same time. A modular grip set up has been reaallly close and in the same line as that the modular Plateau Buster Swing Handle. The original PBSH is loved by many and continuously flying off the shelves. A bunch have been shipped internationally as well. The shape of the PBSH when put in a box makes the shipping extra when shipped overseas. Solution. The modular Plateau Buster!! It comes apart and travels well too. It ships much more compact and also offers many future options..ie two hand pinch, grip ball handles, thick bar handles, just to name a few.

Have an awesome weekend!

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Indian Club- Large

2011-07-27T14:29:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

I am really happy with the outcome of the barrel style indian clubs. Check out this Large club! Right now I'm thinking of offering 3 sizes of these. This being the biggest!

I'm working on sizes and weights and will let ya know when things are ready.

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Strength and Fun

2011-07-25T19:07:00.000-05:00

Hey Strength seekers

More fun with strength!!

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Fun with the Swing

2011-07-23T18:04:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

Today was the 123rd annual Childrens day in good ole Grand Mound Ia. I did a performance showing some kettlebell, club and mace movements along with some feats of strength. Horseshoes, spikes, nail driving and a twist on the swing. I used the plateau buster handle and plugged it into a custom seat apparatus that I threw together at the last minute! Oh, and the awesome platform was done yesterday!! Talk about down to the wire. Everything came together great. The local city hall happened to have the platform and all I had to do was some modifying and bracing. It worked wonderful. For the swing I took a seat from some nautilus machine that I had in my basement for years and attached it to a long tube that my Plateau buster handle plugs right into. I also have a finger lift plug in as well. For making this in just two days, it worked as I had envisioned. Now I can work on a lighter weight, more modular one for traveling with.
It was a great time. Here's a quick video of the Human Swing in action. First guy was 240 lbs.

Have a great weekend!
Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

BIG Barrel club and Twin Mace Handle

2011-07-20T16:12:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

If you enjoy heavy club swinging, this BIG barrel club is the answer. Barrel diameter is 6-5/8". Handle diameter of 1-5/8" and overall length of 27". This beast weighs 27 lbs empty and loading capacity I'm guessing 60-70 lbs.

A breakthrough in mace swinging is the twin handle. A fantastic idea using the neutral grip. I just finished a Twin handle attachment for the StrongerGrip adjustable maces. This slides over the existing handle and is tightened down with split collar.

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Solid club, and multi Grip stuff

2011-07-19T08:52:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

The hot weather is here! I like it. It's been a crazy busy summer. Hope yours has been productive and fun!
Check out these pictures. A solid 25 lb club. And the multi-grip loading pin/tool that has been evolving.

This is the same handle as the Plateau Buster, just in a modular form here. This could be the James Bond PBSH. Could come in a brief case and assemble on spot! Yeah, that would be cool.

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Beefy and beautiful Indian club

2011-07-13T21:10:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

I have some new favorite clubs! These are barrel in shape, super beefy, and extremely fun!
Here's a finished one. 1-5/8" diameter handle. 4-5/8" barrel diameter. Empty weight of 15 lbs and loading capacity of over 30 lbs.

Just wait for pics of the BIG barrel clubs. Mind blowing!!!

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Are you ready to act?

2011-07-09T12:37:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

I hope you all had a fantastic 4th! I did and am thankful for living in this awesome country!
I've got a t-shirt going out to Scott for the video. Thanks Scott! I'm sending a couple of coffee mugs out to two individuals. Health, fitness, strength, business, all of these things are active participation. Meaning YOU must take ACTION! Period. No excuses, no waiting for things to be just right.

A opportunity arose last Saturday, the day before the 4th. I got a call from a friend whose neighbor had a storage unit of weight equipment he wanted to just get rid of. I was hesitant, because I am very swamped with StrongerGrip orders and Saturdays are good for me to get things finished. Since being in business for myself and reading a lot of books on time management and such, time is a commodity you don't get back. I agreed and rented a U-haul truck and thought one trip, a couple of hours and I'd be done. I'm sure I'm not alone on this, a couple of hours turned into am entire day and some intense labor!!!!!! WOW! This storage unit was jammed with commercial gym equipment. I was floored. The time in getting it and the time it's going to take me to sort out and decide what to do with it is something I don't even want to think about. What was in there Ryan? 3 half-rack squat rack systems, a lat pulldown, a lat pull down and low pulley row, 45 degree leg press/hack squat machine, a bigger,faster stronger leg/hip something else machine, 2 smith machines, olympic incline bench, several trap bars and miscellaneous other bars!!!!!! Yeah, a lot of stuff.
I've have dreams of having a bigger facility with a blend of traditional and old school stuff, this may be a part of that dream, I don't know. I do know, I took action, made a decision and the rest will fall into place.
Another way I look at it is that I have spent a Saturday doing not much, (not very often), but it has happened!
I made a few custom clubs this last week. They are some sweet looking, bomb proof clubs. They are loadable, the loading part is a cylinder look with end caps. They have some big loading capacities and are constructed with some thick metal. I'll post a picture tomorrow.

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

US Vulcan update

2011-06-29T16:51:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

July is almost here!! I have all the parts for the US Vulcan. I am sooo excited to get it together and try out the choke pin option! They won't be ready to ship by the 4th, but I do feel comfortable having them ready by mid-July! This will be pending on the feedback after ATG tests it out.
The email have been coming in for these and you will not be let down. I promise.
When everything looks like a go, you'll have the chance to pre-order one, I may even open up the pre-orders by the 4th. Just know the ship date is not yet determined, but it will be in July.

The Thors hammers are still selling steadily. These are little beasts. With the large handle diameter being too big for some, I just made a smaller one, 6 lbs empty weight, 1-3/8" diameter handle, and a 3"x3" head.
The length is approx. 20" A very nice hammer for youth, women or just for a change of pace.

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Wanna have coffee with StrongerGrip

2011-06-26T16:11:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

This weekend was amazing. Spent with wife and kids and also had some ideas that are sure to turn StrongerGrip line of grip stuff into the most versatile, desired and unbelievably cool stuff you've ever set your mitts on! The inspiration hit me as I'm sitting on couch watching Phineas and Ferb, got my pen and paper, sketched it out and then headed to the shop. After 45 mins of steel making magic, bright welding lights, and I had a working prototype. I'm keeping this hush until I get a grip on all that this will become. And it's a lot!! What I initially made it for was just as I had hoped, then it started to mutate and blow my mind with all the possibilities. Ok, enough of that. I've got one video for the t-shirt giveaway. A great one by armwrestler Scott L. from Strongerwrist showing one of his favorite tools the SG Gripball dumbbell.

Get your videos up! Here are the details.
I just received some SG coffee mugs. They are pretty cool. Leave a comment and I'll pick a lucky person and send them a FREE mug.

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Mace swinging with olympic plates

2011-06-24T13:44:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

Mace swinging. A very powerful exercise and giver of strength. It hits the body from countless angles and as a whole unit. You have seen the shot loadable StrongerGrip maces. Awesome and fun. I have a standard plate mace and in the very near future there will be an olympic plate loadable one. This video shows a older design and with the latest olympic clubs you've seen, the new mace will be similar in construction.

A benefit that you wouldn't think of is the grip, wrist and arm strength that mace swinging brings. It must be experienced first hand.

Have an awesome weekend!

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Olympic Plate Loadable Thick handle Clubs

2011-06-22T17:45:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

One of the most awesome ways to increase grip strength is by gripping and swinging. Clubs, maces, kettlebells etc. Thick handles are great, thick handle clubs are not for the meek.
Check out these Thick handled Clubs made to take olympic plates. I reaaallly like these! How do they work. End cap threads off, plates go on, thread cap back on, slide split collar against plates and tighten. Swing away, if you can.

Forgive the giant smile, but these are Awesome!!
2" Diameter handle and enough loading space for King Kong.

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

T-shirt contest

2011-06-21T17:01:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

Back

Front

T-shirt contest starting NOW! You have one week to get yourself on video using any StrongerGrip equipment you own. Upload to youtube with title StrongerGrip t-shirt contest. That's it. Go get your video on. If you'd like, send me an email pointing to your video. ryanjpitts1@gmail.com
June 28th is the last day.for this contest. I will take all entries and pick a random winner.

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Glowing eyes bending hands.

2011-06-19T20:53:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

Hope all you dads had a wonderful Fathers day. I know I did. It was a busy day as usual, and I got some sandbell work in. Doing some club type movements with them involves the whole body, with an amazing grip challenge.
I've got a revised version of the glowing eyes, bending hands graphic. Check this out.

I love it!

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Possible T-shirt design

2011-06-18T09:42:00.001-05:00

Hey strength seekers.
Hope you are having a fantastic weekend! For you dads, happy fathers day tomorrow.
I wanted to share an awesome piece that Deanthatsme came up for me. I wanted some new business cards, but this would make a killer t-shirt too!
What do you think, t-shirt?
Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

And here it is.......

2011-06-17T12:58:00.000-05:00

Hello strength seekers

Grip strength is awesome! I love it, you love it, and others are seeing the light that grip strength is a huge factor in anybodies training. Grip has many aspects and definitely deserves it's own focus, not just a side note.
One thing everyone knows is grippers. Maybe not "knows" but is familiar with. A while back I posted about the possibility of making David Hornes Vulcan here in the US, and how awesome it would be. Well, the time has arrived!!! A massive thanks to David for the green light on this. The first prototype is done, and as we speak a second version is underway that has a cool option.
After this gets finished, I'm having it tested by none other than AdamTGlass. It was either him or a robot and I figured the robot would wear out before Adam. This US Vulcan will have a built in way to choke the gripper at parallel. This was a fantastic idea by Adam. This project has been many, many months in the making, and I'm happy to make such a great product and spread Davids masterpiece. Or one of them at least. Speaking of, he has tons of other goodies that could go the same way as the Vulcan and be made available here in the states.
Here's a sneak peek at the 1st prototype next to a Vulcan.

When can you get one? Look in the next week or so to be able to pre-order one, with a tentative ship date of July 4th! Or the day after. Keep watching for the 2nd prototype and hopefully final US Vulcan as it gets ready for release.
Gods Peace & Strength
Ryan

Catching a Monkey

2011-06-16T18:31:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

I'm currently reading another book by Robert Kiyosaki called Unfair Advantage. I love his books and what they have done for me. Here's an great analogy on how to catch a monkey that applies to business, fitness, strength and life.
I've heard this before, but you may have not.
A technique used by natives of Africa and Asia to catch monkeys. A hunter finds a tree with a small hole in the trunk and places fruits or nuts inside. A monkey comes along and puts its hand in the hole and grabs the fruits and nuts in its fist. The hole is big enough to get its hand in but when a fist is made it will not come out. So this leaves the monkey trapped. It will pull, tug and do everything but let go of the goodies. The native returns and kills or captures the monkey. Wow! How do ya like that.
How does this have anything to do with life, business or strength and fitness??

Let me tell you. How many of us have been given information and then taken it as gospel? Even when the information doesn't work, we still continue to do the same thing, wondering why we haven't improved, but continuing on the same path. Monkey caught! How many times have you heard what you need to do to get healthier and stronger by some guru? What other advice are you holding onto that isn't working? What is the path to greater things?
A simple easy thing to start with is letting go. Pretend you are the monkey, the natives are coming, for goodness sakes, let go of your current beliefs and run free to what is possible for you!

If you are not making progress in your training, why? If you are currently at a job that sucks or isn't what you see yourself doing for the next 10 years, why?
I believe the information is out there that can set you free. A great start for your physique and strength improvements is right here. If your looking to change the way you see money or business information, any of Robert Kiyosakis stuff is awesome!

Both of these places have information that will arm you with new and in my opinion better ways to see the world you already see.
Don't be the monkey who gets caught, let go and allow your mind to see new possibilities.

I've got some great news on the Grip front tomorrow.

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Conditioning, tension and club/mace tips

2011-06-08T09:29:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

I choose to continually learn, test and apply the knowledge I get. I urge you to do the same. In everything you do, this is a great path to improving yourself.
I want to touch on club and mace swinging. At first glimpse these tools may seem intimidating. If you can get past this, they offer great strength and conditioning benefits. An area that is not addressed with many other training tools that the mace and clubs do is the upper back,shoulder area. Not in the way that linear exercises work these muscles but in the dynamic and all around way with the weights leverage behind you and the muscles working like an orchestra to make the movement possible.
How do you start, or what should you be aware of when starting to use clubs or maces?
Picture a martial artist or gymnast running through a form or doing a routine. You will see balance, flexibility, and flowing strength. No extreme distress or tension. They look natural and relaxed.
There are quick bursts of movement followed by relaxed repose.
This is how I would recommend approaching maces and clubs. Using a light enough weight that allows this. First priority with dynamic tools is learning the movements and learning them correctly. Remember, you will bring what you currently know as far as weight training and try to apply it to clubs and maces. It may or may not translate, I don't know your experiences. If you have questions or would like some pointers and starting points, email me and I'll get you started.

The benefits these tools bring to your health will be many if start off right. I'm working on a some mace/club progression articles for SPI and will point you to them as they get completed.
Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Thor Movie review

2011-06-05T20:27:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

I finally got to see Thor today. I'm a huge comic fan, so my review may be biased. I've been very happy with the Super Hero movies that have been coming out. The only ones I've been disappointed with have been the two Incredible Hulk movies. The first was a huge bummer and the second not much better.
I was pleased with Thor. A very cool movie. Those not familiar with Thor. You have the Father Odin and sons Thor and Loki. Thor, god of Thunder and Loki, god of mischief. Odin is looking to appoint a son as new king of Asgard. With Thor being the top pick, Loki is a bit jealous. Thor is quite brash, very gung-ho and not quite ready to take over yet. He makes a bad decision, uses his sweet hammer to kick butt then gets cast out of Asgard and lands on earth with no powers and no hammer. Many events happen and Thor changes for the better. The movie is 1hr and 54 mins, but went by super fast. Lots of cool action, a decent story, a cool hammer and a buff Thor.
I'd recommend checking it out.
What I took away from the movie.


Loadable Thors Hammer

1) Hammers are very cool!
2)I want to get in better looking shape! Thor looked awesome.
3)Comic book movies are the best!

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Dual Handled Mace review

2011-06-01T09:20:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

Here's a look at Zenkahuna using the DHMM, Dual Handled Monster Mace. This is available on a custom order basis. I'm working on some various off spring designs for it. This one here is a killer tool. Click on the mace to see video review.

Enjoy!
Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Memorial day fun

2011-05-31T11:53:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

Hope everyone had a great memorial day. A great day to recognize those that put their life on the line for us and also those that have passed but will always be remembered.

I spent the day with my family and had some delicious steaks. We went to my mom and dads and I happen to have a half-tire and a 16 lb bowling ball in the van. What? You don't have anything in your vehicle?
Here's a vid using the half-tire as a rebounder.

Have an awesome week!
Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

StrongerThan U

2011-05-27T15:24:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

I'd like to introduce you to a brand new place for strength gear. StrongerThanU.com
Those that follow StrongerGrip know me and the story of what I do. I've been really blessed with an awesome customer base and a creative mind for creating fun toys. At StrongerGrip the store is getting stuffed with more and more toys. I will actually be scaling back in the very near future. Keeping the good sellers and then dividing the other stuff and offering it on a seasonal type basis. Meaning for a certain number of months this stuff(to be determined) will be available and so on.
Why? First reason is that StrongerGrip is like no other equipment company. I do not carry an inventory of finished products and you won't be getting my toys at Wal-Mart. I personally create and manufacture all the SG goods. That's not a misprint. I physically make the stuff. I use it, I make it, everything.
Second, the uniqueness of what I make and the demand limit what I'm able to do and produce. Having set items available at certain times will allow me to keep up with orders and keep everyone happy.
Now on to StrongerThanU. Eric Chessen and I founded STU and have some great more mainstream ideas for equipment. Our first product is the Ultimate Anchor. A wonderful solution for ropes and resistance band training. What'll be different is initially SG will make the first batch of STU toys then a trusted local shop will take over and supply us from there. Another reason for creating STU is so I don't have to do everything. I'm not an egomaniac, just because I do everything now doesn't mean I want to do that forever. And as a business model, a one person business is just another job. I quit my last job.
I have an insatiable mind for creating. I've had many ideas come from some awesome people. I can take them and with my background turn them into products, heck even companies. I like doing this. Not many are able to step out and do the work necessary though. Ideas are great, the work, well is work. That's where Eric has stepped up and said let's do this.

So, we did it. Please share this new company with any of your friends that use or may be interested in The Ultimate Anchor from StrongerThanU.com.
We will have a separate blog and newsletter list for STU, so stay tuned. We will be doing some social media giveaways next month once we get everything set up.
Thanks!
Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Twin Handled Mace

2011-05-25T13:38:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

Blessing or a curse, I don't know, my brain has been filled with ideas and cool stuff just waiting to be made into reality. The most recent, well not most recent, just most recent that I'm ready to share is the twin handled mace. I did a prototype version with a plate loader a little while ago. The newest is this custom one with strength bands and a super nice handle configuration that I love. This piece feels fantastic. The hand position screams strength. It's a very agreeable design. This one has shipped already and I have my own in the works. It's truly my new favorite. For those that have a StrongerGrip adjustable mace, good news. I'm almost finished with an add-on for yours that'll turn it into a twin handled adjustable mace. With that said, I'd like to hear some input from you.

What other types or styles of mace handles can you come up with?
Warning, I have quite a list already, can you one up me?

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

The end of the world

2011-05-25T09:12:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

The world didn't end, what the heck. I'm not a news person. I don't feel the need to read newspapers or watch the news. To me it's all crap and won't improve my life by viewing or reading it. I do hear bits and pieces which just confirms my stance on why I choose not to.
Example, some dude claimed the end of the world on May 21. Millions of dollars were raised to promote this, tons of peoples brains were soft enough to go along with it. REALLY?
I don't get it. Why not take the millions of $$ and feed or shelter the homeless before the end comes? In what these people thought were their final days, what did they do? Did they live life like there was no tomorrow? Mend relationships with loved ones. Do things that they were putting off till tomorrow?

I believe the power that each of us hold is amazing and unlimited. I believe that if we take responsibility for our choices we become better. Knowing that change can happen in all areas of your life, if you choose.
In my opinion the news gives people excuses. Why on earth do people take what they see on tv or read in newspapers as fact or gospel? Go out and make your own news, do things with your life that go against the norm. Question yourself and others beliefs. Don't be afraid to change some of your own.

Fact: the end is inevitable. When is uncertain. What you do until then is YOUR choice.
What would you do, how would you act, what do you want to accomplish? Now, what if the world was ending next week, next month, next year, in five years?
What will motivate you to take action and live the life you want?

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Plateau Buster Review

2011-05-23T12:10:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

I wanted to share with you a review on the Plateau Buster that my friend Logan Christopher of legendary strength posted. Logan has a vast knowledge of physical culture, amazing strength, and tons of great information that I have all of and would recommend it to spice up your training.

<p>&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;The</p>

Take your overall strength to the next level with the Plateau Buster. Like it's name implies, if your stuck and your strength gains are stagnant, the Plateau Buster is the kick in the pants you need!

Heck, you might as well check this out as well. Adam T Glass was the inspiration behind the PBSH and here he is pulling 857 lbs on it!!!! He's using a solid bar through the PBSH so he can put the extra weight on. Look for this add-on really soon for you T-Rex's that want to deadlift this kinda weight.

Gods Peace and Strength

Ryan

Summer workouts

2011-05-22T17:38:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers,

Summer is an awesome time to take your training outdoors. It's a time to refresh and liven up your pursuit of strength. What are my favorite toys to play with outside?

1) Maces and clubs
2)Sledgehammers
3)Throwing weights(highland games stuff)
4)Sandbell/steelbells
5)Farmers walks,standard and various grip variations
6) Ropes and bands

All of these make for some seriously fun and productive training. Fresh air beats stuffy gym air any day.

Get out and give your training a boost of fresh air and new strength.

Gods Peace and Strength

Ryan

X-Men, my birthday and sore forearms

2011-05-16T10:18:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

I had a fantastic weekend! Anytime you can spend the weekend picking up stuff and putting it down with your hands is a great time. Why is grip stuff so addicting? If you haven't tried it, I'm warning ya, you won't stop. Saturday morning, 3:45am my 7 year old Lexi, 10 year old Logan and myself set off to MN, destination The Movement Minneapolis which houses the gripador Adam T Glass. Saturday was the first Grip Decathalon. There was a nice showing of people and with all the events that took place, fun was had by all and it went quick and smooth.
This was the first grip contest I did this year. I did no specific training for it with StrongerGrip orders continuing to pour in. What I did continue to do was a lot of swinging. Thick clubs, maces, Plateau Buster and a few of my special grip type club handles that I've been experimenting with.

Grip contests are fun. They will challenge you and keep you coming back for more. If you can or are close to one, I encourage you to check one out. Grip is pretty simple. No technique that takes years of honing, no secret supplement to make your grip stronger. Just simply pick something up that challenges your grip. If you can not lift a certain object up, simply squeeze harder and try again. Rocket science it is not.

Tomorrow is my birthday and today I received my X-men t-shirt that I ordered. It is awesome! I also got my Superman beanie hat and am waiting for my batman t-shirt. No, I'm not going to be turning 10, although I do feel really young!
And lastly, during the Grip decathalon I felt super good, after the contest, same thing,I felt alive with no pains or aches. This morning, just a couple of pumped forearms! There was a lot of pinching going on, and today my forearms feel fabulous!

For results and more video footage of the Grip Decathalon, check out Adams site for all the info.

Thor opens today

2011-05-06T08:47:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

I'm love movies, I love comic books, so when a new movie based on a comic comes out, I'm thrilled. Today Thor comes out. I'm looking forward to seeing it. It's been two weeks since I released StrongerGrip Thor hammers. For recent releases, this one is right behind the Plateau Buster for popularity. Another thing is these are flying out the door in sets. I initially put Thors hammer out there per interest shown and have been amazed at the response. Thanks! A couple of days ago, I made a custom set for myself. The head is almost an inch longer, the handle is stainless and the end globe is 3". These are fun and just plain awesome looking. These are not movie props either, they are built to be used. Grab a pair, go see the movie, and bring your hammers with ya!

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Bjj and the Mace swing connection

2011-05-02T18:15:00.002-05:00

Here's a great article by a BJJ player Derek Simonds. He talks about the relationship between the basic mace swing and how it translate to bjj.

While swinging my plate loadable mace recently I was thinking about an article Ryan had wrote discussing BJJ and mace swinging. One of the hardest concepts to grasp in BJJ / grappling is using your entire body instead of an isolated part. If I use my entire body to attack a single limb on my opponent I have a higher probability of success. New grapplers will try and force a move by shoving with their arms and not integrating the stronger core muscles.

A great example of this is when you attack using a kimura. Quiet often you will see a grappler who has secured a kimura grip but can't finish the submission. A typical reason is shown in the picture below.

In this picture you can see that I am in a good position, have secured the grip but my elbows are away from my body and I am trying to shove his hand towards his head for the finish. In this example I am using my arm strength against his arm strength. My partner in this picture is a beast and could easily extend his arm without me being able to resist.

In the next picture you can see I am in the same body position with the only change being the placement of my arms.

In this photo I am actively contracting my lats and pulling my hands into my torso. This allows me to use my entire body against his arm. Once the arm is secured to your chest you get the submission by rolling your body towards his head. This uses all the muscles in my upper body against his arm. When we were taking these pictures my partner was very close to tapping just from me squeezing my arms into my torso.

This is a kinesthetic awareness issue for most people. When I tell a new grappler to pull with his lats they don't understand what I mean. It is a hard concept to grasp. Everyone has heard that the body is a system and it is. How can we teach the coordinated movements needed to be able to finish a submission? I think the mace swing is a good start. Not only is mace swinging a valuable conditioning tool it requires you to activate your entire upper body on each swing.

When you swing a mace you are activating almost all the muscles in your upper body dynamically. As the mace swings around your head you have to vigorously contract your lats to pull the mace back into the order position before you start your next swing. This active contraction is very similar to the positioning you need to be in finish a ton of upper body attacks (kimura, collar chokes and even the rear naked choke). Take a look at the next picture (ignore the fact that I look crazy) and compare where my arms and elbows are positioned with the last kimura picture.

Pretty darn close to the same position I think. Next time you are grappling think about contracting your lats the same way you do with a mace swing and I think you will be surprised at the results.

Derek Simonds

Do you Want to be awesome

2011-05-02T14:07:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

Being awesome is a state of mind. To be in a state of awesome mind set takes time and practice. How do you see yourself? How do others see you? How do you want yourself to be seen?

Growing up shy and introverted I was drawn to libraries and books for answers. I read books that gave my mind a different perspective. And with all information, you have to more than read to gain the benefits. You have to absorb, understand and most importantly take action. Not just once, but many times, then and on,y then will your perspective change. Your current beliefs and mind-set got you where you are today. To grow or get something different you must continue to challenge your beliefs and current practices.

The pursuit of all things in life, whether they be strength, fat-loss, muscle gain, all around health, education, job, relationships, ALL things must be pursued with a zest and new perspective.
How you doing? Oh, same ole same ole. Yeah, I hear ya. WHOA. Really!! How much fun is that.
No!!! It's not same ole same ole, unless that's what you want.
So really, how are you doing? Don't be sucked into the non-pursuit of anything lifestyle. If you are comfortable, stop and take another look. What's missing in your life?
Take a fresh look and get a vision of where you want to be in a month, year or 3 years. Then start pursuing that vision.

I had an amazing weekend and will share some stuff really soon.
Have a same ole same ole week. JUST KIDDING!
Take a deep breath, clear your eyes, stretch your arms wide and have an AWESOME week!

Gods Peace & Strength
Ryan

Hammer Time

2011-04-27T14:01:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

April has been Hammer Time! With summer coming and nice weather enticing us outside to train, there is nothing better than grabbing some fun stuff, clubs, hammers, maces, kettlebells and getting some fresh air while increasing your health.
I can tell your getting the itch to get out and go from all the hammer sales this month. Monster Sledge, Medium SLS and the NEW Thors hammers are really moving!

Those that have or are expecting your hammers, sledge and half-tires, get some videos and share them, I'd love to see em! Don't forget if you get a set of Thors hammers you save some $$

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Feel the Thunder!

2011-04-20T18:30:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

A little late in the afternoon, but the Hammers are ready!
As you can see in the picture, Thor already has his and is bringing the thunder! How cool is that!
Get your hammer here!!!!!

These are ready to ship. If you get your hands on two you save $$$$

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Thors hammer available tomorrow

2011-04-19T17:18:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

The god of thunders hammer will be available tomorrow for pre-sale.
Since posting the requests and questions continue to come in. I have a standard issue that I'm happy with.
Can these be used to beat stuff? YES. I don't think I've made anything to just look pretty, although most the stuff does! I'm getting them ready and should have a set for myself to get some videos with too. I see a bunch of club type movements with these babies coming.

The grip and wrist work with this legendary hammer will definitely make the gods envious!

Gods Peace & Strength

Ryan

You need a strong reason

2011-04-13T22:50:00.003-05:00

Hey strength seekers

With this month marking my first full year of full on StrongerGrip, I reflect on the journey.
Many principles I use work for all aspects of life.
1) You NEED a strong reason make changes
2) The right time to do anything is right stinking NOW
3) Do not expect things to go how you want them to, but be prepared to make things work anyway

I'll touch on each one from my journeys perspective.
1-My reason is mine, it's personal, it means a lot to ME! Find yours. I'm passionate about strength, creating it and tools that help get it. I'm passionate about my family and spending time with them. These two reasons fueled my fire to change my life. Working for a crap-ass company that's goal was to make the employees lives unpleasant was not cool with me. To work hours that I didn't want to and miss family events got me motivated. There may be hard times and unemployment may be high, but I live in America where a guy can make up some crazy ideas for equipment, make them in his garage and get the heck out of a decent paying job. Sounds crazy, but this is where your reason must be strong enough to jump up and make some crazy decisions. When I left my place of employment, I didn't have tons of money saved up( I didn't have any!) My wife didn't have my back(financially) she works part time. At the time StrongerGrip was not bringing in enough to equal my job. Crazy right?
2- There will never be a right time. There will never be a right time to get fit, to be a better husband, to be a better father, brother, son, etc. Timing is You getting the ball in motion and doing it. You want to get strong and fit, start now. You want to switch professions, do it now. Want to start your own business, want to go back to school? What do you want? Whatever it is, DO it now.
3-Life is not going to go the way you want. That's ok. Just know that so when it doesn't you don't moan and groan, but instead you put your chin up and keep at it. You take your goal that your chasing and remember the reason your chasing it and make do with what your do have. Take the time that we all have 24 hrs in a day and start doing small consistent things to get you closer to what it is you are after.

Oh, don't take it to hard when those around you think your nuts or dog you for trying something silly like chasing your dream. It's ok, they simply don't have a reason or are comfortable(not really) with their current status.
I do know that we are made for movement and for achievement. So get out there and move and achieve!

Gods Peace and Strength

Ryan

The Strength of a Dream

2011-04-08T23:05:00.001-05:00

Hey strength seekers

I write this post humbled, blessed and extremely thankful. This month marks one whole year that I've been doing nothing but StrongerGrip!!!! It's been a culmination of passion, hard work, patience, faith and relentless pursuit of a Dream. I've seen why so few take that leap towards their dream. More accurately take that leap and forge ahead through the challenges and pitfalls of making a living doing what you love. It's not the fantasy version of success you'll see on tv, or a movie that takes 2 hrs from struggle to victory. It's more like a day to day journey that has no definite promise of results or realization that what your pursuing will happen, simply small glimpses of what could be. You WILL have a vision or you won't go far. Without a clear vision, when things seem hard, you'll fall back on comfort and familiarity. If the picture of what you want is not crystal clear in your mind, there will be way too many reasons to stop pursuing your dream.
You must know what your want and don't want. This is true for all pursuits. Weight loss, strength gains, better health, education, relationships, you name it, you have to know what it is you want. Not a vague idea, but a clear and attainable(in your mind) picture to shoot for.
I am so excited for what is to come. Since choosing the self-employed, entrepreneurial path, there have been a ton of opportunities that have opened up, or maybe always been there, just not as clear as they are now. StrongerGrip is growing, it's become more than grip. There are projects on the horizon that have me so stoked. Each day is not taken for granted, but put to use and savored. I will say everyday this past year has gone by faster than any day I ever worked in a shop. They have gone by so fast it's almost surreal. Have I attained my Dream? Not yet, the Dream grows, changes, evolves and keeps me young and enthusiastic as ever!! Count on more great stuff and creative projects.

For the Anniversary of my freedom, FREE shipping until Sunday 4/10/2011 on anything in the following categories. Grip Gear, Core-Rotational Equipment, Indian Clubs, Mace Training.
AT checkout type DREAM in discount code for FREE shipping on these products.

Thanks for ALL your support! You are what's keeping me dreaming and creating, for that I want to say Thank You!!

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Great Grip training with sand/steelbells

2011-04-06T20:08:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

On my quest for strength and health, grip training grabbed me along the way and won't let go. I'll say it again, whatever you do, grip strength will improve it.
Quite a few of the StrongerGrip products combine grip training with other conditioning movements. I find this real and productive when it comes to actual performance in sports or general health.

I recently started carrying HyperWears steelbells and sandbells because, first, I fell in love with them after I got my mitts on them and second, they are grip products for sure!!
Doing any movements with them, such as swings makes the ole grip work!
In the martial arts using grab bags filled with steel shot is used to build penetrating finger strength and power. Price wise the Steelbell/sandbells are cheap!! Check out some of the shot bags you can get for chin na and other iron palm training arts. I just checked some out, a 5 lb bag you could get for $50!!
A 9 lb bag for $80!!! That's pretty expensive, and you won't be doing any slams or other fun stuff like that with them. Another comparison. Another grip company has a grip bag, 10 lbs-$43. Same thing, not used for slams, just grip. I'm yelling this out LOUD, these are AWESOME!! As my 12 year old would say, these are the bomb diggity. I use them, I train kids and adults with them, and I have them all over the house, along with my SG goodies(my wife is a keeper). Just for grip, these are awesome, finger, hand conditioning tools, yes, over all fun way to get fit, absolutely.

I was doing some swings with my 75 lb steelbell as the sun was setting, WOW, get a grip! The heavier steelbells have an amazing live feel with the steel shot moving as you play with it. Fun!

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Limits and excuses

2011-04-01T12:01:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

I'm a massive fan of Bruce Lee. His way of thinking, the way he adapted, the way he used what worked for him and told others to do what worked for them.

He had a simple yet direct philosophy. And it applied to everything. Why is it so hard to comprehend?
I think it's because we are so bound by our perceived limits and beliefs that to look for continuous improvement may seem unattainable, plus most people have a ton of excuses to bail them out from such a journey. Waiting for the right time, somebody said this or that, no time, etc...ad naseum.
Relax, take a deep breath..1,2,3..... You are meant for greatness, you have everything you need and the time is NOW. Start with lifting any limits you may be putting on yourself by changing the way you see them, talk about them. Choose your words wisely. Make everything you take on possible simply by saying, it's possible, then doing it. Will you achieve it the first time? Maybe, maybe not, if not on the first attempt, it's still possible, second? How many times will you give yourself?
Do you love what you do? Are you afraid of change? What's possible in your mind?
One of my favorite quotes from Bruce in Enter The Dragon is when he's talking to the young student in the beginning. He points his finger to the sky, the student looks at his finger, student gets slapped on head, Bruce says, "Don't concentrate on the finger or you'll miss all the heavenly glory."

Have a vision for what you want out of life. Don't focus on the crap that may be happening in life or you'll miss out on what's possible. If you are just going through the motions in your life, it's not as invigorating as being emotionally alive and pursuing your vision with who you are.

Set no limits, make no excuses and go watch some old Bruce Lee movies!!
Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Great Fun all around tools are now ready

2011-03-31T23:39:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

Recently I've been sharing my training knowledge at a place I've called Physical Culture Concepts. Spreading a message of health and strength to those that stop in. Something I'm getting used to is the lack of information and know how in most areas of health. People are soo confused. I love sharing the old school exercises, kettlebell movements and club and mace swinging as well. In my neck of the woods, most of the stuff I know and have been doing for many years is completely new to people. A fantastic tool that has been very helpful with teaching a lot of the basic movements like the swing, get-up, bent press, side press, clean and press, snatch has been the Sandbells and steelbells. I'm finding that these are not as intimidating as solid kettlebells. Kids, women and those new to fitness instantly take to the friendly appearance and feel of these. They've opened a lot of doors for breaking the ice with people. If you train people, these are a must have.
Sledgehammer and half-tires. If you have a client new to this motion, I'm amazed at how awkward this is for most people. Seriously, the coordination involved is just not there with most beginners. But, I can hand them a sand/steelbell and show them how to slam it into the ground in no time! Which, the movement is the same as a sledge swing, so transitioning is easier after they get comfortable with the basic slam.
I love them. And I NOW have them in the StrongerGrip store! If you want fun and useful, these are the bomb!

Make training Fun!

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Thor called, he wants a trade in

2011-03-29T17:47:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

Living, loving, creating masterpieces of physical culture! I'm amazed at not only how much volume one guy can put out, but also the new stuff that keeps coming, with no end in sight. Honestly, we all have ideas on equipment and what we'd like to see. What's lacking is background as to how to make it,manufacturing,design,etc. the skills to make it, or the vision to put the idea into reality without spending lots of $$$ for prototypes and other pre-product BS. That's where I love what I can do.
So, a great customer emailed me about a small Thor type hammer. Probably sparked from my blog post on the StrongerGrip sledge with picture of Thor holding Mjornir high in the air.

I saw it in my mind, looked around the shop, grabbed a few things, welded, sanded, drilled,welded and it was so. This turned out so dog gone cool, I've been getting quite a few requests and inquiries about it. Here's the scoop. 16" overall length. Just under 2" diameter handle. Loadable 4"x4" head. 8 lbs empty and loadable up to 25 lbs. Grabbing this, you can almost feel the lightning in the sky and the power fill your veins!
Like this? I may offer a limited run of these. Comment and let me know how many would be interested.
Thor already contacted me and wants to trade his in for a StrongerGrip one. Smart guy.

Gods Peace & Strength
Ryan

New Products available

2011-03-27T18:31:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

I love to have fun when I train. I've said it many times and will continue to say it again and again. Having fun and enjoying your training is what keeps one alive and vibrant, just waiting for the next session of play. A tool that has been keeping things really fun for me and those I've been helping are Sandbells and Steelbells. A great tool for teaching all the kettlebell movements. A great tool for teaching the movement for sledgehammer pounding. A great tool for Grip work. A great tool for partner drills. I could go on and on, but I think you see what I'm getting at.

I can show people a kettlebell, clubs, mace, or sledgehammer and upon first seeing them I would say to the average person new to these tools, intimidation is a good word for what they feel. I've found the perfect icebreaker with SteelBells and Sandbells. They are soft, squishy and very user friendly. They are what I've been using to introduce the kettlebell movements with. The shells of the Steelbell and sandbells are a soft, durable neoprene shell. The Sandbells are filled with cleaned playsand and have an inviting feel to them. The steelbells are made of a thicker neoprene shell and filled with steel shot. This makes them heavier and more compact than the sandbells and tougher to grab also. I'm working on getting them online at StrongerGrip. Until I get that completed you can get them NOW, just email me for prices and ship quotes. There'll be plenty of videos up of them in use as well. Truly a tool that's only limited by the imagination.
Here are the sizes available.
Sandbells-2,4,6,8,12,15.20.25.30,40 and 50 lbs. You can get them empty or filled.
Steelbells-5,10,15,20,25,30,40,50,75,100,125,150,175 and 200 lbs. These are available filled only.

I love these and the versatility of them so much I contacted HyperWear and asked them if I could carry them. It's really a perfect match for the SG line of equipment. My kids and I were at the park yesterday swinging, slamming, tossing, heaving for height and having a blast with them.
I stand by these and know that you'll also love them.

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Are there any benefits the Swing can't deliver?

2011-03-24T09:10:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

There are a few exercises that deliver a lot of bang for the buck, I would put the swing very high on this list. Do a search on kettlebell swing and see the claims and benefits that the swing can deliver. Now when reading all the amazing things you get from doing swings the list reads like a too good to be true, this can't be possible sales pitch.
There may be a catch....all these benefits are not magically bestowed on you by doing one swing. The rewards of this awesome exercise are not received by countless lightweight swings while you yawn and watch tv. The gold at the end of the swing rainbow are much like anything else worthwhile in life, you put the work and focus in and things happen. When your effort and diligence match your goals and values the gold appears!
Is the Swing as good as the claims? That depends on YOU. My answer would be YES, followed by only if you want it to be.
It's an amazing exercise and one that empowers and strengthens the whole body. I love it!
You can use a dumbbell, kettlebell, sandbell, steelbell, heck whatever you can get your mitts on can be swung to a certain extent.
The swing is a powerful exercise. You get strong, fast. A perfect solution for some serious swinging is the StrongerGrip Plateau Buster Swing Handle.

This plate loadable swing handle is pure gold. Empty it weighs 18 lbs and can be loaded up to hundreds of pounds! An extreme range of weight possibilities in one piece!
If your serious about strength and health, this is a MUST-HAVE!

Get some swinging strength and conditioning!

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

SledgeHammer By Odins beard

2011-03-23T14:57:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

Myths, superheros, fables. All made up to inspire, entertain and make you think what if...
What if I were a superhero, what if I had amazing health and vitality? What if, what if..

With superhero movies coming out, I have been like a kid in a candy store!! I just can't seem to grow up and not like them.
There's nothing like swinging kettlebells, clubs, maces, sledgehammers, heaving and deadlifting barbells rocks and anything and everything else to make my dreams of being a superhero come alive!!
So let me ask you, what do you train for? What's your purpose?
A lot of what ifs can be made into reality by simply taking action. Defining your goals, your purpose for moving and then making it fun and doing it. If you want to gain health and strength into your golden years, you WILL have to answer these ?'s. Or not, you may be able to just go through the motions because you heard it was good for you or someone else said you should.
For seeking strength you must pursue it for YOUR reasons, then for goodness sake make it a blast. There are so many ways to move, so many ways to health, find what excites you and DO IT!

Oh, there's a new superhero movie coming out THOR. You know the Hammer wielding god of thunder.

See any resemblance?

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Stronger Grip Loading pin

2011-03-22T08:52:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

A lot of grip equipment uses a loading pin. You take your favorite grip toy and hook it to a loading pin and lift. You hold for time or do singles or sets of reps. A loading pin is simply a part of a grip enthusiasts arsenal.
Enter StrongerGrip. On the drawing board for a while has been a loading pin that would allow implements to be plugged in. No hooking to a conventional LP and grip implement hanging down after use, but a Loading pin that you can plug in a myriad of different grip toys that will when plugged in stand tall. Of course this is going to open a whole world of possibilities. Starting with V-bars. 1", 2", and anything in between and above!! Then a special Grip ball and leverage block series that would be able to plug into the SG loading pin. How about U-go handles? You can see the unlimited ways to go with this.
Here's a picture of the Loading pin and 2"v-bar plug in.

An easy, quick change and massively functional StrongerGrip loading pin. Stay tuned for details and release date.

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Olympic Adapter and a sweet custom K-bell

2011-03-19T19:46:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

You can now finally get an olympic adapter for your StrongerGrip tools. These adapters will slide over the existing 1" shafts on all SG items. They work wonderfully on the leverage series of blocks and balls.

That sounds funny don't it? With the standard 1" tools you have two collars that are loosened and then locked down to secure the weight. With the NEW adapters once the weight is put on and locked with the olympic collar. To slide the weight you just loosen the one collar and slide the adapter into the desired leverage position and lock it down. If you've been waiting for this, it's finally available!
------------------------------------>Get it here

Here is a super sweet 12" loadable kettlebell for my good friend Bill Meyer of Meyer Fitness.

That's a beautiful kettlebell. A massive 12"!!

Have an awesome Saturday!
Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Last day for bonuses and special price

2011-03-18T20:39:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

Really quick, Jedd from Diesel Crew's Homeade Strength II product is going off special price tonight at Midnight. Along with the chance to win an actual Napalms Nightmare that will be StrongerGrip-itized!
6 people will have the chance to get this. Very cool!!

------------------------------->Get Homeade Strength II NOW!!!!

If you get it today, Jedd is also giving a bunch of bonuses out. So with the awesome information on how to build 10 pieces of Homeade Grip stuff, all the bonuses and the chance to get Napalms Nightmare made by StrongerGrip(ME) this is a total no brainer!!

------------------------------>Get it and improve your Grip training.

Enjoy the weekend!

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

From the Grip Lab

2011-03-16T20:15:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

I totally love coming up with and creating fun new tools to train with. Picture this, an idea hits me in the lab, sparks fly, welding, grinding, testing then like Dr. Frankenstein I run out of the shop and cackle with mad laughter while holding my creation to the sky!!!
Man , I love what I do. After watching Adam T Glass curl 40 lbs on the Red Rafter leverage block this new one hit me. Adam and I have discussed and made several variations of the leverage block. He has some sick looking ones! This is yet another simple twist that has tons of load variables and great possibilities. Check out the video.

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Homeade Strength II from Diesel Crew

2011-03-15T16:38:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

I just checked out Jedd Johnson from Diesel Crews new Homeade StrengthII product. I love grip and I love coming up with stuff, well HMSII shows you lots of cool stuff to make on your own. I reaaally enjoyed it. Everything is detailed and explained for anyone to make this stuff. Jedd has one that takes some other skills, like welding, it's called Napalms Nightmare! This one is the bomb! After seeing this I called Jedd and said that I will make 6 of these bad boys StrongerGrip style! So, what Jedd and I decided was anyone that buys Homeade strength II before this Saturday 12:00 am gets entered into a drawing to win it! This is an amazing device and you will want one, trust me!

There is a ton of information packed into this and Jedd as usual overdelivers.
So check this out and get entered to win Naplams Nightmare as StrongerGrip sees it!!!

Ryan

Open up with Mace Training

2011-03-15T15:24:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

I bet most of us are pretty strong in the front. Meaning most of our training involves mainly anterior focused exercises and movements. Personally from bending steel and performing feats of strength, a huge focus is big power right in front. How about grappling and jui-jitsu. Same thing, shoulders hunched and bearing down for a submission. Bench pressing, you got it, all in front. This is not bad, it's necessary for those endeavors. But, what it does do is cause imbalances. The neglected upper posterior of our shoulders and upper back.
This is where Mace swinging comes in and not only corrects the imbalance, but also makes you stronger in the process. Not many movements or exercises hits the body like swinging a mace. With the leverage and weight being swung behind you, you not only hit the shoulders and back, but you also call into play so many other muscles that it could be called the upper body squat.
Here's an old vid that seemed appropriate. Check it out and do yourself a favor, make Mace swinging a part of your training.

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

Tire sled and harness

2011-03-14T18:32:00.000-05:00

Here's a link to DiyStrength tire sled project. Super cheap and fantastic tool!

Gods Peace and Strength
Ryan

MMA fighter

2011-03-14T13:55:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers

This morning was a fun morning for me. I met up with Spenser The King Fisher at his evolution mixed martial arts center. Spenser is an amazing MMA fighter. And a great guy as well. I'm sharing some StrongerGrip equipment with him and his fighters so they implement them into their training and see how much impact it has on their training. I'll be instructing them on the movements and then setting up a specialized strength and conditioning circuit focused on what MMA fighters need.
This is so exciting for me, as I'm a huge fan of MMA and have been since it's inception many, many years ago. So look for some great videos of some MMA training with StrongerGrip's brutal lineup of tools as well as some projects I've had in my mind for some time while waiting for the right moment. The moment is near.

To me MMA fighters training is all about being well rounded and conditioned in every aspect you can think of. Any weak link or lacking in any area leads to being knocked out or chocked out. How serious would you take your training if these two options were on the table for giving it your all?

Maces, clubs, sledgehammers, kettlebells, these tools are excellent for MMA training.
A quick plug for the StrongerGrip sledge and half-tire. Many gyms are limited by space. Some have room for a huge tractor tire, others do not. The SG half-tire is perfect! Compact, easily moved and tough as nails. Plus the benefit of hitting different angles with the 180 degree natural arc of the Half-tire. SG sledge. Large hitting surface greatly lessens if not doing away with altogether the tendancy of the smaller head of the hardware store sledge twisting in your hands. When you can limit chance of injuries, your training can move forward and improve.

Look for more of this exciting stuff!

Gods Peace & Strength
Ryan

Cool Mace move and real strength

2011-03-13T12:06:00.000-05:00

Hey strength seekers,

Having fun and training or playing outside is one of my favorite things to do. Clubs, maces, sledgehammers, kettlebells are all perfect for outdoor training. Fresh air, sunshine and nature really add a uplifting experience to your strength and health journey. StrongerGrip customers are an amazing wide range of people, form young to older, men, women, and children. It's really an honor for me to provide fun and useful training equipment. A true testament to dynamic weight swinging implements such as clubs, maces, sledgehammers and kettlebells is the real strength you get from using them.

The kind of strength that makes your whole body feel strong and powerful. The kind of strength that keeps you feeling young and vibrant. The kind of strength where those half your age are puzzled as to how you could be so strong!
If you are ready for this kind of strength, rush to the StrongerGrip store and get some swinging tools.
Check this video out of my buddy from CA doing a cool mace move.

Have an awesome Sunday!

Gods Peace & Strength
Ryan