In this vid, we do some thick bar/thick handle training, which should be part of any program where maximal functional strength is the goal. For more info, also see my write on the topic HERE.
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18 Responses for Benefits Of Thick Bar Training!
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jonty:
March 26, 2012 12:57 pmOnce again you show that the application of the dictum ‘ how can I make the exercise more challenging?’ is
apposite to the Brinkzone and those that follow your advice.
Not being a Personal trainer and only worrying about my safety I do not have to think ‘can I make this exercise safer?’ just make it harder and reap the rewards.-
Will Brink:
March 26, 2012 01:08 pmHmm, from your comments, I’m not totally clear if you are in favor or not of the vid and its content. BTW, there’s nothing unsafe per se about thick bar/FatGripz training.
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Jeff:
March 26, 2012 07:43 pmexcellent vid, I learned something new… Zottman curls, going to try that in my next arm workout, looks tough
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Will Brink:
March 26, 2012 07:58 pm
Zottman curls are tough, doing them with FatGripz, much more challenging!
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fairlane:
March 26, 2012 11:23 pmImproved ‘forum’ strength? Is that a typo?
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Will Brink:
March 27, 2012 09:19 am
Yup
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fairlane:
March 28, 2012 09:52 pm
LOL! Will. Sorry, its the Librarian in me
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fairlane:
March 26, 2012 11:31 pm
I’ve always preferred fatter gripped bars over thinner ones, especially for benching. They spread the tension over a wider area in the wrist and palms making my hands feel like they are being pinched less, and being bruised less. They also offer a feeling of more control during the movement with a fatter bar grip. I’ll have to see how the FatGripz fare…
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Max Leendert:
March 27, 2012 04:25 pmI like the FatGripz, I use them in dumbells, barbells even on machines (my gym don’t have fat bars) A tip: doing high rep barbell trap shrugs and dumbell row with FatGripz will blown your forearms. Other options for fat training will be Grip4orce and Tyler Grip.
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Ty:
March 28, 2012 11:18 pmGrip4orce is double the work of thick bars. Build thumb strength and grip strength to me a faster rate then thick bars. Use the lighter resistance version to start. I do agree thick-bars are ok, but the grip4orce forces you to work. Big difference.
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Jarod G.:
April 01, 2012 10:02 pmHey Will, I have a question concerning these: Rotate them in, say, biweekly (I do this with dumbells/ bar exercises for chest), split sets into 2 sets of 2 w/ and w/o, or would just using them constantly be better for forearm/hand strength and conditioning? Forearm exhaustion has always been one of my biggest hindrances for strength/conditioning training. I’m going to add the Zottman curls to my workout most likely as well, look very good for forearms.
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Will Brink:
April 02, 2012 01:52 pm
There’s various ways to incorporate some thick handle/fatgripz work into a programs.
Simple method/example:add a few back-off sets with thick grips. An example for pull ups might be:
Sets 1-3 – Normal Grip Pull up
Sets 4 & 5 – Thick Grip Pull UpThis way the back will still be challenged, and the final two sets will also challenge the grip.
Another option might be to add an exercise with a thick grip after an initial exercise with a standard grip. For example:
Exercise 1: 3-5 sets of standard grip pull ups
Exercise 2: Inverted row with a thick rope or TRX / Blast Straps with thick handles/Fatgripz
Those are simple ideas, but you can find much indepth ways via writings of people like Charles Poliquin, articles on Elite Fitness, etc. Maybe I’ll do another vid on specific ways to add FatGrips
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Jarod G:
April 11, 2012 11:03 am
That would be great. Now I just need to find a way to get them and a big ol’ thick rope for less than a hundred bucks. Being a broke college student I wouldn’t mind seeing you post some videos of cheaper ways to acquire these Fat Gripz/ Thick Ropes etc. Thanks for all the information, regardless. As I work on attaining my certification after this semester I’ll be taking alot of things I’ve read from BBR and this site and applying them.
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Will Brink:
April 11, 2012 12:10 pm
I’d work on one issue at a time. You can get a pair of FatGripz for $40 and work from there. Good thick ropes tend to be pricey, but there’s so much you can do with the fatgripz, it will keep you challenged for a long time.
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Mike:
April 06, 2012 03:16 pmHave you tried the new grip 4orce yet? I do like the concept behind these grips v/s just a bigger object in the hand which still does not eliminate user cuffing or static holding the bar. I read the other day in Power mag. the importance of really squeezing the bar and trying to produce as much tension throughout the hands and body as possible.
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Will Brink:
April 11, 2012 12:12 pm
I have not directly compared the two, but Fatgripz cause more than enough of a challenge to my grip then I could ever need.
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Mike:
April 11, 2012 03:39 pm
Ok…yea you probably don’t want to challenge yourself with overly making something to hard, but I sure do!
It’s about getting better every day. If that means stepping out of my comfort zone then let’s do it.
Today people want to keep it simple and if it feels a bit awkward then they throw it to the side. That’s why
you see machines dominating our gyms and people looking softer and softer every year.-
Will Brink:
April 11, 2012 03:47 pm
Are you referring directly to me with those comments, or making a general comment on what you see in most gyms today?
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