By: Cyberpump

In a previous article, I introduced you to the the first GripBoard Mash Monster Elite, Heath Saxton. This time I would like to introduce to you the fifteenth certified GripBoard Mash Monster, Steve McGranahan.

Steve McGranahan Profile

[ Q ] Could you tell us a little about your background in lifting? Age, when started lifting, why you started, what you do now as far as lifts.

Started lifting at about 9 years old, I knew I had a gift when I picked up my first car at the age of 15 or 16.

I started lifting because I always like the old Time strongmen stuff and the strong men at the gym moving some big weight. I am lifting barrels filled with steel and concrete, big steel bars 3 inches square by 7 feet and 3 inch round by 11 foot.

Throwing old weight scale weights around with steel welded to the bottom of them. I call them Ghettobells and they weigh 60# and 75#. I love doing feats of strength and mostly work on them.

[ Q ] How did you get into grip training?

The Tom Black web site is how. I was looking for something on bending nails, Mr. Black is the man.

[ Q ] You are now a GripBoard Mash Monster, what would you recommend to those aspiring to close this gripper?

Rest more days than I did before they try the MM1, I almost lost face. Oh yes, KTA (http://www.cyberpump.com/ktaprogram)!

[ Q ] You are also a Certified Captain of Crush® How long did it take you from when you first started working on the grippers to closing the #3?

After KTA not long at all. About a ½ a year I think. Closed it the 1st night I had KTA and learned to set it. It closed right up. Thanks for making that E-Book thing Bill.

[ Q ] What does your current grip routine look like?

HAHAHA. Well it went like this the last two days. Working on the #4 left handed, right is fried from all the reps lately. Pinched 207lbs, pinched 2 45s passing them hand to hand 31 times. I then threw 25s from hand to hand catching around head level.

It was then bending 2 60d nails, 3 5/16 hrs, 2 square ¼ inch, 10 reds, Vertical bar, Blob, thick bar presses, I think that is all. Oh, and one finger lifts and thumb and horse shoes.

[ Q ] How has your grip routine changed since you first started training your grip?

I do more, the more I learn. Try to kill my hands every day -- they are healing fast these days.

View The Video Of Steve Closing The MMG Windows Media Player (2.06 MB)

[ Q ] There seems to be a significant variation in the frequency of grip workouts among trainees even with the common goal of ultimate grip strength. Have you experimented with workout frequency and it's affect on your training?

The numbers go down a little but with rest a few days after a few months of training and the PRs come rolling in.

[ Q ] What are your favorite grip exercises?

Anything grip.

[ Q ] What kind of starting routine would you recommend for a trainee new to grip training?

Go as hard as you can without hurting yourself, learn to heal.

[ Q ] Who do you most admire in gripdom?

Tommy Heslep, Dave Morton, The Vigeants, Clay Edgin, Kurt Lane, this young man has a future in this game.

[ Q ] If you were to start over again with your grip training, what would you do differently?

Get KTA right out of the block. And to rest more than 1 month out of 18 months. Long story (laughing).

[ Q ] What do you believe is the most difficult grip exercise?

Right now it's thick bar.

[ Q ] What are some of your personal bests in grip exercises?

Pinch, thick and thin, and bending anything.

[ Q ] What do you believe is the most common mistake made by new grip trainees?

Not knowing pain from injury pain.

[ Q ] What do you consider to be the greatest grip feats of all time?

Anything that David Horne has pinched and his wrist strength, WOW! Tommy Heslep pulling the Inch Dumb bell full pull, the Blob, the IronMind #4, pinching 2 45s with two fingers, the Blob two fingers. The feats the Vigeants do with rafters and the body weight things. Flag pole off of Clay Edgin. That is freaky!

And whatever Clay does in the future with that 7 inch 5 grade 5/16 bolt. I tested one the other day and it's over 550 inch pounds. This young man is very, very blessed. There are so many more that it would take day for them to be typed down.

[ Q ] Do you have any parting advice for readers?

Love the Lord with all your strength, heart, mind, and soul!

To join the GripBoard Discussion Forums, Click Here.

Thanks,

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