Age: 25 Height: 6'1" Weight: 200 lbs. Date Of Feat: 9/27/07 How Long Grip Training: 4 Years Current Grip Training Program: Grippers 2 times per week, Blobs 3 times per
week, Thick handle DB or Rt once per week, and vbar once per week.
Other Training Info: Lots of bending; all styles, deadlifts, cycling road and mountain.
Other Info: I have Type I Diabetes and I don't let it get me down. I think
no matter what you have to work with you can do something great with it. Just
keep training and don't quit.
Acknowledgements: Gripboard, it has been great fun making friends and sharing
all that we do on the Gripboard. My girlfriend for her support. My parents for
there support. My friends that support what we do.
Closing The MMG.
Interview
[ 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)?
I started lifting weights at age 15 and seriously got into a program at age 17. I excelled at the bench press and broke a few high school grade records. I started lifting when I was inspired by my friend seven years older than I was I had a good role model and I was hooked on strength training. Now I lift once or twice a week, and a lot of emphasis is put towards grip and bending. I do standard barbell deadlifts, Kettlebell training, Chins, and Isometric training.
[ Q ] How did you get into grip training?
I read about Captains of crush grippers in an issue of Milo that a friend gave to me and I was interested in finding
out more info. I ordered a catalog and there they were. I ordered a full set T-#4
and I was off to train.
Click To Enlarge. Brendan Dwyer.
[ Q ] You are now a GripBoard Mash Monster, what would you recommend to those aspiring to close this gripper?
Keep training, pick a program, and stick with it. You will get there.
[ Q ] What does your current grip routine look like?
Grippers 2 times per week, Blobs 3 times per week, Thick handle Db or RT once per week, vbar once per week, Hub
lifting once per week.
[ Q ] How has your grip routine changed since you first started training your grip?
I have added more exercises to the routine and I always warm up. I injured my ring finger tendon so badly by doing cold hand #3 closes that I had to take a year off from grip, it was terrible. Don't do that, always warm up. Plus now I train my extensors and it helps big-time!
[ 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?
Yes steady training seems to be key as long as it is not overdone. I have done
everyday training and it seems to end up with something being inflamed or injured. I
also have done every-so-often training and it does not make any progress for
me; just stays the same or decreases.
[ Q ] What are your favorite grip exercises?
Grippers, Blobs, Hubs and thick DB or Rt.
[ Q ] What kind of starting routine would you recommend for a trainee new to grip training?
Steady training using all possible exercises to build good overall hand
strength. Take your time - the end result is what is important, not how fast you get
there.
[ Q ] Who do you most admire in gripdom?
Joe Kinney
[ Q ] If you were to start over again with your grip training, what would you do differently?
Always warmed up and would have built more overall hand strength in the
beginning.
[ Q ] What do you believe is the most difficult grip exercise?
ROLLING THUNDER!!!
[ Q ] What are some of your personal bests in grip exercises?
Hub, lifting two 45lb plates. Farmers walk with 45 lb hub plate. Lots of gripper smashing including
CCS COC certification in 2005. 226lbs on Baseline hand dyno.
[ Q ] What do you believe is the most common mistake made by new grip trainees?
Trying to race to get to the top and skipping vital training and
conditioning.
[ Q ] What do you consider to be the greatest grip feats of all time?
Lifting the Millennium Dumbbell.
Click To Enlarge. Closing The MMG.
[ Q ] Do you have any parting advice for readers?
Keep training steady, stick with a program and you will build a great grip. Don't forget to visit the #1 place for grip:
The Gripboard (www.gripboard.com).
Click To Enlarge. 
