Craftsmanship And Raw Power: Stronger Grip's Strength Over Metal

Strength and equipment come in many forms, but if you want to see something unique and bad ass, one place shares those common entities with extra flair for serious growth. What you may find, you may not see anywhere else—you'll see things that'll give you that raw, primal power that shakes the earth beneath your feet. You’re not satisfied with cookie-cutter gym gear or flimsy fitness fads. You want tools forged with purpose, built to transform you into a force of nature. That’s where StrongerGrip.com storms into the arena, swinging sledgehammers and shattering limits like a modern-day Thor. This isn’t just a website—it’s a battle cry for those who live to grip, lift, and conquer. strap in you crazy bastards, because we’re diving into the heart of what makes Stronger Grip the ultimate forge for superhuman strength, in the most unapologetic way possible.

The Forge of Legends: What Is Stronger Grip?

StrongerGrip.com, crafted by the metal-wielding maestro Ryan J. Pitts, isn’t your typical run of the mill fitness store. It’s a crucible where iron meets grit, and legends are made. This is the home of custom strength gear—tools designed not just to train but to awaken the beast within all of us. From monstrous sledgehammers to even fucking Jason Vorhees' machete, every piece is a work of functional art, built to push your limits and laugh in the face of “impossible.” Ryan’s creations aren’t just equipment; they’re a philosophy: Grip it. Move it. Own it.

Think of Stronger Grip as the Colosseum of strength training. It’s where warriors go to arm themselves with tools that don’t just survive the grind—they thrive in it. Whether you’re a strongman, a martial artist, or a garage gym gladiator, this is your arsenal. And let me tell you, there’s nothing more satisfying than wrapping your hands around a Stronger Grip tool and feeling like you could rip a mountain in half. Having several pieces made by Ryan, I can attest to this.

The Power of the Grip: Why It Matters

The real deal here—strength starts with your grip. You can have biceps like boulders and quads that crush concrete, but if your hands can’t hold the weight, you’re just a statue waiting to crumble. Stronger Grip gets this on a primal level. Ryan J. Pitts has made it his mission to forge tools that turn your hands into iron vices, capable of bending steel and crushing doubt. 

Take the GripMo, a versatile beast that offers three ways to train your grip, opening the door to countless movements. Plug in a loop, anchor a band, or just choke down on its rugged surface—it’s like having a dojo for your hands. Or how about the BandGrips Handle and BandAnchor? These bad boys turn resistance bands into weapons of mass construction, letting you hammer your forearms, shoulders, and core with relentless intensity. The response from the strength community? “Super positive,” as Ryan himself put it, and that’s no surprise. These tools don’t just build muscle—they build might that even the old timers would be proud of.

And then there’s the Machete from Friday The 13th, used for training like the Indian Clubs, it's a thing of beauty that's so massive it makes Crocodile Dundee’s knife look like a butter spreader. This colossal of a club isn’t just nuts to use; it’s a challenge to your very soul, daring you to pick it up and prove you’re worthy. If you're a classic horror fan, you're in for a nightmarish good time.

 Stronger Grip embodies that spirit for the iron and those who go outside the norm. Every piece of gear is a lesson in resilience, a reminder that strength isn’t just physical—it’s mental, emotional, and downright spiritual. Ryan J. Pitts isn’t just a craftsman; he’s a strength alchemist. His blog posts on StrongerGrip.com are like war chants for the iron-hearted. The man writes with the passion of a Viking poet, and you can feel the fire in every word. It’s not about selling gear—it’s about inspiring you to become your own legend.

This is where Stronger Grip stands apart from the sterile, mass-produced fitness world. It’s in your face. It’s real. It’s for those who roar at challenges and fight against mediocrity. You don’t just buy from Stronger Grip—you join a movement that has been going on for nearly 2 decades.

Tools That Forge Of The Norse Gods

Want To Talk About Gear? Stronger Grip’s lineup is a hall of fame for strength nerds. Here’s a taste of what you’ll find:

Epic Sledgehammer: A Hammer so colossal it demands respect. Perfect for strongmen and women who want to test their mettle.  

Barrel Clubs: A set of grip-training masterpieces with endless versatility. Your forearms will thank you—or curse you. Either way, they’ll grow. Remember the Club challenges by wrestler the Iron Sheik? These bring back a classic with a new perspective on building power with fierce animalistic strength. 

Burger Grips With Hooks: Turn pulldown machines into a nasty upper body strength assault. Simple, brutal, effective. Or hook them to regular barbells and get a unique look at what grip strength is all about. 3.5 & 4 inch Grips available. 

Barbarian Army Strength Sword: Swing this, and you’re not just training—you’re channeling ancient warriors.  

Custom Creations: From unique trophies to functional metal art, Ryan’s custom work is as badass as it gets.  

Each piece is handcrafted, not churned out by some soulless factory. That’s the Stronger Grip difference—every tool has a story, a purpose, and a challenge embedded in its steel.

Join us Strength Seekers

Stronger Grip isn’t just a store; it’s a call to arms. It’s for those who see heavy ass hammers and the like and think, “Challenge accepted.” It’s for the misfits who train in the rain, who grip harder when the world says let go, who laugh when the bar bends. Ryan J. Pitts and StrongerGrip.com are your allies in this quest for functional strength that would make even the gods have their jaws drop.

Stronger Grip isn’t for everyone. It’s not for the faint of heart or the casual gym-goer who’s happy with a 20-pound dumbbell and a smoothie. It’s for those who crave more, who live for the moment when their hands grip iron and their spirit soars into the universe. It’s for the strength seekers, the power chasers, the might makers.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to Stronger Grip, grab a tool that screams “epic,” and start forging your own legend. Don't just be amazingly awesome, be epically awesome.

Stay strong, stay mighty, and keep gripping the impossible.

Share this on your social media

Shoot me a comment below or send me an email using the Contact Form

Subscribe to have posts sent to your email

Conquer The PUGS From Stronger Grip

 Also known as Push Up Grip Spikes.....

Mixing bodyweight royalty and building insane grip strength at the same time. Time for some truth bombs about the bad ass PUGS from Stronger Grip. These savage beasts are no joke and being custom made by one of the most awesome welders around, you know you're getting something that was made for the Gods of Strength. They're not just tools to build insane power and hands like Eagle Talons, they're a call from the jungle. Forging wrists of steel and building a dominant upper body that'll make silverbacks want to join up. This is taking the Push-Up to a whole other dimension that will shake the very foundation of your routine.

Like I said, Push-ups are bodyweight royalty, they've built athletes, warriors and help sculpt some of the all time greats of the Bronze Era of Physical Culture. Standard Push-ups are great in their own right, some will call them the king but at some point, doing a certain amount of reps aren't much of a challenge unless you change the variation or keep adding reps and sets until the cows come home. In some of my personal workouts, I've hit as many as 600 and normally settle around max 200 in circuit training. Now, when it comes to the PUGS, this changes the game. These aren't your grand pappi's typical push-ups. These fuckers are 3 1/2 inch globe shaped weapons made for battle. They can be torturous and will have you begging for mercy.

Crafted by the man of the hour, the man with the power, too sweet to be sour...Ryan Pitts at Strongergrip.com. The spikes are like a love letter to real grip strength and power that is functional. The inspiration to these, a customer of his named Louie (shout out to a maniac of iron), they take the ever lasting classic push-up and amplify the intensity that cranks up to 11. The main difference between these and the classic, think swinging a baseball bat and wielding Thor's killer hammer. In order to do these, you have to own and control every fucking inch of the movement.

The globe shape forces the hands to work with a vengeance. Nothing flat or comfortable, just powerful, pure and raw engagement man. Every muscle in your hands, wrists and forearms are firing on all cylinders. It's beyond pushing; clamping down on a 3 1/2 inch sphere, battling to stabilize as you lower yourself and explode back up. Think of Arm Wrestling but against the floor while doing push-ups. What would be the result? Forearms that are becoming like steel cords and a grip that can crush walnuts. These are great for MMA Fighters, Climbers, NFL Players or whoever wants hands that don't give up.

Let me ask you this: Have you ever tried balancing yourself on a round shaped surface while pressing your own bodyweight? It's quite a different beast bro. The PUGS are in full demand of insane wrist stability, engaging those other tiny muscles that the classic push-up doesn't comprehend. Want to have a solid punch? Build stronger wrists. This also goes for swinging a bat with incredible speed plus fewer injuries when you're throwing down in the cage or hauling heavy ass loads. These sweet little monsters, can be your secret weapon.

Don't be fooled now, these aren't just for those arms, the instability of the globe shape fires your core, shoulders and even the legs like a dragon in order to be steady. Every rep is a full body battle cry, forcing you to lock in and focus with immense intensity. It's a trifecta of a plank, push-up and grip workout all at the same damn time. You'll feel it from the fingers, all the way down to those toes and have new growth in the stabilizer muscles.

The beauty of this design, is that you can grip in a variety of ways for leverage and more. Grab the top like the claws of a bear or choke down lower for a challenge that's a little twisted. What's really cool here, is that they come with these rubber pads for smooth surfaces so you can take these rascals out practically anywhere. Nothing flashy or chasing likes on Twitter or Insta, these are about raw strength that help you in your journey. 

The Spikes remind me of the old-school strongmen. The guys that bent steel into shapes, tore thick phonebooks and ripped up decks of cards like their life depended on it. The love of experimenting with things that generated strength that was real, unadulterated and intense. 

Grab a set of these and keep being amazingly awesome.

Share this on your social media

Shoot me a comment

Subscribe to have posts sent to your email

Send me a note/email using the contact form

Why Weight Vest Walking Is Your Path To Great Strength

Good morning everyone. If you’re looking to forge a strong body and mind with such simplicity it's not even funny, it’s time to strap on a weight vest and walk. Yeah, you read that right—walking, that primal movement we’ve been doing since we were kids, just got a hardcore upgrade. Weight vest walking isn’t just exercise; it’s a decision to challenge the norm. It’s you, defying gravity, building strength, and carving out a version of yourself that’s unbreakable. Here’s why this bad ass method deserves a spot in your dose of developing incredible power.

1. Strength That Sneaks Up on You

When you sling that vest over your shoulders, every step becomes a rep. Your legs, core, and back are forced to level up, carrying that extra load with every stride. It’s like turning a casual stroll into a full-body resistance workout. Studies show that walking with added weight can increase muscle activation by up to 20% compared to regular walking. That’s your quads, glutes, and calves getting chiseled while you’re just… walking. No gym, no problem—just pure, functional strength forged in the real world.

2. Burn Fat Like a Furnace

Want to torch calories without sprinting until your lungs scream? Weight vest walking cranks up the intensity without the joint-pounding impact of running. Although Sprinting is much better than jogging. Research from the Journal of Exercise Physiology found that adding 15% of your body weight can boost a caloric burn by 12-15% per session. That’s hundreds of extra calories smoked while you’re out there owning the pavement. It’s low-impact, sustainable, and turns your regular walk into a fat-incinerating mission.

3. Mental Grit Forged in Every Step

Time to get real (when isn't it?): Carrying extra weight isn’t just physical—it’s a mental crucible. Each step with that vest hugging your frame is a choice to push past comfort. You’re not just walking; you’re building discipline, resilience, and an iron will. When life throws challenges your way, you’ll already know what it feels like to carry the load and keep moving. That’s the kind of mindset that separates the mighty from the masses.

4. Bulletproof Your Bones and Joints

Think walking is “too easy”? Add a vest and watch it become a bone-strengthening beast. Weight-bearing exercise like this stimulates bone growth and increases density, reducing your risk of osteoporosis as you age. A 2023 study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research showed that weighted walking improved joint stability and reduced injury risk in active adults. You’re not just getting stronger—you’re building a foundation that’ll carry you through decades.

5. Anywhere, Anytime

Here’s the beauty (Or the hell): you don’t need a fancy gym or a personal trainer. Strap on that vest and hit the streets, the park, or even your backyard. Rain, shine, city, or trail—it doesn’t matter. Weight vest walking meets you where you are. Start with 10 pounds, level up to 40-50, and watch your body adapt like a machine. It’s versatile, scalable, and doesn’t care about your schedule or budget.

How to Start?

Grab a vest—start light, maybe 10-20 pounds. Walk 20-30 minutes, 3-4 times a week. Focus on posture: shoulders back, core tight, strides strong. Gradually increase weight or time as you get stronger. Listen to your body, but don’t baby it. You’re not here to coddle your training—you’re here to crush it. I like putting on the 40 lber and going for about 30-45 min. door to door. 

The Call to Greatness

This isn’t just about fitness; it’s about claiming your power. Weight vest walking is your chance to move with purpose, to feel the weight of your ambition, and to build a body and mind that refuses to give in. So, strap it on. Step out. Own every step like the beast you are. The world isn't waiting—go show what you’re made of and remember that every small hint of progress always leads to the bigger picture. 💪  

Stay mighty, stay relentless and be fucking amazingly awesome.

Share This Post On Social Media 

Subscribe 

Comment and/or shoot me an email using the Contact Form

Get Jacked with Isometrics: The Ultimate Power Hold for God-Tier Strength

What's up everyone, it’s time for some more kick ass stuff about Isometrics that has been forging unbreakable bodies since the days of ancient gods and gritty old-school lifters. A lost art of flexing so hard you make the universe jealous without moving a single inch. If you’re ready to crank up your strength, build a physique that screams “I HAVE THE POWER”, and dominate like an Olympian God, this one’s for you. Let’s dive into why Isometrics are just unbelievable and unleash the beast within you! 😤

Isometrics for the most part are like the quiet, stoic badass of the strength game. You push, pull, or hold against an immovable object (or your own body) with max effort, no movement, just pure, raw tension. Think of it as flexing so intense you’re basically telling gravity to sit down and shut the fuck up. Whether you’re pressing against a wall, gripping the Worldfit Iso Trainer like it owes you money, or locking your core in a plank that’d make a statue sweat, you’re building strength, stability, and mental toughness.

Why should you give a damn? Because isometrics is the Game Genie for unlocking superhuman strength and a body that looks carved from granite. Plus, they’re versatile AF—do ‘em anywhere, anytime, no fancy gym required. Just you, your will, and a whole lotta “I ain’t quittin’” energy.

Why Isometrics Is One of the GOATs 🐐

Strength Gains That Hit Like a Freight Train 🚂

Studies (Look into them) show isometrics can boost strength by up to 5-15% in just weeks. Why? You’re firing every muscle fiber at once, teaching your nervous system to recruit max power. It’s like overclocking your body’s CPU.

Build Muscle Without Moving 💪

No reps, no problem. Holding a max-effort contraction for 7-12 seconds can spark hypertrophy (aka muscle growth) just as well as grinding out sets. Your muscles don’t know the difference—they just know you’re making ‘em work with a vengeance.

Injury-Proof Your Body 🛡️

Isometrics are low-impact, so you’re not beating up your joints. They’re a godsend for rehab, prehab, or just keeping your body bulletproof while you chase those PRs. Injuries suck so here is a way to minimize that and still make some serious gains.

Mental Fortitude Forge 🧘‍♂️

Holding a max-effort iso is a battle of mind over matter. You vs. you. Every second you don’t quit, you’re forging a mindset that laughs in the face of your enemies of the mind.

Do It Anywhere, Look Cool Doing It 😎

No weights? No gym? No excuses. Push against a doorframe, hold a bodyweight squat, or flex your lats like you’re about to deadlift a Buick. Bonus: people will think you’re some kinda fitness ninja. Push/Pull against a pillar at the park, try to throw a tree like the Great Gama and cool other things.

How to Crush Isometrics Like a Warlord ⚔️

When you add Isometrics to your repertoire, here’s a playbook to dominate:

1. The Classic Wall Press (Chest, Shoulders, Triceps) 🏛️

Stand facing a wall, hands at chest height.

Push like you’re trying to move a mountain—max effort, no mercy.

Hold for 7-12 seconds, breathe like a dragon and give it almost everything you got.

Pro tip: Angle your hands to hit different parts of your chest. Feel that chest working!

2. Deadlift Hold (Posterior Chain Power) 🏋️‍♂️

Take a strap or Iso Trainer, stand it up at knee height.

Grip it, pull like you’re ripping the earth apart, but don’t move it.

Hold for 7-12 seconds. Your hamstrings and traps will thank you. Breathe, do not hold the breath.

3. Plank of the Gods (Core of Steel) 🛠️

Get in a plank, on the palms.

Brace your core like you’re about to take a punch from Thor.

Pull Your Hands & Feet towards your chest without moving For 7-12 seconds. Want extra spice? Add a side plank to carve those obliques. Again, pull the hands and towards towards each but no moving.

4. Doorframe Row (Back & Biceps) 🚪

Stand in a doorframe, hands gripping the frame at chest height.

Pull like you’re trying to collapse the house, keeping elbows tight.

Hold 7-12 seconds. Your lats will pop like never before.

5. Bodyweight Squat Hold (Quads of Destiny) 🦵

Drop into a half squat, thighs parallel to the ground.

Hold it like you’re sitting on a Clydesdale Horse ready to march into battle.

Aim for 7-12 seconds flexing the legs hard. Feel the burn, embrace the glory.

Pro Tips to Level Up Your Iso Game 🎮

Max Effort, Every Time: Don’t half-ass it. Give it close to your max force (70-85%) for short bursts to spark gains.

Breathe, Don’t Pass Out: Exhale slowly during holds to keep blood flowing and avoid seeing stars. Making the SSSS sound as well helps with blood pressure.

Mix It In: Combine isometrics with dynamic lifts or other bodyweight exercises. Example: hold a horse stance squat iso, then bang out 5 explosive bodyweight squats.

Track Your Holds: Time your holds or measure force (if you’re fancy with a dynamometer). Progress is power.

Mind-Muscle Connection: Focus on the target muscle. Visualize it growing stronger with every second.

Real Talk: Why Isometrics are NEEDED In Life 🗣️

In a world full of flashy fitness trends and TikTok workouts, isometrics are the OG, no-BS path to strength. They’re not just about building muscle—they’re about building you. The discipline to hold a position when every fiber screams “quit.” The power to push past limits. The swagger of knowing you’re stronger than yesterday.

Plus, you can do ‘em while stuck in traffic (flex those glutes!), waiting for your coffee, or even during a boring Zoom call (desk push, anyone?). Isometrics don’t care about your schedule—they just demand you show up and bring the heat.

Join the Isometric Revolution! 🌋

So, what’s it gonna be, guys? You gonna keep scrolling or start flexing your way to god-tier strength? Grab a wall, a bar, or just your own body, and start holding like your life depends on it. Share your favorite iso moves or epic hold times in the comments—let’s build a legion of the unmovable! 💥

Stay strong, stay relentless, and never stop chasing the grind. Be amazingly awesome.

Send me an email using the contact form

Share this on your Social Media

Strength Built On Spikes

The Epic Power of Neuro-Grip Pushup Handles (Power T Push-Up Spikes)

In the realm of bodyweight training, where bad asses forge strength from simplicity, a device that lurked in the shadows and became a tool of Strength Enthusiasts has emerged: the Neuro-Grip Pushup Handles. These unassuming tools, crafted from aeronautics-grade aluminum, are not just equipment—they’re a challenge, a gauntlet thrown at the feet of anyone daring to push their limits. Championed by strongman and Neuro-Mass author Jon Bruney, Neuro-Grips are designed to transform the humble pushup into a crucible of strength, balance, and mental fortitude. The man that invented the tool was Gary Bowes, a Fireman by trade.

The Mythic Origin of Neuro-Grips

Picture a world where pushups, though mighty, have become the norm. The floor is familiar, the movement mastered. Enter Jon Bruney, a titan of strength, who envisioned a tool to shatter complacency. The Neuro-Grip Pushup Handles, introduced by Dragon Door, are no ordinary pushup bars. These solid, one-piece grips, with their anodized finish, are as unforgiving as they are elegant. They’re not here to coddle you—they’re here to test you, to demand precision, and to forge a vice-like grip, a core of steel, and forearms that could crush stone. As for Gary, who created the original design, wanted to take bodyweight training into another realm of strength using a basic element and turning it into a weapon of power that made the tendons and ligaments like steel and the muscles hardened like an iron shield.

Bruney’s philosophy, rooted in his Neuro-Sets—combinations of grinds, isometrics, and explosives—infuses these handles with purpose. They’re not just about doing pushups; they’re about doing them with such intensity that your entire system enters neural overdrive, unlocking strength you didn’t know you possessed. Trust me, just doing a few of these is no easy task, if it was, this tool wouldn't be legendary. See for yourself here.

Why Neuro-Grips Are the Ultimate Challenge

Unlike traditional pushup bars, Neuro-Grips are a beast of their own. Here’s why they stand alone in the pantheon of fitness tools:

Unrelenting Instability: Neuro-Grips are designed to be unforgiving. Their T-shaped design forces you to master balance, engaging your forearms, shoulders, and core in ways a flat floor never could. One wrong move, and you’re kissing the ground (And not like Katy Perry coming back from Space). This instability isn’t a flaw—it’s the point. It demands focus, turning every rep into a battle of mind and muscle.

Extended Range of Motion (ROM): With Neuro-Grips, you can lower your chest below the level of your hands, amplifying the stretch and contraction of your pecs, triceps, and deltoids. This increased ROM makes every pushup more intense, recruiting more muscle fibers and sparking greater gains.

Core and Grip Annihilation: These handles don’t just work your upper body—they obliterate your core and grip. Holding the grips requires constant tension, sculpting your forearms and strengthening your wrists. Your abs and glutes fire to maintain a plank-like stability, making Neuro-Grips a full-body crucible.

Portability and Durability: Crafted from lightweight, aeronautics-grade aluminum, Neuro-Grips are built to withstand the heaviest athletes and the toughest workouts. Toss them in a gym bag or take them to a park—they’re ready for battle anywhere.

A Humbling Experience: Even pushup veterans find themselves humbled. Users report dropping from 50 standard pushups to a mere handful with Neuro-Grips. This isn’t defeat—it’s rebirth. Each rep is a chance to rebuild stronger, sharper, and more disciplined.

The Epic Quest: Mastering Neuro-Grip Pushups

Embarking on the Neuro-Grip journey is not for the faint of heart. It’s a quest that demands preparation, progression, and respect for the tool. Here’s how to conquer it:

Step 1: The Initiation

Start slow. Neuro-Grips are not a toy—they’re a challenge that requires solid pushup form and wrist strength. Begin with planks on your knees, holding the grips for 30 seconds per set. Focus on wrist alignment and core engagement. Progress to full planks when you can hold for three sets without wobbling.

Pro Tip: Practice on a soft surface like a carpet or grass to master bailing out safely. Neuro-Grips don’t forgive sloppy form, and bloody knuckles are a harsh teacher. Happened to me in the beginning many many moons ago.

Step 2: The Grind

Once planks feel steady, move to knee pushups with the grips. Aim for 3 sets of 20 reps, keeping movements controlled. The instability will feel alien, but embrace it. Your forearms will burn, your core will scream, and your focus will sharpen. When knee pushups become manageable, transition to full pushups, starting with low reps (5-10 per set) and building slowly. As of right now, I've managed 15 in one set and 72 total in a workout at 12 sets of 6 reps.

Step 3: The Ascension

As you grow stronger, experiment with variations. Try slow-mo pushups (10 seconds down, 10 seconds up) to maximize time under tension. Incorporate feet-elevated pushups for added intensity or single-leg pushups to crank up the instability. For the bold, explore slow-mo mountain climbers—holding a plank and bringing knees to chest—to torch your midsection. Even I haven't hit step 3, so don't fret about trying to ascend quickly.

Step 4: The Legend

Mastered the basics? Dive into Jon Bruney’s The Neuro-Grip Challenge book for advanced progressions, from shoulder prehab exercises to gravity-defying stunts. Push the boundaries with ramp up the challenge with plyometric pushups or one-arm Neuro-Grip pushups. The only limit is your imagination—and your strength. This is where men become gods. 

Real Warriors, Real Results

Neuro-Grip users are unanimous: these handles are a game-changer. One user, a 280-pound strongman, went from one-minute knuckle pushups to struggling with just four slow Neuro-Grip pushups after four days. “What a challenge!” he exclaimed, praising their ability to humble even the confident. Another, battling osteoarthritis, found Neuro-Grips allowed pain-free strength training, unlike traditional calisthenics.

On forums like StrongFirst and Reddit, enthusiasts share tales of newfound core strength, grip power, and mental resilience. Adrienne Harvey of GiryaGirl.com calls them “unforgiving” yet transformative, urging users to respect their difficulty. Even skeptics admit the grips add variety and intensity, though some prefer rings for safety. It's that hardcore.

Why Neuro-Grips Reign As A Tool Among The Gods

Compared to traditional pushup bars or rings, Neuro-Grips are in a league of their own. Standard pushup bars reduce wrist strain but lack the instability that makes Neuro-Grips so potent. Rings offer similar stabilization work but are slightly less portable and don’t match the grip challenge. Parallettes, while versatile, are bulkier and less focused on pushup-specific intensity. Neuro-Grips are the perfect storm of portability, durability, and unrelenting challenge.

Are You Ready To Take Action?

The Neuro-Grip Pushup Handles are more than equipment—they’re crucible for forging strength, discipline, and resilience. They’re not for everyone, but for those who crave a challenge, they’re a ticket to Olympus. Grab a pair from Dragon Door (back in stock and shipping now!) and start your epic journey. Check out The Neuro-Grip Challenge book for expert guidance, and join the community of warriors pushing the limits of what’s possible.

Are you ready to rewrite your legend? Grip the handles, brace your core, and let the battle commence.

Disclaimer: Always consult a fitness professional before starting a new exercise program, especially with tools as demanding as Neuro-Grips. Start slow, prioritize form, and listen to your body to avoid injury.

Be amazingly awesome and be sure to subscribe so you can get this and upcoming articles in your email.

Share this post with your friends and fellow maniacs on Social Media.

Shoot me a comment or write to me in the contact form. Looking forward to what you say. Please, be respectful. 

Unlock Powers Like A Superhero With Isometrics

Are You Ready To Build Some Insane Strength???

Listen up fellow heathens of Comics & Superheroes! If you’re chasing strength that shakes the earth, power that makes mortals quiver, and a physique carved from the dreams of gods, then strap in. We’re diving deep into the world of isometrics—A secret weapon of superheroes, the forge of unyielding might, and the ultimate test of your mental and physical resolve. This ain’t no fluffy gym bro nonsense. This is powerful, primal, and as real as the sweat on your brow. Let’s break it down....

-What the Hell Are Isometrics, Anyway?

Isometrics are like the Hulk holding up a collapsing building—pure, unrelenting force without movement. You’re pushing, pulling, or holding against an immovable object (or your own body) with max effort, no joint motion, just raw tension. Think of it as flexing so hard you make the universe jealous. Examples? Wall sits that burn like a volcano, plank holds that test your soul, or pressing against a barbell that ain’t budging.

Why does this matter whatsoever? Because isometrics don’t just build muscle—they forge strength at its core, wiring your nervous system to fire like Thor’s hammer. It’s not about reps or sets; it’s about intensity, focus, and dominating the moment in time.

-Why Isometrics Make You a Damn Superhero

Strength That Breaks Chains

Isometrics hit your muscles at specific joint angles, building strength exactly where you need it. Isometrics train your body to generate max force in those positions. Studies show isometric training can boost strength by up to 15-20% in just weeks—faster than traditional lifting in some cases. That’s not theory; that’s science, bro.

Mental Fortitude of a God

Holding a Extremely Intense Effort isometric isn’t just physical—it’s a mental cage match. You’re not counting reps; you’re battling your own doubts, pain, and the urge to quit. Every second you hold that plank or push that wall, you’re forging a mind of steel. Superheroes don’t flinch, and neither will you.

Injury-Proof Like Wolverine

No movement means less wear and tear on your joints. Isometrics strengthen tendons and ligaments without the risk of dynamic lifts gone wrong. Got a bad shoulder? Tweaky knee? Isometrics let you build strength while healing like a mutant. Plus, they improve joint stability, making you a fortress against injury.

-Power Up Anywhere, Anytime

Isometrics don’t need fancy equipment. Push against a wall, grip a towel, or flex your own bodyweight. You can train in a prison cell, a forest, or a fucking spaceship. All you need is your will and something to resist you. That’s superhero-level adaptability.

-Explosive Gains for Explosive Feats

Isometrics supercharge your nervous system, teaching your muscles to fire faster and harder. That’s why athletes like sprinters and martial artists swear by them. Want to punch like Black Panther or leap like Spider-Man? Isometrics build the kind of explosive power that makes jaws drop.

-How Can We Train Like a Superhero with Isometrics?

Alright, you’re hyped up. You’re ready to crush it. Here’s how to weave isometrics into your training like a master of the arts. These are battle-tested holds to make you feel nearly invincible.

1. The Wall of Eternity (Wall Sit)

What: Sit against a wall, thighs parallel to the ground, like you’re holding up a mountain.  

How: Hold for 30-60 seconds (or until your legs scream), max effort. Rest 1 minute. Repeat a few more times if you wish.  

Why: Builds quads of steel and mental grit. Imagine you’re stopping a runaway train.

2. The Plank of Doom**

What: Hold a plank (palms, fists recommended, body straight as a blade, core locked like vibranium.  

How: Max tension for 20-60 seconds. Focus on squeezing every muscle. Rest 1 minute. Go at it a couple more times.  

Why: Forges a core that laughs at punches and stabilizes your entire body.

3. The Unbreakable Push (Isometric Push-Up Hold)**

What: Lower halfway into a push-up and freeze, arms trembling, chest screaming.  

How: Hold 10-30 seconds at max effort. Walk it off for about a minute. Repeat a couple more times. It's a nasty fight like Batman against Bane.

Why: Builds pressing power like you’re shoving a boulder off a cliff.

4. The Grip of Gods (Dead Hang or Towel Grip)**

What: Hang from a bar or crush a towel with both hands like you’re strangling a dragon.  

How: Hold for 20-60 seconds, max grip. Rest 1 minute. Repeat a couple times.  

Why: Forges a grip that crushes steel and shoulders that shrug off mountains.

Pro Tip: Focus on breathing—slow, controlled, like a warrior in battle. Exhale hard to amplify tension. Visualize yourself as unstoppable. This isn’t just exercise; it’s a mindset.

Add isometrics at the end of your workouts to fry your muscles or use them on recovery days to stay sharp without taxing your joints. You’re not just training—you’re building a legacy of strength.

Real-World Superheroes Who Swear by Isometrics

Alexander Zass: The “Iron Samson” used isometrics to bend steel and break chains while a POW. He credited isometric holds for his freakish strength.  

Bruce Lee: The legend used isometric presses to develop his lightning-fast punches and dragon-like physique.  

Gymnasts: Ever seen a gymnast hold a planche? That’s isometrics making them defy gravity.

These titans didn’t mess around, and neither should you. Isometrics are time-tested, battle-proven, and ready to make you a legend.

The Mindset of a Superhero

Here’s the truth: Isometrics aren’t just about muscles. They’re about dominating your limits. Every hold, every push, every second of your full on effort is you saying, “I am stronger than my excuses.” Superheroes don’t wait for permission—they seize power. So when you’re trembling in that plank, when your quads burn in that wall sit, remember: You’re not just training. You’re becoming unstoppable.

Call to Action: Unleash Your Power

Enough jabbering. It’s time to act. Grab a wall, a bar, or just your own body, and start forging strength like a superhero. Share your isometric journey with the world—tag  me on X @powerandmight and show us your grit. Post that bad ass wall sit, that trembling plank, that moment you refused to quit. Avengers...Assemble, one hold at a time.

The world’s waiting. Will you answer the call?

Stay Mighty. Stay Unbreakable. Stay Superhuman. Be Amazingly Awesome

Go Crush It!!! 💪

Epic Leg Training with Minimal Gear

“Strength is forged in the crucible of effort. No fancy gym? No problem. Your legs will bow to nothing but your will.”

You don’t need a rack of gleaming weights or a high-tech gym to carve legs that command respect. With minimal equipment—think the Worldfit Iso Trainer, a step stool, some bands or just your own body—and an unbreakable mindset, you can forge tree-trunk quads, hamstrings like steel cables, and calves that defy gravity. This is leg training at its finest. Let’s dive into the battlefield of muscle & conditioning and conquer leg day like the legends we are and that you can become.

Legs lay the groundwork. They carry you through life’s battles, from sprinting toward glory to standing tall under some insane pressure. Neglect them, and you’re building a house on sand that'll just sink. Train them, and you’ve got a fortress that withstands the toughest parts of nature. Strong legs boost your power, torch calories, and signal to the world: I am unstoppable. Plus, hammering your lower body spikes testosterone and growth hormone, fueling gains everywhere else. No equipment? No problem. The only tool you need is hunger.

Got a corner of your living room, a park, or a garage? That’s your coliseum, your sanctuary. Let’s forge some epic legs. Some ideas to get you going....

1. Bodyweight Goblet Squats (aka Pan Squats) – Start with what's possible for you and build up. 500 in a workout (In a row or with a Deck Of Cards) is a top level goal to achieve.

Squats are essential to great development but remember, they're only a piece of the puzzle.

2. Step Ups – The Staircase To Immortality...Work numbers per leg that give you a starting point (4x15 per leg for example) and build to where you can do a signature number that keeps you going where it'll make others quit. build up to 500-1000+ and you'll be in the realm of legends (Like the great Bob Backlund). This can be done either just your bodyweight or adding a weight vest if you're ambitious. 

“One leg at a time, you conquer imbalance and build raw power.”

Isometric Squats (Wall Sits, Split Squats, Zercher Style, Ect.)

Building Steel Cords of Muscle and Strength in the legs that dig into the lower body with intensity. Exercises like these work the tendons and ligaments that are so powerful, they keep you standing and build an armor like Captain America's Shield, strongest metal that is also light as hell, in this case, Isometrics will make you feel lighter on your feet yet pack a punch that will make Cap be on your side. 

Leg training isn’t just physical—it’s a test of your soul. Every rep/hold is a battle. When your quads quake and your lungs burn, that’s the forge where legends are made. Minimal equipment doesn’t mean minimal effort. Push past what once was. Embrace the power you're creating. Visualize your legs as pillars that stand the test of time, rep by rep.

To grow, you must challenge. Rest less as you progress. Progress is your war cry.

This is your moment. No gym, no gear, no excuses. Leg training with minimal equipment is raw, primal, and epic. It’s you against gravity, doubt, and mediocrity. Build legs that carry you to victory—on the field, in the mirror, and through life. Share your journey, your sweat, your triumphs.

Tag me to let others know your path to where you are learning. Here is my Link Tree to find all my Social Media. Be amazingly awesome and give those legs a reason to keep you going with incredible strength, conditioning, muscle and power. 

The Surge Of Power And Energy With The Men's Megadose Bundle

Listen up, if you’re a man who’s tired of feeling like a watered-down version of yourself—low energy, foggy mind, and a drive that’s stuck in neutral—then it’s time to stop screwing around and take back what's yours. The world doesn’t wait for those who want a miracle, and neither should you. Enter the Men’s Megadose Bundle from Lost Empire Herbs—a full-on hormonal war chest designed to crank your masculinity to eleven and remind you what it feels like to dominate life like the king you were born to be.

This isn’t some limp-wristed multivitamin or a sugar-coated placebo from a big-box store shelf. No, this is a savage blend of nature’s most potent elixirs, forged from the wild, untamed corners of the earth. Lost Empire Herbs didn’t mess around when they built this bundle—it’s a megadose of raw power for men who refuse to settle for average. Let’s break it down and see why this is the ultimate weapon in your quest for unbreakable vitality.

The Arsenal: What The Hell Is In The Bundle?

The Men’s Megadose Bundle isn’t just a supplement—it’s a battle plan. Four heavy-hitters, each one a titan in its own right, working together to flood your system with the juice of gods. Here’s what you’re getting:

Megadose Pine Pollen Powder

Straight from the towering pines, this isn’t your grandma’s herbal tea. Pine Pollen is loaded with phyto-androgens—nature’s own testosterone precursors. We’re talking raw, primal energy that hits your system like a thunderbolt, waking up your strength, stamina, and that deep-down fire you’ve been missing. Mix a teaspoon into your morning brew or choke it down raw—either way, it’s a one-way ticket to feeling like a God straight out of Norse Mythology.

Pine Pollen Tincture

If the powder is the thunder, the tincture is the lightning. This high-octane extract slams those phyto-androgens straight into your bloodstream with a 70% alcohol punch. One dropper under your tongue, hold it for 30 seconds, and boom—you’re mainlining the essence of the forest. It’s as fast as Sonic, fierce as Hercules, and it’s built for men who don’t have time to waste.

Tongkat Ali

The Southeast Asian secret that’s been fueling warriors for centuries. This root doesn’t just nudge your testosterone—it grabs it by the horns and yanks to the fucking heavens. Tongkat Ali triggers your body to pump out more free androgens while keeping them unbound and ready to work. At 10mg twice a day, five days on, two off, it’s like flipping the switch on a dormant engine. Power, focus, libido—it’s all there to drive through walls.

Nettle Root Extract

The unsung hero of the bunch. Nettle Root goes into battle against SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin)—the sneaky little bastard that locks up your testosterone and renders it useless. Half a teaspoon twice a day, and you’re unshackling your hormones, letting them run wild like the Satyr Pan where they belong. This is the glue that makes the whole bundle sing like a Canary.

Why This Bundle Is So Damn Powerful

Look, we know that in the modern world can be a brutal testosterone-killing machine. The Men’s Megadose Bundle isn’t here to coddle you—it’s here to fight back and bring you a fresh perspective on feeling alive again. Lost Empire Herbs took their already badass Men’s Hormone Package and juiced it up to megadose levels, because half-measures aren't going to cut it bro.

This is about reclaiming your edge. We’re talking noticeable energy that doesn’t crash, strength that surges through your veins, and a libido that roars like a tiger. One user said it best: “If this doesn’t boost your testosterone, you’ve got issues herbs can’t fix.” That’s not a warning—Take it as a challenge.

Take it as directed—two doses a day, morning and night—and you’ve got a 30-day supply of pure, unfiltered masculinity. Stack it with a life of lifting heavy, eating clean & crushing goals and you’re not just a man anymore—you’re a force to be reckoned with.

So, what’s it gonna be? Keep dragging through life like a neutered housecat, or unleash the beast with the Men’s Megadose Bundle? Your call, man—but the clock’s ticking, and the world isn't going to wait for your ass. Grab it from Lost Empire Herbs, slam it into your routine, and let’s see what you’re really capable of.

Be amazingly awesome and give the Bundle a shot. 

Does A Six Pack Really Mean Anything?

 Many would say having a six pack has many benefits and a indicator of health. In a few cases that is true, low bodyfat can be an indicator of health but how low is too low and where does the balance formulate to say someone's healthy? A great six pack shows you've worked hard to build the abdominal muscles and made strides to make yourself look good which by itself isn't a bad thing, however; does those muscles help minimize or prevent injuries as much as possible? Can it take a hit? Is it strong enough to work the Stabilizers? Is it conditioned?

These are the questions I look for when I see those with a six pack. Seen some strong people that look average and seen bodybuilders who can barely walk, plus crackheads have very low abdominal fat and have a six pack at times so where is the line drawn that a six pack meaning something healthy? The truth is, because we're all different, our bodies don't always develop the same way as others but it is important to understand it's not always the abdominal muscles that should be looked at for an indicator of health, it's the entire realm of the Core (abs, low back, obliques) that should give you an idea of how strong it truly is.

Core Strength is one of the true indicators of how healthy a person is. You can have extremely low bodyfat and still have a weak core structure. Being able to twist and turn without hurting yourself gives off some strong vibes there along with utilizing those muscles in how you perform your workouts. The tension vs the relaxation in your performance. Understanding how to brace yourself as you control a movement or hold. Think of Gymnasts, the control over their bodies is one of the most fascinating things about the human structure. The way they can move and hold positions on the Rings, swing on the High Bar, flip in the fucking air during a floor routine or on the vault, its captivating and eye popping. Sure this is sports specific but it doesn't take away the fact that if they couldn't control the way they do things, they would be crippled for life.

The greater your strength is in your Core from a certain POV, the stronger you'll be not just physically but overall. It's one of the reasons I train a lot with Isometrics, Suspension Training, Sandbags, Bands and Hammers....In order to perform these methods well or even to get a pass by, I need to be in control of my Core otherwise I'd be injured a hell of a lot more. Core Strength goes beyond just doing Abdominal Exercises, it's about creating a strong foundation to what is needed for things in life that can be a saver for people. Hauling furniture takes Core Strength, doing Farmer's Carries takes Core Strength even when you're off balance, moving in awkward positions without injury starts with Core Strength. 

Having a strong Core may not always be obvious just on appearance alone, again, you can look like a million bucks but do you have the strength and control that comes with it? That's the true indicator there. Keep yourself strong and healthy and keep being amazingly awesome everyone. 

More On Fat Gripz

 Training With A Fat Grip is more than just building muscle size and strength, it creates a new level of control and focus that you can't duplicate with typical gym equipment. You won't be able to rely on style, form, technique or even timing because it's really just sheer strength and power to make a lift. It has a far greater burden on the tendons, ligaments and musculature than a regular barbell, dumbbell or even pull machine ever will.

In reality, very few athletes will go near fat grip training, although today it is making a comeback, there is still a wide range of men or women that have that fear factor. Working with Fat Gripz is not meant to be easy, matter of fact, much of it separates the men from the boys because in order to get better, you have to push through that barrier and challenge your capabilities. You won't work the same amount of weight with a typical bar but that's ok, not many even attempt it. I've taken my FG's to the gym and I do get looks every now and then cause I don't work with regular equipment or at least work with what they got so I need to create that extra inch if you will of training that makes it unique yet old school. 

I'm not about the bodybuilding culture or toning down to look like an athlete. At 40, the main thing is to not just maintain muscle but to still have strength that means something. Sculpting was never my thing and quite frankly, most sculpting methods of weight training require levels upon levels of steroid use, overuse of isolation exercise and a diet that most likely will make me miserable as hell. Besides, having a good look is fine but if your strength is shit, what good is the look going to do?

I prefer to use my FG's for my TNT Cables which has greater ability to build healthier joints plus having the hand strength to go along with it. When I do use them for the gym, they go on the bar, dumbbells and bars for pulldowns and such. That's it. I still manage to build some decent strength and I only do a few sets of 10 or less with every exercise I do, it makes things interesting that way. As they say, strong hands equals a strong body.

Be careful in how you do them. They're not meant for toning or putting on a little muscle, if you consistently train with them, you're building muscle that is meant for raw power and strength. They build muscle that is rugged, thick, functional and outside the parameters of a regular gym goer. Want to take them out for a spin? Grab a set and see/feel the difference and humbling experience it provides. If you really want to another level, go for the Extreme set and really dig into the realm of the old time strongmen.   

Training With 100+ LB Sandbag

Love my Sandbells but I wanted to up the ante a bit and go even heavier and with only a few workouts, it feels awesome. Got some sand at a Ace Hardware store down the road and poured it into my 100 lb bag I've had for a while. Weighed it at 104.6 lbs. Just getting used to it and feeling it out was tough at first but knew I was strong enough to play with it. 

From carries to squats to overhead presses and more, this thing is making me work my ass off pretty well. Don't get sore all that much but I'm not killing myself with it either. With the carries, I marked 15 yards on the grass from the side of the house and would do a full revolution (30 yards) for however many times. One workout was 300 yards Bear Hug Style and another was 600 Yards doing shoulder to shoulder. Those exercises alone with a bag that heavy can make you rugged. 

Love going old school with this type of training and just sticking with one to a few exercises per workout and just hammer them. The last workout was 300 Total Yards & Over 1000 total pounds carried, 5x5 Deadlifts and 5x5 Overhead Presses. Might go for 100 Bear Hug Squats in sets of 10-12 reps but haven't decided yet or maybe I haven't reached that type of training yet but you'll never know. The idea is to see what's possible and work from there. 

Will I got even more say 150-200 lb? Someday but not anytime soon. Just working with this weight is still a great way to keep myself in shape. Sandbags are no joke and they can be brutal especially since they force you to work the stabilizer muscles and have the closest to training against a human. The transfer to regular weights is enormous and if you can easily work a 100 lb bag, you can work plenty of good weight with a barbell or dumbbell. One of the grips I use when I hold it in the bear hug position is the Gable Grip like in Grappling as I pull to keep the bag steady against my torso and work my back, shoulders and arms all at the same time as I Squat or Carry. It's a full body workout regardless of what you do. Just make it work for you.

I mostly use it for Strength Training and when it's needed, I rest long enough to go tackle the next set. These workouts can make you breathe harder than usual and quite hungry afterwards. If you want greater power in your training, a sandbag will do the trick plus if you're in wrestling or BJJ, you can do bag training by mimicking certain moves and throws as if you're going against an opponent, one of the oldest types of workouts around. Imagine building explosiveness in your throws, having insane grip strength, handle opponents like rag dolls or if you're a firefighter and able to carry a human being with ease out of the flames of a burning building. Strength Training with a Bag can be life saving.

This type of training is suited to the real world and being able to handle your own when it's called upon. Strength is more than just a look, it's having the ability to be strong enough to help others and not everyone picks on the rugged looking guy who can probably take your ass to the cleaners 6 ways to Sunday. Train to handle yourself but also be humble. You don't get strong to become an asshole bully, you become strong to have a greater quality of life and to make others feel safe. Get a Sandbag and see what you're capable of. Have an amazingly awesome day and check out the video below for some samples of exercises you can do. There are all sorts of exercises you can do but these few would get you started. 

A Sandbell Leg Workout That Is Simple But Brutal

 I like to test out different things when I train, find a creative way to do things or get ideas and mold them to my liking. One such idea was combining an animal movement with squats using the 70 lb Sandbell. The idea is to duck walk with the Sandbell for distance and then without putting it down, do squats. 

I tested this out by doing a 5 yard Duck Walk with the bell and then do 5 Squats, rest and repeat. Managed only 3 sets before I just wanted to die, it was that nasty. It's one thing to bear hug and carry something like that like a "normal" person but to be in a full squat and walk in that position and do squats immediately after is a whole other level of crazy. The sheer burn or lactic acid in the legs along trying to breathe with a sandbag to your chest. This type of leg training builds some serious strength and muscular endurance. Add this to your arsenal or just as a stand alone and you'll feel it right away. 

Start out with a lighter weight like a 20-25 lb bag and work your way up, it's not as easy as it looks, the less weight, the more sets you may be able to do, once you get past 50 lb or more, it's going to work you with incredible prejudice because you're not just fighting gravity, you're also trying to coordinate and stay balanced while handling something awkward. It's both a strength and cardio exercise. Not to mention trying to hold the damn thing with your arms and your grip will make you stronger too so you're getting a full body workout.

Give it a go, use a Sandbell or just a heavy sandbag and see how you do. Workouts don't have to be very long and when you do something like this, rest well between sets. If you can do this with a heavy bag without stopping the entire workout, you may not even be human. It's a good challenge if you got the grapes to try.  

2 For 1 Sprint Training With The Dopa Band

 Always experimenting and finding exciting ways to train, I wanted to give something a go that would put that extra spring in the step and give off nasty fat burning vibes. Last night after a fun date night of Red Lobster and seeing The Iron Claw (great movie BTW, might write a review on the next post) I got in some at home Sprint Training to shed off some of the Holiday Feasting this past weekend and start creating new goals early for the coming year. 

Tying myself to the Dopa Band, I wanted to try something new (at least to me) and really tackle some Explosive Conditioning by doing a Superset of Bear Crawl & Bipedal Sprinting. The idea is to do a Bear Crawl Sprint, walk back and do a regular sprint. The two different sprints is the equivalent to 1 rep and you repeat it as many times as you can, in this case I did 5 Reps per set. Totaled 6 sets of 5 Reps for a total of 30 or 60 Sprints all together. 

This actually felt really good and somehow didn't feel I overdid anything and still had gas in the tank at the end. You may not get very far because of the band but when you explode out and keep doing it for a short period of time, it can be a bit crazy. Sprint Training is not always done out on a track, hill or grassy area, you can do them at home doing modified versions that can still give you a run for your money (pun intended). It is always good however to get Sprints going outside whenever possible 2-3x a week but if you want to kick your ass at home, you have that option as well. I believe it's a great option because when you're done, the shower is within feet of you, you don't have to drive anywhere, you can get it done within minutes and take a nap or rest on the couch and put on a movie or something right there. For some that sounds lazy but if I can get a workout in and then have things I need right there afterwards, why the hell not?

This doesn't mean your home is the only option to do this, you can do this workout at a park, in your hotel room, at the beach or wherever you can hook the band up (safely and efficiently). Being outside is ideal and training in an area where you breathe fresh air and have a good time while focusing on your goals is always important. That's the beauty of this thing, it can withstand quite a bit because of its flexibility and durability along with being very difficult to break. What are the benefits of this workout: It gets you in rugged shape fast with consistency, it develops a great level of explosiveness, mental toughness, takes only minutes to complete, gives you greater options and places to train, can be modified to your level of fitness, could help reduce injuries, enhance HGH levels, produces spikes in Testosterone, burns fat like crazy and hell of a calorie burner. 

Sprint Training is a favorite of mine and when it's warm out, I would hit the hill or the field by the house. Winter isn't always ideal although it does build a different level of toughness but at the same time, it can be slippery out there and you could be asking for a disaster if you're sprinting hard and hit some ice that is slicker than cooking oil. This also could be useful for those who've had previous injuries and helping you with your posture for regular sprinting. For me, it reduces certain acts of pain in my shin and ankles. When I do Sprint on a hill, it can be discomforting to the point of slight pain because of the rod and pins in my legs so I do have to be careful with that but with the band, it lessens those things and I can go hard without feeling any discomfort or pain. I have a small threshold for pain but when it becomes too much, I can't be at my best. So if you need to modify, do so but don't let it get to a point where you can potentially end up in the ER or worse. 

This also can be done for people who are new to Sprint Training and get a feel of what's possible so when they are going out and hitting a hill or track, they have some of the mechanics embedded into their brain. It's still important to know the basics and mechanics of sprinting with or without using a band because although there are similarities, some techniques are different so learn the proper techniques to get the most out of it. Overall, it's a great workout to test yourself on and only has to be done no more than 3x a week, 2x a week is great for most people but if you're ambitious than do it 3x a week. 

Have fun and get those legs cooking man. Be amazingly awesome. Get 10% OFF the Dopa Bands by punching in the Discount Code POWERANDMIGHT when you checkout. Grab one for yourself or create your own custom bundle.  

70 Pounds Of Fury

 Xmas is right around the corner and this year, one of the cool gifts I got was the 70 lb. Sandbell Pro. I've been wanting to increase the weight from my 50 lber that I've used for years now. It came yesterday and just immediately wanted to play with it. Even to go as far as doing a demo video showing what I can do off the bat including a one arm clean and press. You can view it below.....

I love testing my capabilities and seeing what's possible. With this bad boy that I call Beasty cause that's what it is, the possibilities to build strength and conditioning are only limited by the imagination. Carries, Bear Hugging, Slams, Presses, Curls or whatever I choose to come up can aid in my quest to get stronger. This thing is no joke and it can be a nasty bastard depending on what you do. 

Always said that training is about self discovery and disciplining yourself but also to make it interesting and consistent. Do you have to have a Sandbell, no you can always go cheaper and get a unfilled bag that fills up to 100 lbs and work things that way. I like the bells because they're just different and fun to use. For years now I've slammed, pressed, carried, squatted and other things for thousands upon thousands of total pounds moved and I'm going to continue with Beasty here. Sandbag Training is an old school form of strength training that works and is not meant to be easy. 

There are a lot of things you can do with Sandbells but the heavier you go, the more you prioritize which exercises are important to build strength because you can't do everything with a 70 as oppose to exercises with a 20 or so. It's strength that matters, not for the sake of looking good but to help others and being strong as you age. The older we get, the more reason to stay as strong as possible while still being mobile and flexible. You can be as strong as an ox but if you're stiff as a board and have bad joints, what's the point of having that strength? Not saying to go so heavy you wreck yourself but train to a capacity where you can go without sustaining injuries as much as possible and keeping the muscles, tendons and ligaments healthy. When it comes to Sandbag work, I probably wouldn't work with more than 100 lbs because there's no reason to keep going higher unless you want to challenge yourself. 

Sandbells are a lot of fun and they add a different variety to a training regimen than typical weights like a dumbbell, barbell or even kettlebell. They're safer in most regards and do many things just from one implement plus they wouldn't wreck the floor when you drop them or slam them. They can be great conditioning tools and can build some serious strength especially in your grip and your core. You don't need to be as crazy as me with this heavy of a bell, you can stop at 50 or 20 if you want but Sandbells are a great addition and has a boatload of exercises to choose from for anyone from a complete beginner to world class athletes. Get just one and see what you can do.  

A Dinosaur Style Thanksgiving Workout

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I thought I'd get in a workout that will build a serious appetite later when me and the wife will visit family tonight. Not just a typical workout I do but one that's in the style of Brooks Kubik's Dinosaur Training. It's nothing special but it's brutal, nasty and really hard. It hits every muscle in the body and all it takes is 3 exercises. You don't need to do tons of exercises that only hit a one or two muscles at a time, just pick a few that hit multiple groups at the same time and go at it hard. In this case, it was using only one implement; the 50 lb Sandbell.

50 pounds may not seem like much, hell it's just a few pounds over a barbell plate right? The main takeaway, this is live weight and it shifts so this isn't just a solid implement, it makes you bust your ass in more ways than one. Sandbag training has been around for ages and has been used by the strongest athletes on the planet. When you work a bag hard, you're hitting the body in places that most conventional training can't even touch. Some guys work with up to more than 200-300 lbs (that's for truly elite powerhouses) but 50-100 can be just as beneficial and tough when you get after it like a madman with a thirst for hardcore training. 

This workout consists of the Clean & Press, Bear Hug Squat & Bent Over Row; it is done in a Tri Set which means you do one right after the other and then rest. Do 10 Reps each exercise and then walk it off getting as much rest as needed for the next set. It'll get you breathing hard quick so you'll want to catch your breath just enough to be fresh for the next round. The more sets you do, the heavier that bag will start to feel. It's very simple but sure as hell isn't easy. I managed 10 full sets of this workout and it was so thrilling for it to be over. I wanted to quit around the 6th or 7th set but something in me wanted to just keep going and really test my mental toughness. If I had to pick an exercise out of the three that made me rethink things, it was the Squats for sure. Around the 4th or 5th set, my legs felt heavy. 

Once it was over, instant relief, a much felt endorphin high and a high level of gratitude for it to be over. What are the benefits of this type of workout? A full blown level of strength and power, a good string of cardio because of doing three exercises back to back, Testosterone and HGH booster, great calorie burner and some serious muscular strength & endurance. Keep it simple but never underestimate what it can do especially when exercises like these with a sandbag has some real carryover into areas of regular life. 

I' am thankful for today, to my readers and to my friends and family. Have a great and wonderful Thanksgiving, eat well and train hard, earn that Turkey and those amazingly awesome sides.   

Are Isometrics The Forgotten Secret Of Strength Training?

 If you've ever read my article on Isometrics being the Game Genie Of Fitness, it should give you a hint to the answer to this question, but just in case you haven't gotten the memo....When it comes to the old time strongmen, the one thing they have in common in most cases throughout the early 20th century to today's legends is the use of Isometrics. For some in today's world of the influencer and trendy shiners of gadgets and other equipment, Isometrics isn't as big of an influence or not as understood as it should be. It can be seen as a foreign thing and it doesn't give off a massive following. 

For centuries, Isometrics whether inadvertently or intentional, has been used as a means to keep certain aspects of strength in the realm of warriors, laborers (slaves in many cases), athletes, archers, gladiators, farmers and many more. I didn't understand much about Isometrics until I read Matt Furey's Gama Fitness Course and started studying up on it all the way up to learning about Zass, Maxick, Otto Arco, Dennis Rogers, Steve Justa and the man of the 1000 lb Squat Bud Jeffries. Getting several courses like Overcoming Isometrics and others, it became apparent that Isometrics truly have stood the test of time and have become a lost art along the way.

I've shown a few Isometric videos here and there and performed a few myself on film and it's awesome to see how known they've become in some circles but at the same time it's sad that many can't even do some of the simple holds, but hey there's always time to learn them. The truth is, despite the simplicity, even the simple Isometric holds can be very demanding and holding for 30 seconds can feel like an eternity. It happens a lot and it can be grueling doing various Isometric positions for 7-12 intense seconds and then with little rest, adjust to the next one and keep going, most can't handle that.

When you truly start to understand the concept of Isometrics and how to apply them whether doing Overcoming, Yielding or a Hybrid style, you'll start to see why they've been a real backbone to how getting fit and strong is. Do what you can and make little progressions but never turn away from the basics and using Isometrics to enhance your strength and fixing some of the weak parts of your body. 

For simple equipment to train with Isometrics, check out here... 

Happy Veterans Day

100 Seconds Of Fat Melting Training Like Nazis Standing Next To The Ark

 

Certain aspects of training can be hard as hell and you do the best of what your body allows you. Even with a strong mind, your body is quite capable of more than we give credit but there's always a limit that reaches maximum. In Sprint Training, no matter who you are, your top speed only lasts mere seconds. In those seconds however, you are training your body to tackle fat like Kevin Greene took down quarterbacks; hard, fast and with ferocious intensity. 

Sprints separate the men from the boys and turns them into lean, mean fighting machines nearly as fast as the Flash. You can have your life flash before your eyes and still see what it would be like to go so hard that you are fighting for your life at the same time. Sprints are primal, intense and full of benefits that we often ignore because of the various things that it does or doesn't do. In simple terms, Sprint Training gives off Warrior Vibes.

For 10 seconds at a time, you can imagine many things to make this as intense as it's meant to be: Chasing down somebody, running from an animal, racing your shadow, being a character, being a real life superhuman or whatever you choose to do, make it so you're creating the fastest version of yourself. Those 10 seconds can determine the ability to burn off fat at a rate that's almost unbelievable to comprehend. Now imagine working those 10 seconds multiple times and rest 2-3x as long in order to recover. It's Strength Training in its simplest form; no complicated things to do, no machines, no gym noise, nothing but you and the ground. 

Hill Sprints however make fat burning the ultimate workout that ground sprints doesn't get passed. Even by mere inches, Hills make your ground work better and you take on a whole new meaning to the words "Mental Toughness." This past Thursday and yesterday, I took on a Hill nearby the house and went as hard as my body allowed me for 10 Sprints at 10 seconds at a time. I wasn't always my fastest, but went hard as I possibly could and made each sprint and my recovery count. It's that time of year where flowers bloom, the weather gets warmer and the days are longer. It's time to hit the Hill to really make the most of what you want to achieve in having a lean physique fast. 

Like the Nazis standing and getting melted by an ancient and powerful box, your fat won't stand a chance with Hill Sprinting. Like always, pay attention to form but at the same time, pay attention to your intentions as well. This isn't some climb up a hill and going for a hike, you're going to work at the hardest you can possibly make it for those few seconds of training. Intensity is the key and your will to go hard as if your life depended on it. 100 seconds is all of the time it takes to induce the largest amount of Growth Hormone and Testosterone possible. Be able to breathe better, sleep better, eat more and feel that urge of sexual energy that every guy wants to feel. 

Training this way is only needed 2-3x a week and it's best to start off with a small number of sets and seconds if you haven't done them in a while. 4x8-10 seconds would be a good starting point, that's a max of 40 seconds of work. Each month, add one sprint and a few seconds to progressively get more out of it. Max sprints IMO shouldn't be more than 20-30 seconds and on most days, 10-15 is more than enough. Max amount of Sprints shouldn't be more than 10 because you're training merely to get leaner and stronger, you're not trying to match Walter Payton who did so many damn sprints it's a miracle his legs didn't fall off his body. At full speed may not be more than a few seconds and probably no more than 10. It's very difficult if not impossible to stay at 100% speed for 30 seconds. 

To build a program on Hill Sprints, check out Josh Bryant's 6-Week Sprint Training Guide to get you started. Also check out his Speed Training book.

Be fast, run hard and keep being amazingly awesome. 

Slowly Getting Back Into Pull-Ups & Chin-Ups

 

Been a long time since I've tried Pull-ups & Chin-Ups but recently I got the WorldFit Pull-Up Handles and wanted to see what I can do with them. Only a few workouts doing both moving and isometric exercises and I still got it. Not many reps of Pull-ups & Chin-ups (about 3 per set at best) but I'm still able to get my chin over my hands. 

The Isometrics are brutal especially on the forearms doing different grips, hanging, Isometric Flexes in the bottom, middle and top positions along with Hybrid Isometrics. I came up with the idea for a doorway version of the Hybrid Isometric Pull-up/Chin-Up by putting my anchor under the door, loop my strap around and shorten it so it can fit tightly around the back of my legs so when I go to Pull-up or Chin-Up, the strap will stop me from going any further. This type of Isometric Training is a bit advanced but it builds incredible strength and power when it's done right. I only hold for this for a few seconds but it's intense as hell, just as much if not more than the Hybrid Push-Up. You can check it out here along with my Pull-Up & Chin-Up Videos

At my size, 3 reps is actually really good, I know I can do better though. The most I've ever done in a row was around 18-22 many many years ago. Just need to be careful not to go overboard cause there can be elbow problems so slowly progress. I've had elbow problems more than 20 years ago when I was a teenager doing Shot Put & Discus in high school and it sucked. 

Being able to do Pull-ups and such again could be beneficial to my arsenal but not a necessity. Pull-ups are awesome and some people are incredible at them like Mike The Machine Bruce & others. Just want to keep it basic and just be happy to be able to rep out a few, not going for Marine numbers or world records, hell even try those Barstarzz moves, those guys are fucking nuts lol. Keeping it basic and Low-Skilled is the key, have fun with it and get creative with the Isometric versions. Building grip strength, back conditioning, tendon strength and more. 

As Matt Schifferle puts it, Low-Skilled Exercises are keys to strength and fitness, progressing to harder exercises is great but master the basics and you can't go wrong (I'm paraphrasing and adding my own spin on it). You don't need to do a ton of stuff to get the job done, top notch basic exercises and you're good to go. Pull-ups weren't always my strong suit and never had trouble putting muscle on my back without them. This is more of just keeping up with what's possible and edging little by little that's it. Check out Matt's book Progressive & Weighted Calisthenics. One of the most AFFORDABLE books on the market today along with Grind Style Calisthenics, it shouldn't cost you 150 bucks to learn how to master pull-ups, that's just ridiculous IMO. 

Be safe, get strong and keep being amazingly awesome. If you're ambitious and want to add some strength into your pull-up training to make it harder, grab a Kensui Weight Vest where you can put on weighted plates to make it heavier. Get 10% OFF when you use my Discount Code POWERANDMIGHT at checkout. Maximum Poundage for the vests range from 80-300 lbs. 

Fitness Courses For Under $10

 When you're on a budget, priorities need to be in order to make things efficient. When it comes to fitness, it's best to keep things to a minimal utilizing basic exercises and routines that suit your needs without resorting to buying into the crap of needing this set up or this amount of equipment to fulfil the goals of getting fit and healthy. This holds true for those that sell fitness courses that showcase the best resources of information and training programs while on a budget. 

Although what I promote can be bought on Kindle, it's important to look at things from a perspective that some may not realize. These are options you can have, not always a necessity but to find the best resources within your way of saving some moolah. Not everyone can afford a fitness book that costs more than a weekly grocery trip and doesn't utilize the quality and structure needed to give you the best chance at being fit. Seriously, who the hell would really pay $150 for a book ($49 on KINDLE) when you can grab 5 kindle books or several paperbacks for the same price and not only get far better quality, but far greater information on the subject and have a better variety of exercises that not only build muscle but can build strength in ways others couldn't.

One of my favorite Authors in the last couple years has been Matt Schifferle who's approach to muscle building is not only top notch but has incredible enthusiasm and an honest direct attitude. He's mainly in the business of utilizing bodyweight training with minimal equipment of no more than a suspension trainer and an Isometric Strap most of the time that pits you into the realm of creating a physique that is strong but well conditioned using tactics that focus on tension. All of his courses on Kindle are under 10 bucks and provide the best quality of training information, scientific analysis, simplicity and how to control your body and not just show an exercise for the sake of exercise. His paperbacks are mainly in the 25 Dollar range but they're still very well written and bring a more positive approach to fitness and not acting like some jerk who thinks putting people down is a good idea to put in a book. 

Another author who I greatly admire and have bought from over the years is Brooks Kubik who's a modern day historian into the old school style of training that took strongmen, bodybuilders, everyday people and combat athletes to the moon and beyond. Dinosaur Training is one of the best books when it comes to training in the last near 30 years since its inception in 1996. Since that time, he's written countless articles, newsletters and many books to training for the best quality of life and health. In his mid 60's now, he's changed his approach over the years to showcase the adaptation of training hard while also keeping your bones and muscles strong as you get older. The man is built like a tank and trains on the freaking beach using logs to carry, drag, curl, squat and other things that give him incredible strength and bone thickening power. He mainly sells books on Kindle that are all under $10 and has information on nutrition, classic exercises and routines of the old timers, training for combat sports, training for those in their 40's, 50's and beyond with a hell of a lot more. Highly recommend him.

Last one would be a rugged and stupid strong of a guy named Josh Bryant who's mainly known for his Jailhouse Strong & Gas Station Ready approach to intense training that (like Brooks Kubik) utilizes old school tactics and programs that will put you into the ranks of some strong and tough motherfuckers. I've used his Sprint Training  program a time or two and its simplicity is just awesome. For a man his size to haul ass and run hard up hills is incredible to watch. He's built like a lineman with the speed of a linebacker and the crazy strength of a powerlifter. He utilizes bodyweight, weight training, speed training, sandbags, kettlebells and overall an all-around approach to strength and conditioning using historical references and training protocols of the old timers. His courses on Kindle are all under 10 bucks and takes in the nonsense and rugged style to another level. Talk about a no bullshitter. His knowledge ranks up there with the best today. 

I wouldn't ever tell you guys how to spend your money, that's not my call and you make the choices of what works best for you. I want to give you options that are out there and can give you top notch information that is simple, in your face and make you feel like you can take on the world. It's bad enough when you have snakes who try to con you out of your hard earned money that is cheap quality and full of bashing yet BELIEVE it should be this "golden" nugget of training when in reality, it's pure shit. Trust me you're far better off with the guys above alone than the majority out there. 

Be amazingly awesome and I wish you nothing but success in your endeavors and I'll do what I can to help you find the best resources that are affordable and high quality. 

Lost Empire Herb Of The Day: Bacopa

Results Of Leg Training

I normally don't like showing off my legs when it comes to the results I've attained because of the accident and some areas seem off to me but overall from years of Squats, Step-Ups, Sprints, Animal Walks, Isometrics and other things, I think I've developed some decent legs with some muscularity. Not shredded by any means and I wouldn't call myself Quadzilla or anything like that. These legs have been through a lot and have kept myself in really good condition for the most part.

For a long time, I have always believed in keeping the legs strong, durable and having that workhorse mentality of doing what was possible yet still have gas left in the tank. Stumbled a time or two and have gotten my ass kicked on a few occasions especially on the mat doing BJJ but never thought about not doing some kind of leg training almost daily. Numbers have come and gone, workouts change, forming exercises that don't risk injury and keeping the joints healthy. 

I was never big on the Barbell Squats back in my teens and have done around 400 lbs but that's about it. Squats & Sprints were the big thing for me in those early years of bodyweight training and as time went on, switched to Isometrics and Step-Ups but the Animal Exercises were always my favorite. Not the biggest fan of Plyometrics but I did like the Frog Jumps & The Hindu Jumpers. For a period with the Jumpers, they were part of my 500 Rep Workout with the Hindu Squats and have done as many as 100 Jumpers in a row but never went beyond that. 

From time to time I'll still do Squats and such like doing 100 or so with my 50 lb Sandbell and holding in various positions like Bear Hug & The Shoulder To Shoulder. Step-Ups are my big leg exercise these days as I'll do several hundred to 1000 in certain workouts but also because of my attention span, I have to back off and do other things to keep me interested. Doing hundreds or more of Leg Work isn't my biggest priority but I will do them in spades to maintain conditioning. When it comes to strength, Isometrics are right up there because as long as my tendons and ligaments are strong, it keeps me strong in the long run especially if I'm hiking for a long period of time, hauling furniture up flights of stairs. I haven't even touched a barbell squat since I went to a seminar way back in 2011 when I met Bud Jeffries for the first time and as weird as that was even just doing partials, I just never got right with that kind of squat.

One workout I've now done a couple times recently was doing Step-Ups & Hindu Squats using a Deck Of Cards. I have to where the numbers come out to 450 Step-Ups and 225 Hindu Squats and that's a pretty good workout for the legs. You get both the Unilateral Work and Squat work in the same session which is a hell of a test for lasting strength, quad building, cardio and conditioning. I do my best to only rest by flipping a card and getting into position other than that, I'm off and running at a good pace for myself. One of these days I'll have to time it and see how fast I can do it. It's like paying tribute to Bob Backlund & Karl Gotch in the same workout. I do get bored doing just one exercise for an entire workout and as many times as I've done 500 Squats with those cards, this workout I find more appealing cause I get great leg work from the best of both worlds. If you think Step-Ups are a "lazy man's form of leg training" than you haven't done something like this and do it with solid efficiency and are full of shit in the first place to think like that. It's anything but lazy and as you do the squats, you'll sometimes feel heavier going up the step to do Step-Ups, it can be that brutal on the legs. 

 Most of the time, I like to show the results of my upper body because that's what you see the most from me since I wear baggy shorts and they cover the thighs. I'm just more skeptical of my legs because my scarring from my shin and my legs aren't my best feature. It is what it is but with the way I train, my legs feel great and rarely ever get sore and do my best to work my joints so I don't stiff up. I won't ever have the legs of a Tom Platz (quite frankly who really would?) or a William Gerardi but I'll take what I can get and keep those Tree Trunk California Redwoods going for as long as I can. 

Condition your legs, keep them strong and keep being amazingly awesome. 

Lost Empire Herb Of The Day: Mucuna