FL3 WO-B

Chris-STL · 12-05-2006, 07:18 AM

Quick question. Between the Wrist stretch from front squats (yes my flexibility sucks) and the fatigue from Chin's and Step-ups, my grip is shot near the 3rd or 4th giant set. This is becoming a limiting factor in both my chin's and my step ups.

Is it better to keep the weight down to avoid the grip fatigue? Or is it better to take a couple seconds in the middle of the set to shake out my hands?

I won't even mention the pain I start to get in the second giant set. 40 step-up's, brutal.

sillybubba74 · 12-05-2006, 08:08 AM

Have you tried a Front Squat variation? I use the cross-armed method since my flexibility is terrible as well. This might spare your wrists some. Or you could buy some straps.

Chris-STL · 12-05-2006, 08:25 AM

I have done the cross arm in the past, but I found that I wasn't able to keep the bar back as my loads got heavier. So I backed up my weight some and have been working on the overhand grip. The flexibility is getting better.

And yes, straps are another option I forgot to mention. I usually avoid them because I want the grip strength to improve, but maybe just using them for the last set or two?

Lisa~ · 12-05-2006, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris-STL

And yes, straps are another option I forgot to mention. I usually avoid them because I want the grip strength to improve, but maybe just using them for the last set or two?

Chris,

Keep working on the clean grip for your front squat. It's a good goal.

I usually recommend avoiding straps too and I would not ask you to use them for your chin-ups. How about using straps to hold the DBs during your step-ups? The DBs are not heavy enough to worry about shoulder issues from using the straps. Your grip is getting worked sufficiently with the chins. The focus on the step-ups is your legs, so using straps to hold the DBs in this case makes sense to me.

Chris-STL · 12-05-2006, 08:58 AM

That sounds like a good option. I'll give it a shot. Thanks!

jrmorgan · 12-05-2006, 05:18 PM

If grip is the limiting factor, and not overall fatigue, then Lisa has a good recommendation. I think there is some value in trying to complete the workout without straps even if you have to lower the weight, then do some grip work. My grip strength has never been great, even with some extra work, so I don't get worried about it. I just try to do the workout as best as I can.

Chris-STL · 12-06-2006, 07:20 AM

Funny part is, untill this workout, I was pretty proud of my grip!