Professional Documents
Culture Documents
SOCIALS
godsofgrip.com
INTRODUCTION
First of all, I just wanted to say a massive thank you for
downloading our free training guide.
The Guide
We first released this guide way back in 2018, not long after we
started Gods Of Grip.
Since then we’ve only updated this guide once, which was late
2019.
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 1
INTRODUCTION
So.. What’s New?
We’re aiming to continue to improve on this guide a couple of
times each year, this helps add any new training techniques
we’re using and helps to just give a quick refresh to your training.
Video
One of the major improvements we
have made to the guide is the
inclusion of videos for each exercise.
Structure
We’ve slightly tweaked the style of the guide, instead of it being
an outright 2 week training plan. We look more in depth at
individual exercises, grouping them together for you to hand pick
some of the exercises you have equipment for.
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 2
TYPES OF GRIP
Did you know there are three types of grip?
If you’re looking to train for a specific lift or sport then you may
want to focus on a specific type of grip.
Crush Grip
Crush grip refers to the pressure you apply with your fingers and
palm, such as when you tightly clench your hand.
To train your crush grip effectively, we recommend:
● Hand Grippers
● Thick Bars /Axles
● Rolling Handles
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 3
TYPES OF GRIP
Pinch Grip
This is a type of grip that involves
using the thumb and fingers to hold
an object between them without
the use of the palm.
Support Grip
This is a type of grip that involves
holding onto an object with a
closed hand for an extended period
of time. It is often used in activities
that require endurance, such as
rock climbing, weightlifting, or
holding heavy objects for an
extended period.
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 4
WARMING UP
Although warming up may seem like a tedious repetitive task, it is
an essential part of keeping healthy hands and preventing
injuries.
There are many different exercises you can perform quickly and
easily before or after training which will not only help prevent
injuries, but improve overall performance.
If you don’t have either of these then you can perform a variety of
wrist / forearm stretches to warm up.
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 5
THE GRIP RING
One of the best ways to warm up is with one of our Grip Rings.
These are designed for ease of use and replicate the crushing
motion used when training with grippers. This makes them ideal
for getting used to the motion, we do actually have an 80lb ring
which provides a really tough challenge, it’s also handy for
helping develop strength.
Ideal for keeping in your training bag, in the gym or even in your
pocket. We would recommend performing around 10 - 20
repetitions on each hand for 2 - 3 sets before training. This helps
get the blood flowing and muscles warmed up. As the motion is
very similar to that of crushing a hand gripper, this makes them
the perfect warm-up accessory.
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 6
THE GRIP RING
The Grip Rings are available in 6 different resistances, perfect for
warming up / recovery and also building strength, they are quite
simply a must have.
Warming Up
The best choice for warming up is the 30lb, 40lb, or 50lb. They
provide a low resistance allowing you to get plenty of reps in
without fatigue but still getting the blood flowing.
Building Strength
For focusing more on strength building we recommend the 60lb,
70lb and 80lb. They provide a much tougher resistance
compared to the lower 3.
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 7
EXTENSOR BANDS
Finger strength extensor bands are an excellent grip training
accessory. Perfect for building strength, recovering from an injury
and building musculature.
Really simple to use with great results. Simply hook the loops over
your fingers, with the larger loop over your thumb then extend
your fingers outwards. You’ll instantly feel the stretch in the
forearm and wrist.
Using these on a regular basis will help blood circulation. This will
help restore muscle function as well as improving finger strength
and flexibility.
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 8
EXTENSOR BANDS
The extensor bands come in 3 different resistances. We
recommend:
Warming Up
The best choice for most people is the Blue Level 1 Extensor band.
It’s light resistance allows for high repetitions providing the
perfect warm up and recovery.
Building Strength
For building strength the Green Level 2 and Orange Level 3 bands
are more effective. The orange band especially provides a very
tough level of resistance, it will help strengthen your weakest
areas, but requires a good bit of effort!
If you already have a good level of strength then these can also
be used for warm ups and cooldowns.
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 9
STRETCHES
If you don’t have any of our recommended accessories then you
can simply perform some of the stretches below.
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 10
STRETCHES
PRAYER STRETCH
My go to stretch usually, really good for getting a deep stretch in
the wrists.
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 11
STRETCHES
EXTENSOR STRETCH
Working on the extensors is a key part of warming up before
training, especially with grippers. This is why we usually
recommend using the extensor bands, but this stretch can help
too.
● Using your other hand, bend your wrist making sure the
fingers point up to the sky.
● Do this until you feel a good stretch in the wrist, forearm and
hand. For a deeper stretch you can pull slightly harder, but
try not to overextend your wrist or fingers.
● Hold the position for around 10-20 seconds then repeat 3-5
times on both hands with around 30 seconds rest between
arms.
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 12
TRAINING PLAN
How Often Should I Train?
We would recommend starting off with 3 days a week and
increasing this to 4 when you are able to recover and adapt your
training.
● 12 Exercises in total
● 2 Exercises Per Session 3x Per Week
● 2 Weeks training
● 0 Excuses
Each session will fit perfectly at the end of your current training
regiment or even as part of.
Anwww.godsofgrip.com
introduction into grip| training.
Page 13
THE EXERCISES
Also known as.. The good part..
Varied Training
The key to developing your overall
grip strength is varying your
training.
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 14
WRIST
SECTION 1
Muscles Targeted
● Forearms
● Wrists
● Crush / Support Grip
Technique
● Hold the dumbbells by your side similar to the starting
position of a bicep curl
● When the dumbbell gets towards the end of your fingers curl
the weight back up by tightening your hands
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 15
Technique
● Hold the dumbbells by your side similar to the starting
position of a bicep curl
● When the dumbbell gets towards the end of your fingers curl
the weight back up by tightening your hands
WEIGHT REPS
Try to focus on the squeeze at the top of the rep, really trying to engage the forearm.
Keep the repetitions over 6 with the weight light for at least a couple of weeks to help
build that foundation of wrist strength.
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 16
BANDED WRIST CURLS
EXERCISE 2
Muscles Targeted
● Forearms
● Wrists
● Crush / Support Grip
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 17
Technique
● The easiest way to start this exercise is grabbing your
resistance band and hooking one end under your foot
● Grab the other end resistance band in the palm of your hand
● Once you reach the top of the curl, slowly release back down
below parallel and curl back up
Try to squeeze the band tightly, this will help further engage the forearms and wrist during
the curls.
Keep the reps high with light bands and the reps low with heavy bands.
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 18
Example Training Routine - Light Resistance
WEIGHT REPS
WEIGHT REPS
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 19
BARBELL WRIST CURLS
EXERCISE 3
Muscles Targeted
● Forearms
● Wrists
● Crush / Support Grip
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 20
Technique
● You can either deadlift the bar up, or start off with it in a rack
at hip height. I prefer using a rack as it allows me to stack
the weight up a bit and easily lift it off.
● Simply let the bar slightly roll down your fingers, down as far
as you can until it feels like you’re running out of finger..
When curling the weight back up, try to really squeeze the forearms, if you can hold the
weight for a second at the top before releasing back down.
Don’t forget to try this thumbless after you get the hang of it.
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 21
Example Training Routine - Light Weight yeahh buddy
WEIGHT REPS
WEIGHT REPS
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 22
CRUSH
SECTION 2
Crush grip is the grip between your fingers and palm. A typical
example of this would be if you were to close your hand as tightly
as you can. This is the crushing motion.
We find the most effective ways to train your crush grip are by
using Hand Grippers, Thick Bars / Axles and Rolling Handles.
HAND GRIPPERS
EXERCISE 1
Muscles Targeted
● Forearms
● Wrists
● Crush / Support Grip
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 23
Technique
We will keep this technique as basic as possible. If your serious
about grippers then check out our Hand Gripper Heaven Book.
● One leg should be in the palm of your hand, the other leg
resting on your fingers
Learning how to set your hand gripper really is essential. It may seem frustrating at first..
But stick with it and you’ll soon see huge results.
Don’t forget to warm up before your training, Grip Rings are the perfect accessory.
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 24
Example Training Routine 1
WEIGHT REPS
WEIGHT REPS
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 25
BARBELL HOLDS
EXERCISE 2
Muscles Targeted
● Forearms
● Wrists
● Traps
● Shoulders
● Core
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 26
Technique
● This exercise must be performed double overhand (both
hands with fingers front and thumbs back of the bar).
● If possible, load the bar onto a rack just below your hips, this
makes it easier to perform sets instead of deadlifting the
weight up each time.
● Simply grab the bar, take it up to lockout and hold it there for
the required time.
These are paired really well with barbell wrist curls. You can do these after or before, but
be warned.. Your forearms will be on FIRE!
Don’t forget, this exercise should be performed double overhand without straps.
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 27
ROLLING HANDLE
EXERCISE 3
Muscles Targeted
● Forearms
● Wrists
● Thumbs
● Back
● Legs
The Set Up
There are a few different set ups you can use on Rolling Handle.
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 28
Technique
● Grasp the handle overhand making sure to squeeze tightly.
This tight squeeze will engage your wrist and forearm.
● Engage your back and legs then simply deadlift the weight
up.
● Hold the weight at the top of the lockout for a second then
lower it back down.
● This lift can be performed with the thumb over, which will
help to develop thumb strength.
The key to a strong rolling handle lift is powerful legs back and thumb strength.
You’ll soon notice a drastic increase in thumb and wrist strength using this implement on
a regular basis.
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 29
Example Training Routine
WEIGHT REPS
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 30
PINCH
SECTION 3
PINCH BLOCKS
EXERCISE 1
Muscles Targeted
● Forearms
● Wrists
● Thumbs
● Pinch Grip
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 31
Technique
This is a basic introduction into the technique for pinch lifting. I
highly recommend you check out the video below for a more in
depth look into proper technique.
Pinch heavily relies on thumb strength. The best way to train this is using pinch blocks.
They are simply the best tool.
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 32
Example Training Routine
WEIGHT REPS
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 33
PLATE PINCHING
EXERCISE 2
Muscles Targeted
● Forearms
● Wrists
● Thumbs
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 34
Technique
A very easy way to train pinch at your home gym or at the gym.
Everywhere has weight plates so there’s no excuse!
● Start off with just a small plate to get the technique down.
● Grasp the top of the plate over hand, fingers on the front side
and thumb on the rear.
● Lift the weight plate off the floor to lockout, then lower it back
down.
Plate pinching is a very effective exercise for developing pinch grip strength, not only that
it also looks awesome when you’re able to hoist up 2 x 20kg plates.
Give it a go.. Then after you’ve mastered it.. Get your friends to have a go.
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 35
Example Training Routine
It’s difficult really to provide any form of training routine for plate
pinching. It’s just something you can chuck into the end of your
training session.
● Each time you load weight onto your bar e.g during bench /
deadlifts. Try to pinch grip the plate over to your bar.
● Try performing holds for time with the plates work on 3 x 10s
holds per hand.
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 36
THE PINCH WHEEL
EXERCISE 3
Muscles Targeted
● Forearms
● Wrists
● Thumbs
Heavier Weight
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 37
Technique
A variation of plate lifting that is really easy to perform but
provides additional strain on the forearms, particularly helping
develop support grip.
● Start off with just a small plate to get the technique down
● Grasp the top of the plate over hand, fingers on the front
side.
Plate pinching is a very effective exercise for developing pinch grip strength, not only that
it also looks awesome when you’re able to hoist up 2 x 20kg plates.
Give it a go.. Then after you’ve mastered it.. Get your friends to have a go.
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 38
SUPPORT
SECTION 4
TIMED HOLDS
EXERCISE 1
Muscles Targeted
● Forearms
● Wrists
● Crush / Support Grip
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 39
Preparation
The hardest part about developing support grip is pretty much
training your central nervous system and learning to develop
that mind over matter mentality.
Performing holds with any piece of equipment you grab with your
hands is going to help develop support grip.
Support grip isn’t the funnest to train, but it’s absolutely essential.
Holds are very difficult but yield great results. You just need to train yourself to push
through the burn.
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 40
Suggested Exercises To Implement Holds
We’ve added a few examples of when you can easily add timed
holds into your routine.
Deadlifts
● Try to perform warm ups double overhand without straps
and perform a 7 - 10 second hold at the top of your last rep.
● Decrease the hold time as the weight gets heavier but try to
get at least 3 - 5 seconds.
Pulldowns
● Try to keep as much tension on the bar at the end of your
set, aim for 7 - 10 seconds during the warmups and 3 - 5
seconds on your working sets.
Hand Grippers
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 41
WRIST ROLLER
EXERCISE 2
Muscles Targeted
● Forearms
● Wrists
● Support Grip
● Shoulders
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 42
Technique
A variation of plate lifting that is really easy to perform but
provides additional strain on the forearms, particularly helping
develop support grip.
● Unravel the rope on the wrist roller, start with the maximum
extension allowance on the rope.
● Hold the bar out in front of you, try to keep your arms level. If
you struggle with this, you can push a bar through the roller
and rest it on your rack.
● Twist the bar using by rotating your hands back and forth.
● Once you have reached the top, rotate your hands the other
way to release the weight back down
When it comes to destroying a forearm, the wrist roller is probably your go to grip tool.
Very good for increasing support grip and forearm strength.
It may feel nice at first.. But 10 seconds in you’ll be feeling the burn.
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 43
Example Training Routine
We would usually recommend keeping the weight pretty light if
you’re specifically targeting support grip & forearm muscle
development.
It’s great to throw this in at the end of the session, as you won’t be
fit for anything after 5 minutes of pain!
● 30 Seconds Rotating
● 30 Seconds Rest
● 5 minutes Total
If you’re looking to try and increase strength too you can increase
the weight, but we would usually advise to fix the roller into
position on your rack, this can be done by either using one of
your hooks or place a bar straight through the roller.
Doing this will greatly reduce the strain on the shoulders during
the movement.
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 44
OPEN PALM SUPPORT
EXERCISE 3
Muscles Targeted
● Forearms
● Wrists
● Support Grip
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 45
THICK GRIPS
E X E R C I S E 3A
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 46
GRIP BALLS
E X E R C I S E 3B
● Switch out the nice handles for your pulldowns and try the
grip balls.
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 47
THICK BAR
E X E R C I S E 3C
Last but not least, we know a lot of you guys are Strongmen /
Women and you will frequently perform loading events including
sandbags, stones, kegs and all sorts.
Try your best to ditch the straps for a few farmers sessions, even
if it means going at a lighter weight!
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 48
ARM BLASTERS
BONUS SECTION
I know a lot of you just really want to pack on some real arm
meat, and well we’re here to share you with our top exercises for
blowing up those forearms.
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 49
HAMMER CURLS
EXERCISE 1
Muscles Targeted
● Forearms
● Wrists
● Biceps
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 50
Technique
Hammer curls are an excellent and very popular exercise, if you
are a regular gym goer then you will have seen people doing
these.
● Once you reach the top, slowly release back down to the
starting position
Hammer curls should absolutely be a staple part of your grip training and regular arm
training routine.
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 51
Example Training Routine - For Endurance
WEIGHT REPS
Warm Up - 30% 1 x 12
Warm Up - 40% 1 x 10
WEIGHT REPS
Warm Up - 50% 1 x 10
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 52
ZOTTMAN CURLS
EXERCISE 2
Muscles Targeted
● Forearms
● Wrists
● Biceps
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 53
Technique
An excellent variation of the standard curl focusing more on the
forearms.
● Curl the weight up towards you as you would for a bicep curl,
slight rotation in the wrist.
● Once you reach the top slowly rotate your wrist inwards and
release back down.
A really unique training exercise that helps to specifically target the forearms. It may feel
strange at first, but it’s well worth keeping in the routine.
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 54
Example Training Routine
The key to this exercise is trying to keep the weight light and the
reps high. It can be tempting to crank up the weight.. But try your
best to keep it to around 70% max.
WEIGHT REPS
Warm Up - 30% 1 x 12
Warm Up - 40% 1 x 10
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 55
REVERSE BAR CURLS
EXERCISE 3
Muscles Targeted
● Forearms
● Wrists
● Biceps
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 56
Technique
Best performed with an EZ Curl bar, the different angle of grip
targets different areas of the forearm.
● Grab the EZ curl bar in the position you usually would for a
bicep curl, but from the top.
Reverse bar curls are one of the greatest exercises for targeting forearm size. If they’re not
in your routine.. Get them in there.
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 57
Example Training Routine
With this exercise we found it’s most effective to stick within a mid
/ high rep range. It seems to work best for developing size &
strength.
WEIGHT REPS
Warm Up - 30% 1 x 12
Warm Up - 40% 1 x 10
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 58
ATHLETE PICKS
So we quizzed our athletes for their favourite movements for
developing grip strength and well here you go.
REBECCA ROBERTS
PADDY HAYNES
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 59
LIZZY HOWELLS
“My favorite exercise for developing grip
strength at the moment is using the
rolling handle. I really enjoy adding this
into my training at least once a week as
it allows you to load the handle heaving
than other grip training equipment, so
provides an enjoyable challenge but is
also a staple of grip training in my
opinion. Before I owned a rolling handle
I enjoyed doing a similar movement
with double overhand axle., ”
OLIVER DILLEY
Thanks for that guys! I think the jist of that was basically get yourself a Rolling Handle
& some grippers if you don’t already.
@GODSOFGRIP
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 60
RECOVERY
THE KEY TO SUCCESS
You didn’t think you we’re getting away with it that easily did
you?
Grip Rings
Our Number #1
Recommended
Accessory
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 61
Adjustable Gripper
The unsung hero from my early grip training days. Adjustable
grippers are the ideal entry level grip trainer for most people.
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 62
Star Grippers
Our Star Grippers are the perfect recovery and rehabilitation
accessory whether you are at the office, at the gym or at home.
The soft feel and ergonomic star style design allows them to sit in
your hand comfortably.
www.godsofgrip.com | Page 63
THANK YOU
Thank you for taking the time to read through our free grip and
forearm training guide.
Tom
SOCIALS