Grip That’ll Make a Crescent Wrench Tap Out
Josh on why grip training is non-negotiable.
A strong grip isn’t just for twistin’ off jar lids or showin’ off at the family reunion arm-wrestling table.It’s the silent foundation behind deadlifts, carries, the field of play and fighting’ off a rabid raccoon with a garden hoe.
Problem is—grip usually gives out first.
Then comes Lester “No-Neck” Dobbins, selling moonshine-flavored pre-workout out the back of his truck in the West End of the Allsup’s parking lot, preachin’ to anyone with ears: “Just ditch the straps, bro.”
Respectfully, Lester’s as wrong as a screen door on a submarine.
Losing straps on everything might help your grip… but it ruins movements meant for other muscles.You don’t row to train your fingers. You shrug for traps—not a forearm pump.
So I called up ISSA-certified grip wizard Joe Musselwhite—the man’s handshake could crack a crab claw—and got the real rundown.
Here’s how to build a grip that doesn’t quit without adding time or sabotaging your training.
Grip Strength Bible
1. White-Knuckle Squeeze Finishers
At the end of a set, squeeze the bar like it owes you child support.
6–8 seconds, 3–5 sets.
Doesn’t take long, but it leaves a mark.
2. Farmer’s Walks with an Edge
3 sets, 15–30 seconds.
Use Fat Gripz, a towel, or whatever makes holding the weight a challenge.
You’ll feel this from your fingertips to your soul.
3. Plate Carry Thumb Furnace
Carry your plates smooth-side out, two at a time.
Joe says thumb strength is the backbone of grip—and this lights it up every time you clean up after yourself.
4. Static Plate Pinch Holds
Before you rack the plates, pinch and hold ‘em like you’re clingin’ to the last piece of beef jerky.
3 sets, max time. Pain is your coach now.
5. Deadlift Overhand Holds
Double overhand. Locked out. Let it slowly roll to the fingertips.
Hold for 15 seconds, 3 sets.
Like holdin’ onto a pissed-off badger—don’t let go.
My Backwoods Bonus Tactics That Work:
Lift Tweaks = Big Gains
Turn a dumbbell curl into a Zottman curl.
Add Fat Gripz.
Tiny changes turn average lifts into forearm torture devices.
Heavy Work Without Straps
Deadlifts, sled pulls, rows, shrugs—no straps unless grip kills the purpose.
When grip is the target, it needs to be the limiter.
When overall strength or muscle is the goal, and grip fails too soon—strap up and move weight.
Straps When Needed. Not When Wanted.
If grip’s the weak link and not the goal? Use ‘em.
Otherwise, tough it out.
Heavy loads + time under tension = a grip that laughs at adversity.
But remember: intent matters.
If grip is always the weak link, overall development—including muscle and strength—will suffer.
Train smart. Be selective. Let the desired training effect dictate your tool choice.
Towel Training for the Win
Towel over the pull-up bar = thick grip hell.
Towel rows, curls, pulldowns, sled handles—endless options.
Grip don’t grow if it ain’t challenged.
Forget Lester’s parking lot advice.
Build a grip with purpose, pressure, and precision.
Because if your hands can’t hold on—nothing else matters.
Build grip strength like a man’s supposed to—by training for it. Join one of Josh’s Training Vaults and forge vise grips that don’t quit: