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Arms Like Garth - a weight-training wire

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Dvorak Dec 2023 11:23am, 14 Dec 2023 27,406 posts	Quote Pin Dvorak I watched a bit of that video, and there's a machine in my gym that features, which I only just noticed on my last visit. I haven't looked it up because I don't know what it's called, or how to use it. (It's a Concept2.) It's at 5:40 in the video: a tall frame with two pull-down handles. Can anyone advise?
Nellers Dec 2023 11:38am, 14 Dec 2023 41,699 posts	Quote Pin Nellers Dvorak: https://youtu.be/B0lIgT5PHc8?si=sD1esZDy_o3oPLHG It's supposed to replicate cross country skiing.
Nellers Dec 2023 11:41am, 14 Dec 2023 41,700 posts	Quote Pin Nellers Maclennane: Other opinions are available but if you're looking for strength in a practical way I'd say avoid the straps. Your grip strength will improve as you deadlift (or lift generally) more, but not as much if you use straps. What are you going to do with the strength gains? If you can't grip and hold things to utilise that strength what's it for? Alternatively yes, straps will allow you to continue to increase your deadlift and get stronger in the hamstrings, glutes and back. What end result are you after?
Dvorak Dec 2023 11:42am, 14 Dec 2023 27,407 posts	Quote Pin Dvorak Thanks, Nellers. I'd thought it would be alternate arms, but that's not how it's mainly shown in the video, or done in Hyrox.
Merry Christmas and Happy NewG(rrr) Dec 2023 12:05pm, 14 Dec 2023 48,888 posts	Quote Pin Merry Christmas and Happy NewG(rrr) I misunderstood Ski Erg (from _andy) vs. those cross trainer things that look like you're swooshing your feet out to the side at an angle. I thought that was simulating cross country skiing (the skating action that you do on skis when you have to go flat or slightly uphill). But obviously not! G
Maclennane Dec 2023 12:39pm, 14 Dec 2023 31,723 posts	Quote Pin Maclennane Thing is Nellers, I'd done farmer carries the day before, so completely blown my forearms. I want functional strength, but if I'm targeting grip strength on other days, wouldn't it make sense to take the pressure off on others?
Homeless Kodo Dec 2023 12:48pm, 14 Dec 2023 2,148 posts	Quote Pin Homeless Kodo Were they heavy farmers walks?
Nellers Dec 2023 12:51pm, 14 Dec 2023 41,706 posts	Quote Pin Nellers I guess you have a point, Mac, but grip being the limiting factor is perhaps the thing that needs the work? If you're maxing out your grip with your deadlift, even after working grip the day before, then maybe increasing the deadlift isn't the issue?
Maclennane Dec 2023 1:36pm, 14 Dec 2023 31,724 posts	Quote Pin Maclennane 2x32Kg Kodo, I did 5 sets of farmers carries, and some suitcase carries, my forearms felt like I'd been climbing
Homeless Kodo Dec 2023 3:51pm, 14 Dec 2023 2,150 posts	Quote Pin Homeless Kodo I’m guessing it’s your periodisation that needs looking at Mac. The intrinsic & extrinsic hand muscles are small compared to the other muscles used in farmers/suitcase/deadlift so will take longer to recover. Straps will help you lift the heavier weights but may not be the best answer. Prioritising one grip heavy exercise over the other or giving your grip 48 hours rest between grip heavy sessions may be worth a look.