Post: #1

After having a wrist sprain knock me off the lifting train for the past two months, I knew that I had to start looking into how to develop wrist/forearm strength. I was not doing anything specific for my lower arms and wanted to add in something besides the classic "weight on a rope" contraption that every gym has.

Ross Enamait, of rosstraining.com, has published an eBook called Untapped Strength . After reading some blog posts and seeing some of his videos, I knew that Ross is a real dude is an example of "practice what you preach."





I made the jump and bought the eBook...and it fulfilled all of my expectations.

Ross truly is a "red pill fitness" writer. In his book he openly says that he's not a competitive grip strength specialist and that there are much better resources if you'd like to compete in grip contests. This is a no bullshit encyclopedia of grip training for men. Some of these exercises seem really dumb...but Ross doesn't give a fuck. Try it out and watch your gainzz. The emphasis on this book is on athletes and weightlifters alike who want to prevent injuries and become more well-rounded at their sport, whether its throwing a better punch, gripping your opponent better, or simply deadlifting more.

That being said, the focus of the book is not on doing a "grip day" or specified grip workouts that take too much of your time. This is 250 pages of an expansive range of exercises that can be added to any existing workout routine with ease, and Ross makes it clear that huge grip gains can be made without wasting any more time in the gym.

Another key about this book is the low tech options. If you browse Ross's blog enough...you'll see that he is a big proponent of low tech sandbag training, bodyweight exercises, and simplicity. This book is no exception, he outlines many homemade grip machines and apparatus that you can make for minimal cost. He includes diagrams and building instructions that anyone with a screwdriver could follow.

All in all I have nothing bad to say about this book. It takes a very holistic approach to training that is rare in today's fitness industry. If you're an athlete of any kind I suggest this to you.

Post: #2

Ross is the man. He has tons of knowledge and actionable advice, plus a no bullshit attitude and mental toughness.
I have been reading his blog for years, and it has allowed me to see through lots of bullshit in the fitness industry.
You always see people that aren't even in good shape debating the smallest details about fitness and nutrition.
Ross clears away lots of bullshit and gives you simple, effective training advice, and lots of do it yourself equipment ideas.
Im a big fan of his articles about hillsprints and running hills. Definitely motivational and effective.

Post: #3

Thanks for the review. Been meaning to check this book out.

I don't think you can go wrong with anything Ross puts out. I love his vids on homemade gym equipment and if I get a long-term place I want to start slapping a real spartan-style gym together and get people in there training.

I'm Here.

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling

Post: #4

Thanks for sharing, redbeard. I'm suspecting a lack of incorporating these type of supplementary workouts are a factor in causing my pullup numbers & performances to plateau recently.

Post: #5

Ross Enamait always puts out excellent material. I've not bought this book, but own several of his others. A quality guy all round.

For people with a serious interest in grip strength, there is also 'The grip master's manual' by John Brookfield (free pdfs are available online without 'needing' to torrent). It's an awesome manual that can give you some serious hand and wrist strength.