Friday, May 17, 2024

How to Improve Your Grip Strength

Plus, tips on overcoming past failures for future success.
 ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
In today's edition, Joe shares:
  • Why You Should Climb More
  • Exercises for Grip Strength
  • How to Overcome Past Failure
 
Spartans!

Some people are drawn to the beach. Some prefer the valley. I'm a magnet to mountains.

I'm obsessed with hiking mountains. In fact, I've dragged my family up and down so many mountains that my wife finally put her foot down.

To build our cabin on the mountain in Vermont, we hauled many materials up ourselves: stones for the staircase, two wood stoves, roof shingles, cement bags. Even during snowstorms.

I love the challenge of a climb, being out of breath, and the rewarding view at the top. But there's a key feature of hiking a mountain that makes it so addictive.

Epic mountaineer Edmund Viesturs once said, "Getting to the top is optional. Getting to the bottom is mandatory."

You have to climb down.

Climbing puts you in a position where you are forced to complete the challenge.

Some of life's most transformative moments occur when we're exhausted, but we have no choice but to keep going. We have to dig deep and summon our courage, strength, and discipline, or we'll never get off the mountain.

This is how we grow, learn, and show ourselves how strong we really are.

Find something that backs you in a corner and do it. When you're forced to find your way out, you'll build newfound resilience and grit.

Climb up so you have to climb down.

Here's to The Hard Way!

Joe
 
GET A GRIP

Improve your grip strength this summer with workouts on the Spartan App, where you can get a Spartan+ 7-day free trial to training plans and obstacle tips. You can also check out moves from one of our instructors, Christian Bizzotto, below. Because a better grip comes from strengthening forearms and hand muscles, these moves target weaknesses in those areas. Incorporate them into your training to get the job done on race day.

Start small. "Finger extensions with a rubber band might seem basic but are great for the forearm muscles," Christian says.

Hang from a bar. Christian suggests using Fat Gripz, which better mimics the thickness of the monkey bars at your race.

Fill a bucket with rice or sand. Submerge your hands in the bucket and twist your wrists like you're turning a faucet.

Grab Dumbbells. Superset Dumbbell Wrist Curls and Dumbbell Wrist Extensions for a next-level wrist burn.

Carry Everything. Practice all day long with grocery bags, luggage at the airport, and your kids' stuff.

 
You Ask, Joe Answers
Q: Hey Joe , How do I keep past failures from preventing me from making big moves in my health, career, and more?
- Chris K.

A: Hey Chris, Everything before one second ago is irrelevant. To me, all that matters is the current second. When it comes to making a change or decision in your life, remember that you have two options: You can make the change now, or make it later. As you get in the habit of making choices for the current moment, regardless of your past, you'll start to feel more confident. Keep practicing.

Aroo!

Question for Joe? Want to tell him what you think of The Hard Way? Email him at thehardway@spartan.com.
 
FREE FITNESS
CLICK TO SHARE
 
They Said It
"I do not know anyone who has got to the top without hard work. That is the recipe. It will not always get you to the top, but should get you pretty near."
Margaret Thatcher
 
OUR LATEST
The Hard Way Podcast
"Don't trust humans when they say 'I want something'"
 
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS NEWSLETTER?
MEH SOLID AROO!
TRAIN EAT APP TEAMS

No comments:

Post a Comment

Blog Archive