Archives For thumb

So I've been using the double overhand hook grip for deadlifts for a few weeks now. Mixed grip deadlifts feels weird and hurts my shoulders and wrist, so I only pull with a double overhand hook grip.

The grip itself is fantastic and secure, and the limiting factors that I've experienced so far are my pain tolerance, and a paranoia of ripping off my thumbnails.

My pain tolerance grows higher every time I deadlift, and I don't worry too much about tearing my thumbnails off during the lift.

The tips of my thumbs are callused now, and skin tends to peel off every few days.

But I am starting to see a series of diagonal lines on my thumbnails, as shown below:

Thumbnail Damage Hook Grip Deadlifts

I've seen pictures of people cracking their thumbnail because of the hook grip, but I haven't seen this before.

It also feels a little tender underneath my thumbnail. I can really feel it when I'm playing video games, especially when using the left and right analogue sticks on the control pad.

Cause for concern? Nah. At least not yet.

Do not drop Olympic bar on your thumb

So this week I somehow managed to injure myself on Monday by changing (actually, removing) a 45lbs plate off the Olympic bar.

Somehow the bar slipped out of  my right hand, and the edge of the bar slammed down directly into the cuticle of my thumb, cutting it up and causing a bloody mess.

The thumb is fine, although I probably won't be able to use a "hook grip" during power cleans.

Finally A New PR!

I set a new PR (personal record) on the overhead press. Pressed 215lbs, which beats my old record of 214.5lbs. It's only a 0.5lb difference, but I'll take it.

Also, I'm at a body weight of around 189lbs, about 5lbs lighter than I was during my previous PR a few months ago. Not too shabby.

Anyways, a few things worth reading:

Stuff To Read

  1. Marianne from myomytv.com rants about how women should train. I agree!
  2. If don't have access to a power cage or squat rack, here's what you can do
  3. Lifting really heavy weights is hard, and that's why most people don't do it. 70's Big shows you how you can prepare before the lift, and how to aggressively attack the rep
  4. Knee pain? Try this: http://www.charlespoliquin.com/ArticlesMultimedia/Articles/Article/693/The_VMO_Solution.aspx
  5. Women can (and should!) do full push ups: http://saptstrength.com/2011/09/16/some-female-pushup-goodness/