In 1995, IronMind presented a chart that defined grip strength as having three components—crushing, pinching and supporting—and this concept has become so widely accepted and repeated that it’s taken as gospel throughout the grip world. It’s now time to put those ideas aside.

In 2009, IronMind presented an enhanced theory and better analytical tool for grip strength that would lead to better results and the kind of PR performances you dream about: the Crushed-to-Dust! Cube.

With the Crushed-to-Dust! Cube, now you can easily:

1. understand the different types of grip strength
2. identify the most effective forms of training for your specialty/requirements
3. select the equipment best fitting your requirements

The 2 main types of grip strength are:

	CRUSHING – your 4 fingers provide the power, as when shaking hands
	PINCHING – the thumb provides the power, as when pinch gripping plates

For each of those 2 types of grip strength, you can have your hand in either a closed or an open position:

CRUSHING

• closed hand: when you are finishing off a gripper
• open hand: when you are lifting a thick bar

PINCHING

• closed hand: when you are pinch gripping a thin object, like a barbell plate
• open hand: when you are pinch gripping a thick object, like a Blob

For any of these 4 possibilities, the intensity of the effort can take two different forms:

	1-rep maximum effort, such as a PR lift on the Rolling Thunder or closing the toughest Captains of Crush Gripper you can
	Endurance, whether for time, such as the Hercules Hold in the strongman world, or for reps, such as a rock climber working on a series of hard moves

It’s that simple:

2 prime movers x 2 hand positions x 2 intensities = 8 facets of grip strength

Supporting role

A supporting role is played by the wrist/forearm and the extensors. These help stabilize the hand, providing power and muscle balance.

Each of the grip tools in our Crushed-to-Dust! system is designed to train one or more of these 8 facets of grip strength. It’s foolproof—and it’s the fastest, surest route to the superior grip strength you’re seeking.

Since we opened our doors in 1988, IronMind has led the charge in the grip world: developing new products; recognizing superior performance; and elevating its importance.

IronMind has made parallel contributions in hand health, helping  people build strong and healthy hands and prevent, reduce, or eliminate hand pain.

As you explore the IronMind grip world—the land of Crushed-to-Dust!—remember that our products and training principles are dual purpose: they both lead to greater grip strength and to improved hand health, a double benefit.