The hook grip is a friction grip, granted. But if your fingers lack the flexion strength to mash into your thumb with sufficient force to produce the friction, the grip will not hold. Therefore, the hook grip is also strength-dependent.
✓ Member
Hook Grip Adaption
Hey Rip - I searched the forum and couldn't find any insight on this. I understand the stress recovery adaption cycle for strength. How the SRA cycle apply to hook grip. What specifically is being adapted? If I understand correctly, its not grip strength per se. But rather a progression in being able to tolerate the pain/discomfort of the hook grip. Anyways, just curious if you had any insight here.
thx again for all the great information, books, podcasts, videos, and now SSOC.
TMPHBITEU
The hook grip is a friction grip, granted. But if your fingers lack the flexion strength to mash into your thumb with sufficient force to produce the friction, the grip will not hold. Therefore, the hook grip is also strength-dependent.
✓ Member
Thanks, that makes sense. That explains the strength part of it. I'm curious how the adaption to the pain/discomfort of hook grip works? Is there a physiological adaption or is it just a factor of your brain getting used to it and desensitized to it...enough so that you can push through it.
TMPHBITEU
"Adaption" is not a word. We have "adaptation" and "adoption" for you to choose from.
It's different for everyone. Some say it hurts, some say it makes their thumbs numb, others say it doesn't hurt too much and they forget the pain after a while. For me, it doesn't hurt at all (but then again I'm not deadlifting that much weight yet).Originally Posted by entering40strongerthan20
Just try it when you feel like you can't double-overhand your deadlift anymore and see how it feels.
Member
Adaption is a word in Boston, I think.
DRLVEGAS
It's how some people get children there.
✓ Member
Ok...excuse my shitty demonstration of the English language.
Revised question: In addition to the grip strength adaptation is there a physiological adaptation that occurs in regards to the ability to tolerate the pain/discomfort of the hook grip?
My goal is to learn more about this, I know that ultimately a lifter who wants to use Hook Grip has to suck it up and get used to it...so not looking for hand holding in regards to that.
Starting Strength Coach
I've been taping my thumbs for about 25+ years competing in olympic lifting.
I deadlift with the same grip and have never let go of the bar.
One 6"-7" piece of athletic tape-tear length wise down the middle and wrap around the thumb. One roll of tape will probably last months..
And you'll just get use to it..
DRLVEGAS
If you try the thumb tape that Broz has made, you'll never go back.
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