Hercules Hold Question

[Chris Rice]

I'm having a HH in my upcoming Gripmas Carol contest. I'm building the setup right now and can use some help from more experienced Strongman types. What might be considered an ideal arm position? Level with the floor - up just a little - or down just a little - and how much will that matter? I'm making it so I can adjust that part but need to know what is best and how much difference it really makes - within reason of course. My other question is recommendations on weight - I want the longest hold to be around a minute - any ideas on what weight will give that? Remember this is not a pro strongman contest - there will be a variety of strength levels competing - from beginners to some pretty strong guys like Andrew Durniant. I'm thinking 300 per hand but I've only done this event once and would appreciate the advice of more experience. I'm using a weight with a rope going over a very free spinning pulley and then out to the lifter if that helps. Thanks

[Jyrki Rantanen]

I'm having a HH in my upcoming Gripmas Carol contest. I'm building the setup right now and can use some help from more experienced Strongman types. What might be considered an ideal arm position? Level with the floor - up just a little - or down just a little - and how much will that matter? I'm making it so I can adjust that part but need to know what is best and how much difference it really makes - within reason of course. My other question is recommendations on weight - I want the longest hold to be around a minute - any ideas on what weight will give that? Remember this is not a pro strongman contest - there will be a variety of strength levels competing - from beginners to some pretty strong guys like Andrew Durniant. I'm thinking 300 per hand but I've only done this event once and would appreciate the advice of more experience. I'm using a weight with a rope going over a very free spinning pulley and then out to the lifter if that helps. Thanks

I would recommend direct shoulder level or a little down (couple of inches) - a little down easy the pain in the wrong place and other way around.
For the weight - it also depends on the handle > how thick and knurling or not - normal bar thickness without knurling is maybe better for new comers due it won´t rip off skin so easily.
I used to be usually inside top2 in HH in lightweight competitions and if I remember right the best time with 150kg was around 58sec, but I claim it needs to be trained to be good in HH. For example many good max grip guys are not good in it..it´s more like "pain event" :)

I would say 300 is quite ok for regular strongman competition, but I suggest to go between 220-260lbs if there´s plenty of people, who have never done the event.

Also remember to that people can have 20 inch difference in their total arm length over chest, so the apparatus needs good adjustment margin for different size competitors.

Hope this is any help.

[Chris Rice]

I would recommend direct shoulder level or a little down (couple of inches) - a little down easy the pain in the wrong place and other way around.
For the weight - it also depends on the handle > how thick and knurling or not - normal bar thickness without knurling is maybe better for new comers due it won´t rip off skin so easily.
I used to be usually inside top2 in HH in lightweight competitions and if I remember right the best time with 150kg was around 58sec, but I claim it needs to be trained to be good in HH. For example many good max grip guys are not good in it..it´s more like "pain event" :)

I would say 300 is quite ok for regular strongman competition, but I suggest to go between 220-260lbs if there´s plenty of people, who have never done the event.

Also remember to that people can have 20 inch difference in their total arm length over chest, so the apparatus needs good adjustment margin for different size competitors.

Hope this is any help.

Thank you Jyrki - the height information is what I needed the most. I am making it both height and arm span adjustable but just wasn't sure of the best bio-mechanical position for the shoulders to be in. The handles will be smooth 1.25" (no knurl). I'll give it a try once completed and check the weight to see how it feels.

[John Beatty]

Chris - If you can get 2 small cars, you'd be welcome to borrow my ramps. I still have them from the BBB. Maybe get a car dealership to supply some economy cars. If you've got someone driving from around here.