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Athlete Journal: Chris Duffin, Entry 66 – Hook Grip Development

This week I set a new PR on my hook grip hold - 500lbs for one minute. I've included a video with tips for improving your hook grip without doing too much damage to your hands.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: Welcome to the Athlete Journal of world champion powerlifter Chris Duffin. Follow Chris as he trains and competes in various events over the coming year. Chris’s journal will be posted every Tuesday. You can also read about Chris on his website Kabuki Warrior.

Athlete Journal, Entry 66 – Hook Grip Development

Overall this was a light week. I had the platelet-rich plasma treatment (PRP) the week prior, so I still have a couple more weeks of taking it easy on squats and pulls.

MONDAY

Bench Press

135×10

185×5

225×5

315×3

With pause, press, and rack commands given

365×1

415×1

435×1

Overhead Band Extension

#3×20,20

WEDNESDAY

I put on a pair of powerlifting briefs so I could take it easy on the adductor following PRP, but wanted some heavy weight on my back.

Squat

165×5,5

275×3

385×3

495×3

605×3

715×3

826×3,5

SATURDAY

Hook Grip Hold

500×40, 60sec – NEW PR

About Chris Duffin

Chris is an accomplished powerlifter, coach, and gym owner. He is the world record holder for the raw squat in the 220lb class. He also holds a Guinness World Record for the most weight deadlifted in one minute at 17,010 pounds (42 reps of 405lbs). Chris Duffin is the head coach and co-owner of Elite Performance Center in Portland, Oregon.

Unlike many powerlifers and strength athletes, Chris is also enthralled with all things related to conditioning, nutrition, and supplementation. He is known for his detailed coaching and ability to provide immediate gains for his athletes.

It is not a surprise with Chris’s attention to detail and perfectionism that he is also an academic nerd with an engineering degree and a master's degree in business administration. Many of Chris’s coaching skills and high expectations that push people past their self-imposed limits have made him successful in the business world as well. To support the growth of his training facility, Chris’s full-time employment is as the general manager of an aerospace manufacturing company.

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