Meaning its ok to do them after front squats, but I wouldn't do them after deadlifts or farmer's walk. Getting even more extreme, if gripper work is part of your gym training, I would do it before any pulling movements. You can always use straps for pullups or rows but you can't use straps for grippers lol.

Get your attempts in early. You'd be surprised at how quickly you lose that strength.

So should I attempt this before or after front squats?

I'll try to record my attempt on Sunday. If you want me to rest in between attempts, I'll just do them sporadically throughout the workout :-P

I am excited. I know I'll get it eventually. As long as I improve I am fine.

Just remember, if you can't close it Sunday…who cares. You'll close it eventually. With gripper training you have to be very very patient. Train hard but train smart. :)

If you fail your first attempt, try doing a set of extensions before your next set. That seems to help me. And lots of rest between attempts.

I used a similar set-up because my hands are pretty small (I'm Indian so you can't blame me for having tiny hands hahaha)…

I think my hands are frozen right now which is why I can't grip it. Plus, I hadn't warmed up or anything so I couldn't squeeze then….and right now my hands are frozen so it's not possible. But, I tried doing it a few times during the day (and by few I literally mean a few because I read your warning about skin and nerve damage plus Eric's told me a long time ago that when people receive this gripper they become like 2 year old kids on Christmas day so I kept my head cool consciously) and it wouldn't give.

I do think that come Sunday which is my gripping day, I will be able to close it. I will have done my warm-ups, etc and things will go better. I hope.

This #1 is DEFINITELY humbling. I thought that because I am cool as ice it might be a piece of cake for me. Psssh…what a silly thought!

:-)

How close are you to closing it?

Did you set it?

Is it placed correctly in your hand? Sounds silly question but a lot of people don't close a gripper properly. Many people brace the handle against the knuckle of the thumb and the thumb muscles, the correct spot (and more powerful position for closing the hand) is with a handle in the 'wrinkle' of your hand that runs across the palm and is just below your knuckles.