The ultimate reasons to train your forearms…

I was one of those victims who believed the propaganda:
“Your forearms will get big just by lifting heavy.”

And it sounded pretty logical…
I mean…
our forearms’ primary function is to grip.
So by gripping heavy weight, they will grow, right?

Of course… not!!!!

Here’s the thing…
Yes, if you lift heavy weights, you will train your forearms.

But not only that—when you’re doing bent-over rows, for example, you train your back too.

And take a look…
Your forearms are not as strong as your big back when doing rows.

So what happens?
Your forearms fail first, then your back.
Which means your back will not reach what we call muscular failure.

So what’s the solution?

Of course, I went to YouTube.
And I saw all these guys telling us to use lifting straps.

By the way, lifting straps are gear that help you grip the bar and almost replace your grip.

So what happens is your forearms are not used as much as before.
But they are no longer the limiting factor.
And your back can grow…

Problem solved, right?

No!

Because once you reach a certain weight, you will still need a certain amount of grip strength.

Because lifting straps only help—they don’t replace your grip strength.

So at some point, even with straps, your back work will plateau.

And now you’re in danger…

Because while your back is getting stronger, your grip is left behind.

And if you just train your back and not your forearms for a year…
you may need another whole year for your grip to catch up.

So when I noticed this problem, I got super confused…

Even more confused because my idol, Arnold, said:
“I am old school. I don’t use straps.”

Then I looked at photos of young Arnold…
And I saw something shocking…

He deadlifted 616 lbs without straps.

And I thought…
“Yeah, maybe it’s just his 0.111% genetics.”

But then something hit me—and changed my mind.

I saw powerlifters (natural powerlifters) deadlift 280 kg at only 70 kg bodyweight (his name is Pana).

I’m also a fan of silver-era bodybuilders.
And I saw guys doing 400 lb barbell rows, chest to bar, for reps—without straps.
And they are natural.

So I just wanted to know one thing:
How the hell do you achieve that kind of strength?

So I looked at how they train…

And I found the answer.

The answer is simple…
Train it.

I realized…
I wouldn’t have great biceps if I only did pull-ups and rows.

And it’s the same with forearms.

I realized I had been a victim of the idea that your grip will always be weaker than your back.

But the truth is…
your grip can even be stronger than your back (Just look at rock climbers and arm wrestlers.)

So the conclusion…

Give your forearms what they deserve.

Here’s how:

• Wrist curls and wrist extensions
• Reverse curls
• Fingertip push-ups
• Dead hangs with heavy weight

Now you can be free from straps…
And lift with raw strength.

Kevin | Buildlikearnold