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Life Lessons from Lifting the “Unliftable” Dumbell

172lbs or 78 kilograms in old money… Doesn’t sound too impressive does it? especially for a “feat of strength” many strive to do but fall short.

Now what if i told you that 78kg was condensed into one solid piece of metal with a 4 inch long handle which has a thickness of 2 3/8 inches…  and the challenge is to lift it with one hand. Ladies and gentlemen I now introduce you to the Inch Dumbbell.

 

 

 

 

This Dumbbell was so difficult to lift that a British strongman Thomas Inch (whom the dumbbell is named after) used to use it in his performances to wow audiences and embarrass anyone that tried to recreate his strength.

For years he would travel the country to challenge anyone to lift it. Needless to say every attempt was a failure

 

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Fast forward to 100 years later and this very challenge is still alive and sought after. There have been some very strong men that have successfully lifted the inch dumbbell and others that have still been defeated by it.

My first ever attempt on the inch was around 4 months ago at a grip competition i was competing in. I was quickly humbled as the large chunk of metal just span out of my hands. It wasn’t until i was in a position to buy my own dumbbell to train on where i managed to get some meaningful training on it. I used every training technique i knew of and put the work in day after day to finally build the strength to lift it. I trained like a mad man and had the mind set that i had to achieve this feat of strength is if my life depended on it.

I learnt a lot about myself in those few short months, it became apparent that for anything worthwhile will take a whole lot of hard work, dedication and laser like focus.

I broke my training goals into smaller segments, making small wins and creating momentum.

There were good training days and bad, but i knew if i kept at it then i would eventually reach my goal of lifting the “unliftable” dumbbell.

I researched everything i could about training for such a feat of strength, i’d study video, written texts, even pictures then go into the “grip shed” and apply those principles.

Over time the feat became closer and closer to actually being realised. My hands were getting stronger, my cns was firing on all cylinders and the dumbbell was getting closer to lockout with every training session.

Then BAM!! after a warm up i nailed the lift and held the dumbbell triumphantly for enough time to show off to the camera.

I’ve now developed the strength to dominate the dumbbell anytime i wish. But this is only the beginning. I have now set myself the goal of clean and pressing the damn thing! Now this may take many months, or even years. But i know that with hard work, consistency and a high level of self belief i can achieve this goal.

So how does this all relate to life lessons i hear you ask?

This same principle of self reflection, learning, hard work and applying your will can be used in every aspect of your life to enhance finances, relationships and health and fitness related goals.

If you want something bad enough then go for it! With all of your will, work ethic and belief that it can be done and it will happen for you.

I may not be the right person to help if your relationship is in turmoil, or your on the road to trying to make your first million pound deal. But if one of your goals is to lift the inch dumbbell like myself then i can help.

Reach out today and see how Coach Sam can make you strong enough to lift the “unliftable”

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