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“Not Someone Looking at Their Instagram”- Arnold Schwarzenegger Justified Practicing ‘Suicide Grip’ Technique Despite the Risk

Published 06/29/2022, 9:00 AM EDT

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Bodybuilding is a work of art. Some bodybuilders devote their lives to bodybuilding to attain greatness. Many legends reached the pinnacle of the sport, but none more than Arnold Schwarzenegger. Symmetrically perfect, his attention to detail on every muscle is astonishing. From chest to legs, Arnold measured his workout techniques in a way that only some replicate. One of those methods was the suicide grip on a barbell. 

Often regarded as a dangerous hold, he mastered the ability to keep the barbell without a thumb grip. Although most people won’t endorse it, Arnold explained the reasons for using a specific grip. Moreover, he explained how spotters are critical to bodybuilders and how they should be alert. 

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The suicide grip

Spotters or training partners help bodybuilders while they work out and stand by their side in their role as guardian angels. They monitor bodybuilders who lift weights and assist them for their safety. Franco Columbo helped Arnold throughout his career and shared a beautiful bond with him. He explained how spotters are crucial, especially while doing the suicide grip. “It is called the suicide grip for a reason. Only do this if you have a spotter with you, and make sure you have a real spotter, not someone looking at their Instagram while you unrack the weight,” mentioned Arnold. 

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A suicide grip gets your barbell closer to the forearm bone, which helps to generate a greater force on the bench press. On not using your one’s thumb on the barbell, it exposes a bodybuilder to risk factors. The cons of the move would probably result in the barbell crashing down on one’s body. 

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Usually, a bodybuilder has complete control over the barbell when the thumb gets wrapped around it. An athlete can achieve better control over his barbell, avoiding the risks of any mishap. The grip is more towards the palm and away from the forearm bone. It gives the bodybuilder better control in maneuvering the move. As for Arnold, he loved to take risks, and he dedicated his whole life to bodybuilding. 

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Never mimic Arnold Schwarzenegger!

Although most bodybuilders never recommended Arnold’s bodybuilding workouts, his vision aimed to be the greatest of all time. Working out for hours and not allowing the muscles to relax, Arnold had a clear perspective in front of him, and he went far with it. Focusing on every muscle in his body, he achieved greatness with a brilliant work ethic. Thus, most of his moves are not PG-friendly.

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Knowing all the risks related to the sport, he pushed himself to limits and won seven Mr. Olympia titles. For most, his body is an inspirational work of art, and he is the benchmark for success in the sport. Legends like Ronnie Coleman and Chris Bumstead idolized Schwarzenegger. To sum up, can you envision yourself doing the suicide grip while doing a bench press?

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Written by:

Jacob Gijy

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Jacob Gijy is a US Sports and NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Gijy finished his Post Graduation in Psychology and worked in a hospital for 2 years before his passion for sports compelled him to find his way to sports journalism. A fan of the great Tim Duncan, he is always ready to pick up a debate with anyone who does not offer the power forward, the respect he deserves.
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Edited by:

Simar Singh Wadhwa