Upper Body Training With Chains

by Rob on May 27, 2008

Diesel Crew does some great chain training here. Chains provide an unstable environment for lifting as well as changing the resistance by putting more load on your muscles when they’re in their strongest part of the movement. Jim Smith is the author of Combat Core Conditioning, the most advanced torso strength training manual I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading.


combat core conditioningJim “Smitty” Smith is a strength coach and cofounder of the Diesel Crew. Jim dedicates himself to studying, developing and enhancing athletic performance through the utilization of conventional and non-conventional training protocols, including; powerlifting, weightlifting, strongman, odd-objects, Russian kettlebells and grip strength methodologies. This distinctive and comprehensive approach has helped athletes of all skills levels attain their goals and “Achieve Beyond Potential.” Jim is an active student of strength athletics and is always seeking new ways to innovate and provide a unique perspective for gaining muscle, rehabbing injuries, improving performance and building better athletics. Jim is a contributor to Mens Health magazine.

Get Smitty’s free report on Combat Core Exercise!

{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Gordon October 12, 2008 at 6:58 pm

How do make the chains? Instead of buying them already made which cost any where from 80-100 bucks.

2 Rob formerfatguy.com November 10, 2008 at 10:29 pm

@Gordon – great question. I went out to look for chains myself before I went on holidays, but cant find any big enough just yet.

making them? dunno. I’ll get ahold of Smitty and see what he can advise

3 Anonymous worldfitnessnetwork.com December 26, 2008 at 6:57 am

How do you make sure the weight training chains don’t produce friction?

4 Rob formerfatguy.com December 26, 2008 at 11:21 am

You don’t. I’m pretty sure friction is a part of the resistance. It would be my guess that friction would be something you wanted

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