Hello. A friend who i train with went out an bought an array of different bars the other day and now is obsessed that we use each and every one of them in our exercises. We are currently using a bar shaped similarly to this image i knocked up in MS paint:



The vertical sections are the handles and we use this bar to do tricep extensions on a decline bench. I was just wondering if this type grip (with palms facing each other) effects the exercise as on http://www.exrx.net an overhand grip is used. I don't know much about how different gribs effect certain exercises yet so i just wanted to double check. Thanks for any help.

Ross

This grip will work the whole of the tricep but with more empahasis on the underside of the tricep.

PJ

Thank you for the reply. So what effect would an overhand grip have on the training of the muscle and to prevent me from having to ask this question for every exercise has anyone got a good website for explain how different grips effect an exercise? Thanks

Ross

Each change in grip will slighty emphasise a different part of your muscle - while still working all of that particular muscle. This goes for any exercise/bodypart. Top and bottom line is experiment in your training with different grips angles etc to see which works best for your body mechanics and which yeilds the best results for you.
PJ