by James - This article may contain affiliate links.
Tearing a deck of cards in half seems to be an easy task, isn’t it? It is just a pack of paper, nothing else. But, if you have ever tried it, you know it needs powerful grip and strength. I have seen guys from the local gym trying it, but with no success even if they were big as a wardrobe.
You know, I like showing people that calisthenics (bodyweight training) can make us as strong as if we lift weights. And here is another proof that it is true.
Al Kavadlo, a trusted calisthenics trainer, who has not got huge muscles as the bodybuilders have, quickly, even without difficulty tears a deck of cards in half.
Check out the video below.
Nice, isn’t it? It is proof that bodyweight workouts can make you really strong, especially your grip and forearms thanks to training on the bars.
Recommended: How to strengthen your forearms and grip without weights.But, of course, tearing a pack of cards in half has a technique. Al Kavadlo has learned it from a professional powerlifter Chris Rider. You can check out the detailed tutorial here or watch the following video.
You may now think what this “exercise” is good for. Well, besides looking cool and strong among friends, it has a few other benefits.
Certainly, it strengthens your fingers, forearms, wrists making your grip better. A firm grip is crucial when you lift weights or do exercises on the bar such as pull ups and chin ups.
Also, tearing a deck of cards is not a comfortable feeling at all. It hurts your palms, but this is not so bad since it is an opportunity to get used to the pain. I have read several comments about that people do not like calisthenics because the bar hurts their palms. With an exercise like this, you can get tougher.
So, get a deck of cards and try to tear it. If you can, you are strong, and your technique is good as well. If you cannot, train a bit to be the next cool guy on the party.
