In the first article about Ivakin’s training we spoke on gym workout details. Some of the readers (cheers to them!) asked really interesting questions. Here are the answers.

Taras, what are your ultimate results (in top form) in basic exercises?

Seeing as I’m in training now, I can’t really speak of any particular results, it all changes according to my level of fatigue. Currently I do a lot of pronation with a rope, from 45 – 52 kg. For me that’s still high-level. When exercising wrist with barbells, with short movement, I don’t exceed 140 kg – that’s why I prefer longer movement (from wrist to fingers), with lighter weights – about 90 kg. I do biceps only on a Scott bench now, bent and straight neck, 90 degrees angle, 6-8 reps with 90 – 100 kg weights. I don’t train side pressure separately on a block, I do it with expanders.

What do you do for finger strength?

I don’t do fingers separately, never have. The fingers sustain enough pressure during workout, as it is. But after a break I now feel my fingers aren’t strong enough, it might be worth it to work them. More about that later.

How did you build up your thumb muscle?

My thumb’s strength is a mystery to me too. Everyone keeps asking how I did it, but I honestly don’t know. I don’t do anything special, I suppose it’s just in my genes.

Your anthropometrics as of today: forearm length (from tip of elbow to wrist), palm width and length.

Forearm length – 38 cm, palm width – 12 cm, same with palm length.

How fast do you want to get back to your physical parameters from 2005? How far advanced are you now, and do you think you’ll ever exceed your former maximum?

My best form was not in 2005, but in 2007 – 2008. Who said I was in top form in 2005? Maybe that’s because of my 2005 fight with Brzenk, but why has everyone forgotten about a similar fight in 2007? Yes, I fought the legend twice. In 2007 I was way stronger than in 2005, but unfortunately, I can’t find the Ivakin – Brzenk 2007 fight anywhere on the Internet. I wonder why there’s no record of it. But getting back to my former shape – “former” is the keyword. Armwrestling has moved on since that, the 2000 and 2010 World Championships are two different events altogether. And, from a certain perspective, I’m getting better now than I ever was before.

What’s your warmup / workout regime? How much do you bench press?

Bench pressing is a great exercise, but I do it rarely these days, as I’m putting most focus on hands. I’m not going to speak of my achievements, because I’m ashamed of them (laughs)

Why do some fighters never allow to be beaten, but are able to turn you by hook?

I can say this: the body is a machine, its power is comparable to a gear system, which needs all its components to work properly and exactly. So far not all the gears worked as I wanted them to. But I’m hard at work to fix this problem. The day will come when I do. When you can’t beat someone, it means that they are working harder than you. If the opponent can force you to fight by his rules, it means he’s faster and better prepared than you. Some things you learn with experience, some come with every training.

Do you do static exercises?

Static exercises are very important in the preparatory stage of training. But I don’t do pure statics, I combine them with dynamics.

Is it possible to be good over the top, when you have short fingers or forearms? What’s the most efficient style for a fighter with such circumstances?

I haven’t met any people who have short fingers / forearms and can use over the top well. Usually such people use the “hook”. But even they shouldn’t ignore the over the top technique completely. Some styles can be combined. For example – I use an over the top hook, a very promising combination. Train, experiment, fight – this way you’ll find your own style.

There is a rumor that you’re being trained by a young guy, is that true?

Yes, I train with a young contestant – Andrey Tolbatovy. I prefer to call it a creative collective. He coaches me, I coach him. A fresh eye can spot mistakes much easier. It’s nothing to do with professionalism. For example – from 2005 – 2009 my coach was Vadim Ovseenko – a man not very familiar with armwrestling, but well learned in physiology and training methods. It was largely thanks to him that I had such great achievements. Andrey is a young guy, and I’m sure he’ll be a good fighter. Together we help each other get better.

Аrtur Grigorian © Gra