The Science Behind 40mm Comfort Grip
Why natural hand spacing matters for shoulder health and performance
Grip Width Comparison
Standard Pull-up Bars
28-32mmCommon Issues:
- ❌ Forces narrow grip position
- ❌ Increases shoulder internal rotation
- ❌ Creates stress on shoulder joint
- ❌ Limits natural hand spacing
- ❌ Can cause wrist discomfort
TB7 Comfort Grip
40mmErgonomic Benefits:
- ✅ Allows natural shoulder-width spacing
- ✅ Reduces shoulder impingement risk
- ✅ Distributes grip pressure evenly
- ✅ Matches natural hand anatomy
- ✅ Increases workout comfort & duration
Scientific Foundation
Shoulder Anatomy
The human shoulder joint (glenohumeral joint) functions optimally when the arms are positioned at natural shoulder-width spacing. This alignment reduces stress on the rotator cuff muscles and prevents impingement syndrome.
Grip Pressure Distribution
A 40mm grip diameter allows for optimal pressure distribution across the palm and fingers. This reduces concentrated pressure points that can cause discomfort and allows for longer, more effective workouts.
Muscle Activation
Natural grip spacing activates the latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, and middle trapezius more effectively while reducing compensatory patterns that can lead to shoulder and neck tension.
Biomechanical Advantage
Proper grip width maintains neutral wrist position and allows for full range of motion in the shoulder joint, leading to better movement quality and reduced injury risk.
Optimal Grip Specifications
Research Data: Grip Thickness & Muscle Activation
This research data compares muscle activation (Maximum Voluntary Isometric Contraction) between different grip thicknesses during pull-up movements. The data demonstrates why optimal grip diameter is crucial for muscle recruitment.
| Muscle Group | Thin Grip (50%) MVIC ± SD |
Thick Grip (100%) MVIC ± SD |
Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Trapezius | 285.4 ± 67.2 | 312.8 ± 72.1 | +9.6% |
| Middle Trapezius | 198.7 ± 45.3 | 246.2 ± 58.9 | +23.9% |
| Lower Trapezius | 342.1 ± 78.4 | 425.6 ± 89.7 | +24.4% |
| Latissimus Dorsi | 456.8 ± 92.1 | 523.4 ± 98.3 | +14.6% |
| Biceps Brachii | 392.6 ± 84.3 | 476.0 ± 92.6 | +21.3% |
| Brachioradialis | 234.5 ± 56.7 | 287.3 ± 64.2 | +22.5% |
Key Research Findings
Universal Improvement
All measured muscle groups showed increased activation with thicker grip, demonstrating superior muscle recruitment.
Significant Gains
Middle and lower trapezius showed 24%+ increases, crucial for proper shoulder blade function and posture.
Training Stimulus
Higher activation leads to greater training stimulus but requires managing fatigue for optimal results.
TB7's 40mm Advantage: Our grip diameter sits in the optimal range demonstrated by this research, providing enhanced muscle activation while maintaining comfort and preventing excessive fatigue.
Detailed Benefits Analysis
Reduced Shoulder Impingement
The 40mm grip allows your hands to naturally position at shoulder-width apart, maintaining optimal shoulder blade positioning. This prevents the "hunched forward" posture that commonly occurs with narrow grips, reducing the risk of subacromial impingement syndrome.
Enhanced Grip Strength & Endurance
The optimal 40mm diameter matches the natural curve of your fingers and palm, distributing pressure evenly across your hand. This prevents pressure points and "hot spots" that cause premature grip fatigue.
Better Muscle Activation Patterns
Natural hand spacing allows for proper scapular retraction and depression, leading to better activation of the latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, and middle trapezius while reducing overuse of the upper traps and levator scapulae.
Wrist and Forearm Comfort
The ergonomic grip diameter maintains neutral wrist alignment throughout the movement, reducing strain on the wrist joints and forearm muscles. This prevents the wrist hyperextension common with thinner bars.
Experience the Difference
Try the TB7's ergonomic 40mm comfort grip and feel the difference in your first workout