All About Grip

The Unliftable Dumbbell

The Thomas Inch Dumbbell is a legendary piece of grip strength history. Weighing in at 78kg (172lbs) with a notoriously thick 60mm (2.38 inch) handle, it is famous for being incredibly difficult to lift off the ground with one hand.

Why is it so hard?

Unlike a regular dumbbell, the thick handle prevents your fingers from wrapping all the way around, forcing an "open hand" grip. This makes hand size a critical factor—those with larger hands have a mechanical advantage. The bell's design also tends to roll out of your hand as you try to lift it, requiring immense wrist stability and crushing power to control the rotation.

The Millennium Dumbbell

If the Thomas Inch Dumbbell wasn't enough, there is the Millennium Dumbbell. This beast weighs a massive 104kg (approx. 229lbs) and shares the same 2.38-inch thick handle. Lifting this dumbbell is widely considered one of the greatest feats of grip strength in the world, with only a handful of people in history having successfully lifted it off the floor.