User:Bruvuk/Strandpulling

Strandpulling is the stretching of springs or elastic tubing as a form of exercise and sport, with many movements designed to target different muscles and provide progressive resistance, mainly but not only, to the upper body.

The most common perception of the title Strandpulling is perhaps that of "chest expanders" with steel springs connected to a handle at each end. While still popular with some enthusiasts, the steel springs have largely been superceded by latex tubing (material), to provide the resistance.

The historical precedent seems to primarily be the Bow, particularly the Longbow, which took great physical strength to draw. In England around the 12th century onwards, Longbowmen would train from an early age with progressively heavier bows, some eventually reaching 180lbs draw weight.

The "modern" chest expander seems to have evolved around the late 19th century, and its use was a one of the favorite methods of training by many of the oldtime strongmen.

There are several classic strandpulling movements, such as the Front Chest Pull and Lateral Raise, plus a variety of many more totalling well over 30 movements just for the upper body alone.

Unionhawk I would like to submit this article now. Bruvuk (talk) 22:31, 7 October 2012 (UTC)