I've been watching CT Fletcher and Will Tennyson wreck people with the Gauntlet Challenge for a while. So I finally stopped watching and did it myself.
The format: 10 sets of skullcrushers and 10 sets of hammer curls. You pyramid up in weight, then pyramid back down. That's it. Simple concept. Brutal execution.
How It Went (Honest Version)
I used adjustable dumbbells — and yes, I'm aware that gave me extra rest between sets while I clicked the weight up or down. Peak brand honesty. Real plates probably would've hit harder. But I work with what I've got, and what I've got is a pair of adjustables and a garage that doubles as a gym.
Sets 1–5 going up felt strong. Sets 6–10 coming back down? Different story. My forearms were lit up by set 7 and my triceps were starting to argue with me by set 9. I finished all 10 sets. Didn't love every rep of it.
Two Things That Surprised Me
1. My triceps are stronger than my biceps. I already knew this on some level, but the skullcrushers confirmed it. I pushed heavier weight, more reps, more confidently. The hammer curls were where I had to grind. Not sure if that's a "good at pushing" thing or a "neglected pulling" thing — probably both.
2. The arm pump was unreal. By the time I hit set 15, I looked in the mirror and barely recognized my arms. That kind of pump doesn't happen on a normal arm day. The combination of volume + both muscle groups + pyramid structure does something different. I get why people are hooked on this challenge.
Results
Measured before and after (cold vs. pumped, same measurement point):
- Left arm: 16″ → 16¾″ (+¾″)
- Right arm: 16½″ → 17¼″ (+¾″)
That's the pump, not permanent gains. But that kind of blood flow and mechanical stress over time is exactly what builds size. Do this consistently and you'll see it stick.
Honestly? I Was Surprised
When I measured after, I had to double-check. Would've guessed I had 14″ or 15″ arms. Turns out six years of lifting were doing something — I just hadn't been paying attention. It's one of those things where you look in the mirror every day and nothing changes, then you actually measure and realize you've been making progress the whole time. Wild.
How to Measure Your Arms Solo (From the Video)
If you're doing this challenge alone and no one's around to hold the tape, here's the move: stick a small piece of tape on the end of your measuring tape, then stick that tape to the peak of your bicep. The tape holds it in place so you can wrap around your arm without needing a second pair of hands. Works surprisingly well.
Credit Where It's Due
This challenge comes from the legends. CT Fletcher built his legacy on volume and intensity that most people can't comprehend. Will Tennyson made it accessible and put it on video in a way that actually makes you want to try it.
Watch their version here: CT Fletcher & Will Tennyson — Gauntlet Arm Challenge
Then go do it yourself. Adjustable dumbbells or not.
#GauntletChallenge #CTFletcher #WillTennyson #ArmDay #Skullcrushers #HammerCurls #ArmWorkout #Bodybuilding #GauntletArmChallenge #ForgeGymBro
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