What is a good grip strengthener?
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Amazon sells different kinds of grip strengtheners. Some are lever-based and work all the fingers at once. Others are like a trumpet, with individual pegs for your fingers. Others are squishy balls/donuts. I'm mainly interested in improving forearm strength while I watch TV, listen to podcasts, etc. What do you recommend? |
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Deadlifts. |
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I recommend the Dynaflex Powerball. You can do quite a few different exercises for hand, forearm, and even shoulder strength. Takes a bit of practice but once you get it down it’s pretty fun to use. http://www.dynaflexpro.com/store/powerball-sports-pro-gyro-exerciser-with-training-cd.html |
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If strength is what you want then the key is low reps high weight three times per week. Pick an adjustable grip strengthener (this is a good one: http://www.amazon.com/Strengthener-Adjustable-Exerciser–Resistance-Range/dp/B00R5OL3HS/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1426190911&sr=8-4&keywords=hand+grip+exerciser ) Set the weight high enough that you’re fatigued after just five squeezes. Then do three sets of five three times a week. That’s the minimum effective does for gaining real strength relatively quickly. You don’t need to sit there for half-an-hour on an easy setting — that won’t build the strength you’re looking for. The Dynaflex Powerball is very fun, but it’s hard to develop actual strength with that device. |
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The ’Captains of Crush’ from Iron Mind seem to be the consensus gold standard among those serious about grip strength: http://www.ironmind.com:8080/ironmind/opencms/Main/captainsofcrush.html Not sure if they’re quite what you’re looking for if your primary goal is to have something to do lots of reps with while your attention is elsewhere, though. They do have quite a FAQ: http://www.ironmind.com:8080/ironmind/opencms/Main/captainsofcrush1.html |
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Recommend Captains of Crush from Iron Mind. Also sold on Amazon in 11 different strength levels: http://www.amazon.com/Captains-Crush-Hand-Gripper-Point/dp/B006G377UQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1426193274&sr=8-2&keywords=grip+strengthener They also make small ones for 1-2 fingers, in 7 different strength levels: http://www.amazon.com/IronMind-TUG-Gripper-Focus-Fingers/dp/B007QXM9LM/ref=pd_sim_sg_13?ie=UTF8&refRID=0NE8XTN6Z6PGYFXK9WZC |
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I’m a climber, so individual finger strength is important to me. I have the gripmaster pro, and love it. |
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I also strongly recommend the Captains of Crush grippers. Alternatively, I also like the donut from Black Diamond which is quieter/smaller/lighter than the Captains of Crush: http://www.amazon.com/Black-Diamond-Forearm-Trainer-Blue/dp/B0000E675V The CoC will develop ”real” strength, like World’s Strongest Man, while most people just need better strength, and endurance. For casual use, the donut is plenty good. Also, don’t overtrain! You’ll give yourself tendonitis (tennis elbow). And do complimentary strength with a rubber band – like this: http://www.ironmind-store.com/Expand-Your-Hand-Bands153-10-Bands/productinfo/1376/ You could also use the rubber band from a bunch of broccoli stalks.
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May I suggest one of these? http://www.drumza.com/images/WarwickVampyreLTDElectricBassGuitar.jpg |
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The gripmasters are good. I will disagree with npu602 and say you want something with a light enough tension where you can do reps for 30-60min or more. As a climber, this is the type of exercise that will build up your endurance. Another option is to go to the hardware store and get a 4’ metal rod about 1” thick and use it for jo staff practice. Do this daily for 6 months and you will be a beast. |
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6-pack of silly putty. Orthopedic Surgeon recommended it as you can get the squeeze right down to closed. Downsides: only one resistance level, leaves that silly putty smell on hands, must be kept in a cup or jar or it will flow everywhere. |
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A second for the Dynaflex here. |
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A few years ago I crushed the majority of the bones in my hand in a motorcycle accident. My therapist suggest the dynaflex ball for strength. She also suggested the rubber band to strengthen the opposite muscles. And finally the occupational putty – it’s like silly putty but comes in different densities. You can squeeze this for example between your fingers to build strength.
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Mark, If you’re just looking for a specific device, I can’t help you. But, if you’d consider exercises and everyday items, then see these links: How to Develop a Powerful Grip
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I bought the Iron Crush Hand grips on amazon, I think they are awesome, the 80lb is really tough and they also work great for pinching Here is the link |