Improve Your Deadlift or Become a Professional Jar Opener with Improved Grip Strength

Body builders and frequent grocery shoppers alike can attest to the importance of grip strength. It’s the difference between passing off a pickle jar and successfully opening said pickle jar. Even more, you’ll be able to lift heavier weights, improve your dexterity and increase your hands’ endurance. All while decreasing your risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Who benefits from improved grip and forearm strength?

Anyone who uses their hands. Seriously. Athletes, musicians, office workers, parents, teachers – anyone who relies on their hands. And if you work on your grip now, you won’t have to worry about it later when you’re older. Although weak grip and tremors in old age can be caused by a multitude of ailments, simple strength training can delay or even prevent muscular and neuro deterioration by increasing circulation.

Interestingly, a recent study also suggests millennials may be more deconditioned than previous generations based on their grip – or lack thereof. The negative correlation between grip strength and poor health is more evident in the elderly, but it’s still a cause for concern. According to occupational therapy assistant professor Elizabeth Fain, lifting and carrying “could get harder sooner” for millennials.

Easy exercises to improve weak grip

There’s exercises that you can perform at the home or gym to strengthen your grip. If you’re at home, try:

Band extensions. This may seem counter intuitive, but it’s extending works the same muscles. The great thing about band extensions is that you can multitask. Even when you’re working at the office, you can practice band extensions while on a phone call. All you need is a few rubber bands.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFkxUGY2S1o

Hand grippers. You’ve probably seen one of these contraptions lying around at one point or another. Just like rubber bands, you can take this with you anywhere.

If you’re at the gym, try:

Fat Gripz. When you can’t wrap your fingers all the way around an object, you’ll strengthen your crush grip. Fat Grips enthusiasts love the results, but it’s not without pain – even washing your hair may be painful.

Towel lifts. The concept is easy. Instead of lifting dumbbells or barbells with your hands, you’ll tie towels securely around the weight(s). You’ll then lift the weight(s) with the towel, gripping it tightly as to not drop the weight(s).

The gripping conclusion

As the saying goes, if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it. And it’s especially true for hand grip. Plus, it’s easy to integrate hand grip exercises into your daily routine. There’s no excuse to slip on grip.