• 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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    Question by mark
    03/12/2015

Deadlifts.

Answer by cephi
03/12/2015

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

Answer by tmonsondrums
03/12/2015

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.

Answer by npu602
03/12/2015

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 

Answer by seward
03/12/2015

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  

Answer by recumbent1
03/12/2015

I’m a climber, so individual finger strength is important to me. I have the gripmaster pro, and love it.

http://www.amazon.com/Gripmaster-Strengthening-System-Medium-Tension/dp/B000UMFT22/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1426195760&sr=8-3

Answer by timmyummy
03/12/2015

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.

 

Answer by jasonpeacock
03/12/2015
Answer by splodgenessabounds
03/12/2015

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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6vkCbpm3YM

Answer by skelley
03/12/2015

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.

Answer by themadtitan
03/13/2015

A second for the Dynaflex here.

Answer by elvisisdead
03/13/2015

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.

 

Answer by thecrumb
03/14/2015

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:

Rehab Wrists & Forearms

How to Develop a Powerful Grip

 

 

Answer by chriswo
03/14/2015

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

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=hand%20grip%2C%20B00XIHGBGY 

Answer by bruce37
05/28/2015
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