Build a powerful grip to improve your life. The competitive advantage derived from increased grip strength provides benefit in numerous aspects of life. Shoulder, arm, hand and finger strength is essential in athletics, activities of daily living, emergency situations and business settings.
Develop powerful gripping muscles to increase function and prevent disability. A research study concluded, “Good grip muscle strength in midlife may protect people from old age disability.” A clinical research study by the University of Southampton concluded, “Grip strength may prove a more useful single marker of frailty for older people of similar age than chronological age alone.”
Advance your business career with a strong handshake. A handshake is often the first physical contact with business professionals and potential clients. It leaves a long-standing impression. An empirical study conducted in 2000 concluded that individuals with firm handshakes are perceived as more extroverted and make better first impressions. A firm, non-aggressive handshake is viewed as a sign of confidence and may be the deciding factor in landing a business deal or second interview.
Athletes benefit from increased grip strength. Golfers, tennis players, mixed martial artists, wrestlers, baseball players, weight lifters, football players, climbers, mountain bikers, shooters and archers are several of many athletes who benefit from a powerful grip.
Exercises: The entire upper extremity works as a synergistic unit. Grip building exercises target the shoulders, upper arms, forearms, wrists and hands. Perform grip exercises after you have completed all other lifts to prevent fatigued gripping muscles from limiting other exercises.
Pull-up Bar Hangs: Grab a pull-up bar as tightly as you can with your palms facing you and straighten your arms. Use your body weight as resistance, hang down and hold on as long as you can. Switch your hand position so your palms face forward and repeat. For the third set use a narrow grip with your palms facing forward and your index fingers touching each other.
Farmer’s Walk: Grab a dumbbell or kettlebell in each hand and grip them as hard as you can. Stand in good posture and hang your arms by your sides. Walk around the gym as long as your gripping muscles allow you to hold the weights. Use heavy suitcases, briefcases or gym bags during a home workout.
Hammer Curls: Stand in good posture with a dumbbell in each hand and your arms hanging by your side. Hold your palms facing each other and thumbs facing forward. Exhale and curl one dumbbell toward your shoulder by bending your elbow. Inhale and slowly return to the starting position by straightening your arm. Exhale and repeat with the opposite arm.
Sledge Lifts: Stand straight with your arms hanging by your side, palms facing each other and thumbs facing forward. Grip a hammer at the end of the handle. Bend your wrist backward toward your pinkie. Exhale and lift the hammer forward by bending your wrist toward your thumb. Gradually advance to a sledgehammer. Start close to the head of the sledgehammer and work your way up the handle to increase resistance.
Conclusion: Strengthen your grip to improve multiple aspects of your life. Utilize these exercises on a consistent basis to develop powerful gripping muscles. A strong grip makes you a better athlete, may help prevent future disability, eases the performance of daily activities, improves your business career and may save your life in an emergency situation. Get in the gym and build a powerful grip.
Dr Donald A Ozello DC of Championship Chiropractic in Las Vegas, NV
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“Running: Maximize Performance & Minimize Injuries” https://www.amazon.com/Running-Performance-Chiropractors-Minimizing-Potential/dp/1493618741
**Disclaimer: Always consult a medical professional before beginning an exercise program. Always work within your capabilities. Never perform an exercise that elicits or increases pain or symptoms. Reading this article and viewing the linked videos does not take the place of seeing a medical professional. Please visit a medical professional for evaluation, diagnosis & treatment.