How to Choose the Best Grip Strengthener

Professional and novice athletes alike can benefit from using a grip strengthener to build muscles in their hands and forearms.

A grip strengthener can be a great exercise tool for various types of athletes, depending on the muscles they’re trying to develop or the activities they’re trying to improve.

For example:

• Weight lifters might want to increase the amount that they can curl or bench press because of increased control of the equipment.
• Rock climbers will want to be able to level up in their own sport as well, using the best hand grippers to build strength in their forearms.

But these are only a few basic examples. Use the tips below to help you make a more informed decision about which grip strengthener will be best for you—whether you are focusing on improving in a single activity or want to become more fit overall.

Is a Grip Strengthener Really Worth It?

One of the most basic questions that a lot of people ask about grip strengtheners is whether or not they’re more effective than, say, just squeezing a tennis ball. The simple answer is this: they are absolutely worth it.

While a grip strengthener alone isn’t going to give you massively huge forearm muscles, they are extremely helpful in the development of bigger and stronger forearms. In fact, grip strengtheners are designed to specifically strengthen muscles like the Flexor Digitorum Profundis (FDP) and the Flexor Pollicis Longus (FPL), which contribute to wrist flexion and grip force production. The best grip strengtheners will also help fortify your Extensor Digitorum Communis (EDC), the muscle related to wrist extensions and grip relaxation.

Will the Best Hand Grippers Make Your Forearms Stronger?

While this isn’t the primary feature or benefit of using a grip strengthener, the development of the Brachioradialis, which is already a pretty prominent muscle, will likely make your forearms look bigger as you gain strength.

How Often Should You Train with the Best Hand Grippers?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this specific question, given that some specific brands and designs are only recommended to be used a few days a week.

When shopping for a grip strengthener, this is something you should be paying attention to. Manufacturers will likely inform you about the recommended uses for their hand grippers, and they’ll also dissuade you from using their product so frequently that you could set yourself up for some chronic injuries or discomfort—which really would only result from not following their guidance for safe and healthy training.

The Best Grip Strengtheners Can Also Help with Arthritis

While athletes who rely on their wrists and hands for optimal performance might be familiar with this concept, most people don’t realize that the small muscles that make up our hands can be strengthened like any muscle group. This is why many experts agree that regular use of the best hand grippers is one of the best things that you can do to limit the negative impacts of arthritis.

Can the Best Hand Grippers Prevent Injuries or Help You Recover from One?

This is a resounding yes.

While weak grips can hinder your progress as an athlete, they can also lead to significant injuries, which are frustrating and painful to recover from. If you happen to already suffer from injuries related to a weak grip or chronic pain around your wrists and hands, regular use of grip strengtheners and hand grippers will help you gradually recover.

5 Great Grip Strengthener Options

• IronMind Captains of Crush Hand Gripper
• Twist Yo’ Wrist
• FitBeast Hand Grip Strengthener Kit
• BBTO Finger Strengthener
• Pnrskter Hand Grip Strengthener

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