Improving your Grip Strength

Any sport that has any amount of gripping and pulling will benefit from a strong grip. Grip strength can be divided into three categories: Pinch grip, Support grip and Crushing grip. There are numerous exercises that can be used to improve the strength in these three types of grips and you should use as many as you can. A good variety of exercises will help develop the forearms and hands from every angle.

The pinch grip is the ability to squeeze inward with the thumb and fingers and can be exercised by holding heavy objects between the fingers. An example would be pinching two barbell plates together and holding them till you have to let go. To go with a heavier weight than you can hold, try negatives, apply pinch grip to plates and assist lifting it with other hand. After lifting, let go with the other hand and try to hold on till the plates touch the floor.

The support grip would be like holding onto something. The farmers walk, where you carry something heavy in each hand would be an example exercise for this. This exercise not only strengthens the hands but also other supporting muscles in the body.

The crushing grip is the strength you would use as if shaking hands with someone. The more popular way to train the crushing grip is the hand gripper. You can work out with the grippers for reps and sets and do forced reps. Forced reps would be done with a gripper you may not be able to normally close, use the other hand to assist closing it then slowly let it open or hold it closed for about five second.

Again, make sure to exercise each type of grip strength so you do not develop a muscle imbalance. You want your hands and forearms to develop properly to take full advantage of each and every muscle and tendon.

About The Author Go to Grip Strength for more info on how to improve your grip strength. Fitness Training has been Tim Archbold’s life long interest.