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Oftentimes when we’re working out, we tend to focus on strengthening larger muscles like our biceps, legs and glutes. But there’s one thing many people forget to think about: grip strength. Your grip affects how firmly and securely you hold onto things — which can be anything from your grocery bags to a barbell during an overhead press. You might be wondering, “How can improve my grip strength besides just learning how to hold onto things better?” That’s where a grip strengthener comes in.
What is a Grip Strengthener?
A grip strengthener is a small, handheld device used to work out the muscles in your hands and wrist. They kind of look like garlic presses or potato mashers but they’re obviously not for food. They usually have two handles with some sort of spring in between.
When you hold onto the strengthener, you make an opening and closing motion with your hand and it will tighten and expand. As you’re using a strengthener, you’ll feel everything from your fingertips up to your biceps flexing. The small but mighty device is a favorite of powerlifters as well as those struggling with arthritis or carpal tunnel help to improve not only strength, but flexibility and conditioning too.
If you’re looking for the best grip strengthener, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite picks.