I find that there are 2 great ways to build grip strength. They are hanging and holding. Those two words are kind of synonyms, but let me explain.
When you are hanging from something you are carrying your weight and when you are holding something, you are carrying something else. For example, you would hang from a pull up bar or tree branch. You would hold a bag of groceries or a barbell.
Let me tell you, when I hold onto the barbell on the top position of the deadlift for 30 seconds, I really feel my hands and forearms working. Try it if you haven’t already.
And how about just hanging from a pull up bar for 2 minutes. Is there any wonder why monkeys and apes get so strong? They hang and climb their entire body weight all the time.
What about using grippers?
In my opinion grippers are fun sometimes, but our hands were meant to hold, more than they were meant to squeeze. Think about it. More often than not, we hold or hang. Every now and then you may have to squeeze to open that jar of coconut oil, but don’t forget that jars and caps, are man made. While we can open them, I don’t believe nature intended us to.
Take a look at babies. Their holding and hanging strength is amazing. That’s a survival instinct. A baby needs to be able to hold onto it’s mother during it’s early years. This will help ensure it’s survival. Only as we get older and don’t use that grip strength any more, does it get weak. It all goes back to use it or lose.
So, do I like grippers? Yes, like I said I think they are fun sometimes. I rarely use one though. Maybe once every 6 months, just to get some blood flowing and see if my grip has improved.
Here are a few ways to work your grip through hanging:
– Hang from a pull-up bar for time with both arms
– Hang from a pull-up bar for time with one arm
– Tie a two inch thick rope to a pull-up bar and lean back. Use one or both arms
– Wrap a thick towel around a pull-up bar and lean back
– If you are already strong enough, use the towel or rope to do your pull-ups
Here are a few ways to work your holding grip
– Hold the top position of the Barbell deadlift for time
– Grab as many grocery bags as you can at one time
– Grab a sand bag by the edges and hold for time
– Use a kettlebell
– Wrap a thick towel around a dumbbell or kettlebell and hold it for time
Looking for a gripper? Check out The Captains Of Crush (Amazon affiliate link)
Need a Pull-up bar? Take a look at The Perfect Pullup bar Review
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