Any Of You Use Grip Strengtheners?

[Abraham]

If so: What brand/model and grip strength do you use?

If you believe the marketing hype, regular use of grip strengtheners helps with your shooting, although I'm not sure how this is accomplished by having a stronger grip..?

To be sure, after ejecting a magazine with rounds in it, I am having some trouble with locking back the slide on my Glock to lock/eject the round left in the chamber due to hand pain. Obviously, having a stronger grip would help me in this one specific area I think...? This is the only area (at least for me) that I can see these gadgets being of benefit. Actually, I think my grip is as strong as it always has been, but the pain of using my grip to it's maximum is just too darn painful to crank up!

I'm also wondering if regular exercise with these gizmos will help lessen the pain or increase it?

What say you?

P.S. If there's initial pain to overcome in using of one of these G.P.'s at the outset of a regular exercise program, I'm willing to bear it if it means that the pain will lessen as greater strength will be forthcoming ...

Alright, I've beaten this horse enough...

Thanks!

[The Annoyed Man]

I don't know if I'd benefit or not, but I've not had any difficulty in that regard. That said, I have noticed that my grip strength today is not what it used to be when I was younger.

[Keith B]

If you are having pain you need to find out what is causing it. As we age, it is more than likely arthritis, but it could be something more severe like tendon or ligament damage.

I personally have arthritis in my hands and base of the thumbs hurt at times. I have a foam grip ball that I use to exercises my hands and help keep them limbered up. It seems to help, even though sometimes it hurts a lot to start using it. Check out some of the stuff here http://www.rehabmart.com/category/Hand_ ... oducts.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;, but make sure you know what is causing your pain before you do therapy so you don't end up causing more damage than helping.

[Abraham]

TAM,

As I still work out every other day with a 65/70 lb barbell (45 minutes) and cycle 25 miles on the days I don't work out, I know doing so is very hard on my hand joints.

The hand pain would most probably lessen if I quit these activities, but after doing them for 45 years, I can't stop now...Actually, I was a very long distance runner for 22 years, before I began cycling. Yeah, I sound like I'm boasting and I guess I am, but someone once said: If you can do it, it ain't bragging.

So, I'm hoping, that if I start in on a grip strength exercise program, my hand pain will lessen. Or increase. If the increase lasts for more than 3/4 months, I'll quit the program. That should be enough time to prove the efficacy of this idea.

I take a daily dose 15 mg meloxicam tablet (nsaid) after breakfast, but frankly some days I forget to take it and I don't notice any lessening of pain...so I'm hoping the gadget regimen may produce better results.

There are a wealth of grip strength models on the market and perhaps some on the forum could guide me about the best one, best approach, etc.

Alright, I'm blathering, I'll quit.

Keith B,

Thanks for your input.

I've had it diagnosed by my family doc. He says arthritis. But, I'll call him and quiz him if my grip strengthening idea is worthy.

Thanks!

[Keith B]

I've had it diagnosed by my family doc. He says arthritis. But, I'll call him and quiz him if my grip strengthening idea is worthy.

I would not ask about grip strengthening, but ask more about hand therapy. By doing therapy you may also gain strength, but the ultimate goal would be to first alleviate or eliminate the pain, then work on building strength.

[Abraham]

Keith B,

Thanks again.

I've been living with this hand pain for roughly 5 or more years. I've simply added it to the others...like back, shoulder, etc.

It hasn't increased that much, but yes, some...

I've been to therapists for other ailments and, well, hate going to them.

If it's possible for me to do what's necessary to lessen pain/increase strength that's the approach I prefer.

That said, I'm not so recalcitrant, I won't put off going to them if I absolutely have to...

I'm very close to being a septuagenarian, so I've come to expect increase bodily pain, but I like to manage it myself if possible - that said, I'm gonna have a shot of tequila. A never failing anesthetic...

[Keith B]

Keith B,

Thanks again.

I've been living with this hand pain for roughly 5 or more years. I've simply added it to the others...like back, shoulder, etc.

It hasn't increased that much, but yes, some...

I've been to therapists for other ailments and, well, hate going to them.

If it's possible for me to do what's necessary to lessen pain/increase strength that's the approach I prefer.

That said, I'm not so recalcitrant, I won't put off going to them if I absolutely have to...

I'm very close to being a septuagenarian, so I've come to expect increase bodily pain, but I like to manage it myself if possible - that said, I'm gonna have a shot of tequila. A never failing anesthetic...

There are lots of therapy exercises that you can do on your own. I was just stating that sometimes body builders do more harm to their bodies than good and that stigma might be perceived if you are talking about hand 'strengthening'. The trick is using the therapy to help get over the pain and regain full use of your hands with no issues. Doing that will more than likely also add strength in grip and agility with fingers as well.

[Javier730]

I have always been into grip training because I have always enjoyed arm wrestling. I use the Captains of Crush hand grippers. I can close the COC #2 about 5 times with my right and twice with my left, both using the credit card technique. The COC #2 is rated at 195 lbs. I also use the #1 which is rated at 140 lbs. I really enjoy grip training.

[carlson1]

Me and my wife have both been using the Everlast® Hand and Finger Strengthener for about a month now. My wife has had some pain after using it. I had a little pain, but the benefit far out weighed the little pain thus far.

[Javier730]

Me and my wife have both been using the Everlast® Hand and Finger Strengthener for about a month now. My wife has had some pain after using it. I had a little pain, but the benefit far out weighed the little pain thus far.
[ Image ]

I too use this for warming up and after a good grip workout.

[WildBill]

If so: What brand/model and grip strength do you use?

If you believe the marketing hype, regular use of grip strengtheners helps with your shooting, although I'm not sure how this is accomplished by having a stronger grip..?

To be sure, after ejecting a magazine with rounds in it, I am having some trouble with locking back the slide on my Glock to lock/eject the round left in the chamber due to hand pain. Obviously, having a stronger grip would help me in this one specific area I think...? This is the only area (at least for me) that I can see these gadgets being of benefit. Actually, I think my grip is as strong as it always has been, but the pain of using my grip to it's maximum is just too darn painful to crank up!

I'm also wondering if regular exercise with these gizmos will help lessen the pain or increase it?

What say you?

P.S. If there's initial pain to overcome in using of one of these G.P.'s at the outset of a regular exercise program, I'm willing to bear it if it means that the pain will lessen as greater strength will be forthcoming ...

Alright, I've beaten this horse enough...

Thanks!

I remember these from the 60's. As with any exercise it is easy to get bored and not use them continuously or for any length of time.