Combat Conditioning Equipment: Hand & Wrist Strength

Exergrip Putty: Hand Strength Conditioning

I purchased this form of Grip Putty called “Exergrip” from Fred Meyer for $6.99. It has been beneficial in developing continued hand strength and endurance. Today there are many similar putty-type hand strengtheners available at sporting good departments. Putty such as this can be squeezed, stretched, and pulled in order to do several different strengthening exercises for the muscles in your fingers and hands. Not only is it a highly effective hand strengthener, it’s fun to use as it relieves stress and tension.

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Other hand exercisers like springs and balls work only the muscles that close the hand. Grip putty strengthens all the muscles in the fingers and hands to develop powerful, quick hands. When it comes to training knife defense, a strong grip is exactly what you want. Strong hands will improve your weapon retention and disarming skills. Therefore, consider this a crucial training aid in your ongoing efforts to ensure your own personal protection.

Grip Putty is also recommended by hand surgeons, therapists, and professional sports trainers for the prevention and rehabilitation of injuries.

1. The Finger Extension

Place putty in palm. Use other hand to stretch putty outward.

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2. The Finger Press

Place putty ball between finger tips and thumb. Pinch putty.

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3. The Finger Curl

Place putty in palm. Curl fingers in to palm and squeeze putty.

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4. The Finger Scissor

Pinch putty in between two adjoining fingers.

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Note: Similar hand strengthening for combatives can be achieved by squeezing a tennis ball. Begin with 50-100 repetitions each hand.

Dyna-Flex: Perfect for warming up your wrist and forearm before Escrima practice!

Have you seen these at your local sporting goods store? If you’ve passed the Dyna-Flex up in the past, stop next time and ask to give it a try. Feeling is believing, and once you get a feel for the burn this little piece of exercise equipment can put on the muscles in your forearm you’ll appreciate its effectiveness.

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The unique Dyna-flex mechanism spins internally and has no motor. Once you get the gyroscopic action going, your grip workout will have it whirling at 9,000 revolutions per minute. Your wrists, grip, and arm will be taxed as you work against its motion and challenge yourself to keep hold. This item assists in building strength while improving coordination. The resistance can be controlled by the user increasing or decreasing the speed of the gyroscopic action.

Visit the Dyna-flex on Amazon for lots more information.

Testimonial

My fiancé Jeremy and myself have been attending class at Unbridled Martial Arts for nearly 3 months now. The main reason we chose Unbridled was because of the reasonable rates. We figured for $30 each per month we had nothing to lose. I was very nervous about going because I have not had any previous experience with martial arts or fitness in general. However it only took a couple of classes for me to feel completely comfortable and confident in my ability to learn under Rob’s instruction. Jeremy really enjoys training with Rob because of the diversity of the training. Jeremy does have some background in martial arts and wrestling and Rob is always open minded about what other people have to offer to his class. I enjoy training with Rob because he is attentive and if he sees me doing something incorrectly he shows me how to do it right without discouraging me or making me feel silly. I also like that rather than sticking with one traditional style, Rob just teaches what works. It’s about effective self-defense instead of belt bragging. I would highly recommend this class to anyone. In fact we have and some of our friends have already joined. I personally feel terrific after each class regardless of how my day began.

~ Mindy Smither & Jeremy Simmons

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