Who does not want to be fit and healthy? With a hand expander, it is easier than ever! It is like there is a whole gym simulator in your pocket that you can use whenever you want. In all seriousness, this is a great device to develop fine motor skills and build up strength in your arms to make your handshakes firm and opening a tightly screwed jar effortless. In addition to that, hand expanders are multifunctional. This equipment does not only provide wrist muscle exercises but can also be helpful as a stress ball or a fidget toy for those experiencing anxiety and restlessness. As easy as this device may look, it actually comes in a variety of shapes, forms, and types, all designed for different purposes.
Types of hand expanders
Expanders overall have numerous variations to train different muscle groups. Such gadgets include a shoulder type that engages your arm and back muscles, a chest one, a multicolor rubber band that can be used for multiple purposes, and a hand one.
The category of hand expanders itself has many subcategories that this article will talk about. They include:
- Hand exercise ball for carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Silicone grip rings.
- Coil strengtheners – two handles made from aluminum alloy and joined by a coil in the middle.
- Spring-based strengtheners – have handles separated by a hinge and bound by a spring.
- Finger strengtheners – train each finger separately.
All the abovementioned devices can be made of silicone, rubber, aluminum, or plastic, depending on their kind and price.
Pros and cons of hand expanders
Hand grip strengtheners may prove to be really helpful for musicians, hikers, climbers, writers, builders, and other people who want to have strong hands. There are numerous advantages of using such a device, namely:
- Increased endurance;
- Greater muscle strength;
- Stress relief;
- Satisfying the need to fidget and physical ticks;
- Developed fine motor skills;
- Less pain in your wrists;
- Source of energy;
- Used in recovery from injuries.
However, although this equipment seems to be pretty easy to use, it might cause damage if not chosen properly. A grip strengthener that is too tight may cause serious hand injuries like sprains and torn ligaments. One has to select the tightness of the equipment in accordance with their physical condition and fitness goals. Besides, a carpal tunnel ball alone will not help you with the pain. If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, it is recommended to undergo various types of treatments like behavioral changes and wrist splits together with exercise.
How to train with hand expanders?
There are no specific exercise routines for training your palms and fingers. If you have just bought your first-hand expander, you should start training with it for small periods of time (5-10mins) daily and extend the time gradually after a week.
Advanced carpal tunnel exercises should only be performed under the recommendation and supervision of your doctor! Otherwise, you are at risk of doing something wrong, which may result in an injury.
In articles about gymnastic sticks and chest expanders – the benefits and workouts are described in an accessible way, do not miss it.
Selecting a hand expander
The selection process of any sports equipment can be tedious and time-consuming if you do not know exactly what you need. To help you facilitate your search, here is the analysis of hand expander prices and availability on Amazon, Walmart, and Target.
- Amazon: 107 various hand grip strengtheners on offer, with prices ranging from $5.99 to $282. Has a selection of all types listed in this article. The shop also has some additional equipment and replacement parts like a tubular extension for coil strengtheners available.
- Walmart: has a great number of hand expanders that are cheap. The prices are between $3-$35 which is significantly cheaper than the store mentioned above. Offers such brands as Wrea, Ofspeizc, DIYOO, TEMPSMF, Ankola Clothing, and others.
- Target: has only 14 options for hand grip strengtheners. The cost is $4.99-$39 for a kit of 4 gadgets.
Overall, judging by the selection of products and their price, the best place to shop them would be Walmart. Do not postpone caring about your health and buy yourself a hand strengthener right now!
