conditioning for forearms and hand grip

[niqaeli]

I could probably google this, but I figured I'd ask around here first!

For reasons that are not actually immediately climbing-related (though I do want to get more into climbing at a point where I can afford to tear my hands up), I'm in desperate need of conditioning exercises for forearms and hand grip. And I could not think of anyone who would know such conditioining exercise *better* than climbers. (All other athletic endeavours I've been into before didn't particularly value strength in those areas.)

So! What are your favourite ones? Is there any equipment you find particularly useful?

Comments

[wpadmirer]

There's a very simple thing that works great for grip strength. All grip strength really comes from the forearms, not the hands directly. When you work a hand exerciser - you're really strengthening the forearm and maybe working on finger flexibility.

A piece of a broom handle works for this just fine. Put a rope that is long enough from you with your arms straight out to go to the floor. Tie a small weight (start with something that's no more than 2.5 pounds)to the rope and then tie the other end to the brook stick. Using both hands, roll the weight up, and then roll it back down. (The rope should wind around the stick as your hands roll it.)

Your forearms will EXPLODE after doing that a few times. It's a perfect exercise for grip strength and it's cheap to make.

[rydra_wong]

*nod nod nod*

I have one of these (made from a bit of plastic pipe). Fantastic toy. Apparently a big favourite of Bruce Lee's ...