For better grip, squeeze in a handy workout

Grip strengtheners have been around for years and are used to build stronger muscles in the hand, wrist and forearm. Those exercises are important, says Dino Nowak, general manager of the Equinox Fitness Club in Pasadena, for everything from improving one’s tennis game to climbing mountains to relieving stress.

“It’s one thing that people never really work on, unless they’re in a physically demanding job,” Nowak says. “If you’re sitting at a computer, you’re not getting the strengthening and stretching you need. Our lives are less physically demanding, but this is a great way to keep your strength.”

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Nike Hand Grip Gel: Designed to increase grip strength as you squeeze it, this hand grip is a solid gel-filled piece of plastic about the size of a large bar of soap. The shape, sort of a pillowy square with rounded corners, was chosen for its “simple, organic” nature, says Anna Amador, Nike’s training gear product manager. It comes in easy, medium and hard resistance levels, and includes features such as bumps on the edges that can be used for exercising individual fingers.

Price: $12 each. Available at Copeland’s Sports and Sport Chalet at locations throughout Southern California.