Do you want to strengthen or condition your hands or fingers?
Perhaps you play a sport like golf or tennis and want to strengthen your grip. Or maybe you play a musical instrument and want to condition your fingers.
Whatever the reason, it's important to pick the right exercise device so you can get the right result.
And the best choice for many applications is a hand and finger exerciser.
Here's why...
The Advantages of a Hand and Finger Exerciser
It is a versatile exercise device. Its advantages include:
- It can strengthen each finger individually. This allows you to build up your weaker fingers as well as your stronger ones. This not only gives you a better grip, but also better control of the item you are gripping. In many cases, control is more important than mere grip strength. And building individual finger strength is crucial for musicians.
- It can improve the dexterity, agility, and independent action of your fingers. This is crucial for musicians. And this will improve your typing too.
- It is effective for building up your wrists and forearms, as well as your hands and fingers.
The Key Features to Look For
Rugged, High-Quality Construction:
It is gong to get heavy, tough use. That's to be expected.
Therefore, it is important that the one you choose is well-built and constructed of the right materials. It can't be cheap or flimsy. And it must operate smoothly and quietly with no binding or sticking.
So make sure it is built to last and provides smooth operation.
Adjustable Resistance:
Hand and finger exercise devices come in two types: fixed resistance and adjustable resistance.
The first-generation units have their resistance fixed. Each button has the same resistance level and the level can't be changed. Typically, these devices come in four or five resistances ranging from about 1.5 lb up to about 9 lb. Some manufacturers also offer extra-heavy resistance units going up to 11 lb or 13 lb.
The problem with these devices is that they are inefficient. Because the strength of your fingers varies considerably from one to another, any given fixed-resistance unit is only going to be suitable for working out one or two fingers at a time. And you will have to buy up to four separate units to cover the full resistance range needed to exercise your hand and all of your fingers.
Also, many of the first generation units have dual spring systems that make it hard to work out individual fingers. There is a top spring on each button connected to a plastic body. The body is then typically connected to the base of the exerciser by three more springs. This type of unit is satisfactory for working out the hands by squeezing all four fingers together. But they are awkward and difficult to control when trying to workout one finger at a time, especially with precise, independent movements.
A much better choice is the second-generation devices that have a single spring system with adjustable resistance on each button. Their resistance range typically covers that of four of the fixed resistance type, allowing one unit to meet virtually all of your exercise needs. These units allow the resistance to be optimized for each finger in every exercise. Because of this, they are more efficient and more cost-effective to use.
Make sure you purchase an exerciser with a single spring system and with adjustable resistance on each button. The resistance range should be about 3 lb to 8-9 lb.
Five Buttons:
The first-generation devices have four buttons, one for each finger.
Some of the second generation devices now have five buttons, providing increased functionality. The fifth button allows you to do exercises with your fingers extended, which are great for musicians. These units simulate the conditions experienced when playing chords on the guitar, piano or other instrument when your fingers are spread wide apart.
If you are a musician, a five-button device will be your best choice.
How to Shop For a Hand and Finger Exerciser
A good way to shop for an exerciser is to check out the reviews on online stores, especially on Amazon. Amazon aggressively polices their reviews and will remove any that they believe are dishonest or fraudulent.
Online stores can provide a rich selection of exercise devices and the reviews will tell you the strong and weak points of each one. They will also often tell you how effective each one was in meeting the goals of the reviewer.
So check out a wide selection of exercise devices at your favorite online store and use the reviews to guide your final selection.
Summing Up
Here is your action plan for choosing your hand and finger exerciser.
1. Define the features you want:
- Rugged, well-built and high-quality -- Essential
- Adjustable resistance from about 3 lb to 8 - 9 lb on each button -- Essential
- Single spring system -- Essential
- 5th Button for finger extension exercises -- Optional, but very valuable for musicians
2. Go to Amazon or other online retailers offering a wide variety of hand and finger exercise devices
3. Select units that have the features you want and read their reviews
4. Based on the reviews and unit specifications, purchase the unit that best meets your exercise needs
If you are looking for a hand and finger exerciser, then you have already made a conscious decision to improve yourself in some way. To build a better you. Congratulations. You've definitely made a wise choice. To help you in your selection of a second-generation hand and finger exerciser and to learn how you can get our incredible new eBook on skill development absolutely free, please visit our website at Innovease.com/special-ebook-offer.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Robert_Turk/2045474
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