I put the Amazon NIYIKOW Hand Grip Strengthener to the test. To jump right to my honest review, click here.
As part of my treatment for breast cancer, I was put into chemical menopause at 41. Depriving my body of estrogen, a key component in bone and muscle health, meant that, in some sense, I was truly aging overnight.
I really started to notice it when I could no longer easily open a jar of my favourite pickles. Was this my life now? Relegated to being a weakling who had to rely on her husband to get her fix of fermented foods? Upon further research, I discovered that grip strength is also an indicator of overall health. Suddenly, it was about more than fulfilling a craving for dill. Breast cancer treatments had taken my breasts, weakened my bones and put me into a semi-permanent brain fog, so I wanted to be proactive about warding off other health impacts.
A few months ago, I saw one of Yahoo Canada’s shopping experts write about this 2-pack of portable grip strengtheners from Amazon and immediately ordered them for myself. Read on for my honest review.
Amazon
These grip strengtheners are great for hand strength training on-the-go.
The details
This grip strengthener is made of heavy-duty plastic and reinforced metal alloy materials, making it pretty darn durable. It can be used to strengthen hands, forearms, wrists and even fingers. The lightweight device weighs 204g and measures about 6×4″, so you can easily throw it in your travel bag or purse for on-the-go training and stress release.
The adjustable resistance ranges from 22 lbs (10kg) to 132 lbs (60kg), catering to all levels of grip fitness. The company also provides multiple exercise modules to help you get the most out of the handy gadget.
What I like about it
Super convenient: I carry one in my purse at all times to remind me to build hand strength. We went on car trips with the kids recently, and it was also great for keeping them entertained.
Great stress reliever: I tend to pick my hands when I get stressed, so having these in sight is a great way to help break my bad habit. If I’m feeling stressed, I reach for the gripper and it quickly calms my nerves.
The Amazon grip strengthener has more than 15,000 reviews. (Photo via Sarah DiMuro)
Easy to adjust resistance levels: I’ll be very honest, I haven’t gone up much in grip strength as I am still mastering the lowest level, but it’s nice to know I have a resistance range available for when the time comes to step it up.
Very affordable: The device is well constructed, and I see it lasting a long time. But if I left it somewhere or it broke, it wouldn’t cost a fortune to replace.
Room for improvement
Pace yourself, especially at the start: When I got these, I couldn’t wait to use them. Unfortunately, I overdid it, leading to some forearm soreness and a blister on my palm. Now, if I’m planning on using the gadget for an extended period of time, or more long-term use, I pull out the workout gloves.
What other shoppers are saying
⭐️ 4.5/5 stars
💬 15,100+ reviews
🏅 “Great strengthening tool”
One customer was very impressed with this “simple” and “durable” device, which they also described as “surprisingly easy to use.”
Customers swear by the “simple” and “durable” gadget. (Photo via Sarah DiMuro)
Another reviewer who suffers from golfer’s elbow says the gripper has “definitely helped” with their recovery, calling the gadget a “great strengthening tool.”
The “comfortable grip” and “easy to adjust tension” sold another shopper on the item.
However, similar to my experience, some shoppers have said that while the tool is “well built,” you should be prepared for “beginner blisters.”
Customers also say that while this is a good “starter grip trainer,” if you’re an “intermediate” or above gym goer, these won’t be challenging enough.
Do experts recommend a grip strengthener?
According to Nicole Davis, a certified personal trainer at Garage Gym Reviews, told Yahoo Canada, “grip strength naturally declines with age, mostly due to muscle loss and changes in nerve function.” In fact, she calls it one of the earliest signs of “functional decline,” which she says can begin as early as 50 — often overlapping with menopause — “suggesting hormonal changes may contribute to reduced muscle strength and function.”
Amazon
If you’re looking to improve your grip strength, experts say this is a good way to get started.
Davis says research has shown that grip strength is an “important biomarker of health in older adults.” When you have a stronger grip, everyday tasks like household chores and opening containers are easier, leading to more independence later in life. This particular tool is “decent for general grip work,” particularly if you are a beginner or recovering from an injury. While she says the gripper won’t do much to “build serious forearm size,” for “day-to-day hand strength,” it’s a “solid tool.”
The key to building grip strength is not to overdo it. Davis suggests you “start light and build gradually” as “grip training fatigues fast.” She recommends avoiding daily grip training, instead opting to do it once or twice a week, which is “plenty” for people simply looking to improve strength. “The hand and forearm muscles are small, and they need time to recover just like everything else.”
Stephen Sheehan, a BarBend personal trainer, calls the NIYIKOW Grip Strengthener a “fine tool,” especially if you want to “train grip in a targeted way.” While he says the gripper is “not fancy,” he likes that it’s portable and has a “decent” resistance range.
The verdict
The NIYIKOW hand gripper is portable, petite and perfectly priced — for me, that’s a winning trifecta. Instead of picking at my fingers, I have been picking these up to help relieve stress. I have one in my purse at all times, which is great when I’m travelling.
Plus, experts back up the merits of this grip strengthener, especially for “day-to-day hand strength.”
That said, if you’re looking to build more serious strength, you may want to opt for something more heavy-duty. On the other hand, if you’re a beginner, take a lesson from me and be sure not to overdo it.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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