Simple Exercises to Boost Hand and Wrist Strength as You Age
As we age, everyday activities like opening jars can become surprisingly challenging. The gradual loss of muscle strength and bone density can impact our hands and wrists, making once-easy tasks more difficult. Luckily there are simple exercises that can be seamlessly incorporated into your routine, even while seated and watching TV. No fancy equipment is required—just a drying towel or a flannel will do the trick.
Exercise 1: Finger Range of Movement
Enhancing the flexibility and range of movement in your fingers is essential for maintaining dexterity. To perform this exercise, take a flannel or a small towel, ball it up, and place it in the palm of your hand. Gently close your fingers around the ball, giving it a gentle squeeze. Open your fingers again, repeating the motion. This exercise helps to alleviate stiffness and improve finger mobility.
Exercise 2: Wrist Strengthener
This exercise targets the muscles of the hand, wrist, and forearm, offering comprehensive strength and support. Given the alarming rate of wrist fractures—currently occurring every 9 minutes in the UK—strengthening these areas becomes crucial. Perform wrist strengtheners regularly to enhance your grip and fortify the bones in your wrists.
Exercise 3: Comprehensive Hand and Wrist Exercises
For a more extensive routine targeting wrist, hand, and finger problems, refer to this video guide titled “Wrist, Hand and Finger Problems.”
Taking charge of your hand and wrist health doesn’t require complex equipment or a lot of time. With these simple exercises, you can actively combat the effects of aging on your hands and maintain independence in your daily activities. Whether you’re watching TV or have a few minutes to spare try to integrate these exercises into your routine can make a significant difference.
For any queries or further guidance on starting an exercise regimen tailored to your needs, feel free to reach out at helenrothwell@wholelifefitness.co.uk.
Remember, these exercises are designed for most people, but always ensure you’re in a safe environment. If you feel unwell during the exercises, stop immediately.
The post Simple Exercises to Boost Hand and Wrist Strength appeared first on Whole Life Fitness.
Helen
Having worked in IT in London for 15 years I was made redundant in 2009. I had trained as a gym instructor whilst working and decided I would rather spend the rest of my career doing something I loved than look for another job in IT. I furthered my qualifications with a Certificate in Advanced Personal Training from the highly regarded Premier Training. Many personal trainers are generalists covering all areas of fitness but I took the decision to specialise in the over-50s and therefore went on to do a CYQ Award in Functional Training for the Independent Older Adult Level 3. My focus is on overall health rather than fitness. I believe that making small changes can have a long term positive effect on health and well-being.
