At BridgeFit Personal Training, our mission is to give you what you need to reach your goals and age well.
As we get older, a lot of us notice the little things first. The jar gets harder to open. The suitcase feels heavier. Carrying the groceries in takes two trips instead of one.
That is a sign your grip strength is getting weaker.
And grip strength is one of the best signs of longevity and aging well.
Click here for a chance to win two free weeks of personal training (Only 3 spots available)
Why does grip strength matter so much?
A large study published in The Lancet followed almost 140,000 adults ages 35 to 70 across 17 countries. Researchers measured their grip strength and tracked their health for about four years. For every 11 pounds weaker someone’s grip was, their risk of dying from any cause was 16% higher.
And here’s the part that surprised a lot of people. Grip strength predicted early death and heart-related death better than blood pressure did.
Click here to see the research.
You may be thinking, “It’s just my hands.”
It’s not just your hands. Your grip is a good snapshot of how strong your whole body is. It’s also tied to your nervous system. Every time you squeeze, your brain sends a signal through your nerves to your muscles. That’s why your exercise, sleep, nutrition, and stress all affect your grip strength.
When I trained professional and collegiate athletes, we tested grip strength every day. It told us how well recovered they were and how hard we could push them that day. Today, we use grip testing for something even more important: helping adults 40+ see how well they’re aging, and giving them a clear starting point to get stronger.
So what can you do about it?
Here’s the good news. Grip strength is very trainable at any age. The right mix of strength training and grip exercises can build it back up, without banging up your body.
That means opening jars without asking for help. Carrying the groceries in one trip. Picking up the grandkids. Staying independent for years to come.
Want to increase your grip strength and add quality years to your life, without banging up your body in the process? Click here for a chance to win two free weeks of personal training, with a plan that meets you where you are. (Only 3 spots available)
Dustin Yantzi
Owner, BridgeFit Personal Training
www.bridgefit.co
