The hand expander is a hand-held exercise machine that is small in size. It is designed to improve grip strength. This is achieved due to the effect of deformation (squeezing) of the expander with muscle force. Grip strength is required in a wide variety of sports disciplines, as numerous exercises require strong hands and forearms. In amateur sports, the device is used to improve strength performance, which allows progress to be made when lifting a weight or barbell. The main advantage of such a simulator is the availability of a variety of options that differ in cost and load received.
Varieties
There are several types of the most popular specimens.
These include:
- Round rubber.
- Spring expander.
- Adjustable.
There are also more modern models called gyroscopic, which not only train, but also entertain.
Rubber
If you think about what muscles a carpal expander, which is made in the form of a rubber ring, can develop, it will become obvious that all the same muscle groups are strengthened by other types of similar simulators.
The only significant drawback is the inability to adjust the voltage in the required range. If a too soft model has already exhausted its capabilities, then you need to purchase a harder ring. But it is worth noting that this will not affect finances in any way, since another advantage of such a simulator is its price, which is negligible. In addition, you can be sure that such a device will not break or rust. Rubber expanders cannot rot, and therefore will also serve your children and grandchildren. After all, many people probably found such a device in their grandmother or grandfather’s apartment, and this speaks of durability. Using an expander, you can develop forces in the range of 5-25 kg. It is also necessary to note that this device is absolutely silent and is sold in any sports store.
Spring
By purchasing this variety, you can be sure that all the wrist and shoulder muscles will develop.
You can choose a model with certain characteristics that are not available for the rubber model. First of all, we are talking about the level of rigidity. There is also a wide range of loads, because such a simulator is able to change the load thanks to different grips. But it is worth noting that the durability of springs is relatively short, especially if the cheapest models are purchased. There are very well-known manufacturers, for example, the CaprainofCrash company, which produces quite expensive devices, but they are distinguished by a wide range of voltages, durability and reliability. The benefits of such an expander are obvious, since with the help of such a device you can expand the number of exercises and increase the load when a person develops certain levels of fitness.
Adjustable
This device is considered very functional and allows you to increase the load smoothly without any manipulation with the grip. The external device resembles a regular spring expander, but is an improved version. The hardness can be adjusted. The maximum load is 170 kg. Such devices are usually purchased by professional athletes. An ordinary person will not have the strength to even press an expander of such power once.
Gyroscopic
These are modern versions of the expander, which few people even heard of a few years ago.
But it has recently gained great popularity due to its unusual and interesting appearance. The unique thing is that during classes you will not need to squeeze anything. You just need to hold the hand in a certain position, since the expander, due to the energy of the internal gyroscope, will try to tilt the hand in one direction or another. You can make rotational movements to spin the gyroscope more. Thus, the load will increase even more. With the help of such a simulator, you can significantly train the muscles of the hand and wrist. In addition, such a “toy” will also improve your mood.
For the back
Bent over expander row
Let's start with basic exercises aimed at developing back thickness. It is an analogue of the BAR ROLL IN THE INCLINE. Depending on the angle of inclination, we can shift the load from the top to the bottom of the latissimus muscles. Due to the fact that we perform rows with both hands, we can take more rigid expanders. This will increase the load on the working muscles. As a result, they will begin to grow.
Performance:
- Stand with both feet in the middle of the expander and take its edges in your hands.
- We move the pelvis back and tilt the body forward. For greater stability, bend your knees slightly.
- The back should be straight, there should be a slight arch in the lower back, and the gaze should be directed forward.
- As you exhale, we begin to bring the shoulder blades together and pull the edges of the expander to the lower abdomen (the area under the navel).
- Hold this position for a short time to maximize the load on the latissimus and rhomboid back muscles.
- Then, as you exhale, we return to the starting position.
Perform deadlifts by contracting your back muscles rather than bending your arm. To do this, focus on squeezing your shoulder blades together and lifting your elbows up. Take your time, do the exercise at an average pace. If you have done this deadlift before, only with a barbell. Then at first, performing it with an expander will not be familiar. But this is a temporary effect and it will pass quickly.
Vertical thrust
And again, a basic exercise for training your back. Basically, VERTICAL PULLING is performed in a crossover. It is aimed at increasing the width of the back. To complete it, we will need to secure the expander to something. I have already written about this earlier. We can also work on different areas of the back and increase the range of motion. This is achieved by positioning the edges of the expander relative to each other. The closer they are, the greater the amplitude will become and the load will fall on the bottom of the lats. A wide stance uses the upper part of the lats. But this will reduce the amplitude.
Performance:
- Secure the middle part of the expander to the bracket installed at the top. Or press it against the door (assuming your doors are secure).
- Grab its edges with your hands and kneel down.
- As you exhale, pull the edges of the expander down.
- As you inhale, return to the starting position.
Beginners will find it difficult to feel the work of their back at first. But there is a proven method. You need to focus on lowering your elbows rather than bending your arm at the elbow joint. And then the biceps will not dominate the exercise.
Horizontal thrust
Another exercise option for the back that helps develop its thickness. It is performed while sitting on the floor. It is analogous to the LOWER BLOCK ROD. As in the vertical row, we also increase the amplitude of movement by bringing the edges of the expander together. A kind of close grip deadlift.
Performance:
- Sit on the floor. Extend your legs forward.
- Take the expander by the edges and secure the middle to your feet.
- Straighten your back, lean your chest forward a little. Arch your lower back.
- As you exhale, pull the edges of the expander towards the middle of your abdomen. To perform the movement, you need to bring your shoulder blades together.
- While inhaling, we return to the starting position.
Before you start, check that the expander is securely fastened to your feet. To be calmer, you can rest them against the wall. This is very important, as the expander can come off in your face. Watch your movements. Do not bend your legs or round your back while doing this.
Why do you need a hand expander?
Regular use of an expander relieves stress and fatigue, prevents the development of various diseases, makes your hands light and your grip strong. Moreover, the effect appears after just a few weeks of training. When used correctly, it also strengthens the muscles of the forearms, which makes it a particularly indispensable device for representatives of strength sports.
The benefits are obvious even for those who have never strived to conquer the heights of sports. In particular, we are talking about office workers who spend a lot of time at the computer. Constantly working with a keyboard and mouse can lead to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome, a specific disease characterized by numbness in the fingers and long-term pain. When the first signs of this pathology appear, it is worth purchasing an expander: it will eliminate the symptoms of the disease and prevent its progression.
Popular manufacturers
In order for the muscle tissue of the arm to develop fully, it is extremely important to choose the right exercise machine. It would be useful to consider the rating of the best manufacturers. It includes the following brands:
- Indigo. Produces high-quality equipment for beginners. A wide range of models is presented.
- Bradex. This brand produces high-quality adjustable expanders. When using them, excellent results can be achieved.
- "Vladsportprom". The company produces budget models with great functionality.
- Z-sports. The manufacturer produces gyroscopic devices. This new product among sports equipment quickly gained immense popularity due to its original appearance, ease of use and efficiency.
When choosing an expander, you should not give preference to dubious brands. Such products may turn out to be not only ineffective, but also dangerous. High-quality exercise equipment is produced by well-known brands with an excellent reputation.
Bradex
Indigo
Z-sports
Vladsportprom
Purpose
The very name of the wrist expander indicates that the main purpose is to strengthen the hand, which is responsible for flexion and extension of the fingers.
This is especially true for those people who spend a lot of time typing text on a computer keyboard. There are also specific diseases that are associated with severe tension in the hands. This is called carpal tunnel syndrome. It is very useful to use a hand expander in this case, since it will serve as a therapeutic agent when pathology or symptoms of the disease manifest themselves. Many people believe that the expander is only capable of developing the wrist, and therefore no one is even interested in what muscles the wrist expander also develops. If used correctly, almost all the muscles of the hand will be involved, especially the forearm. With the help of such a simple device, you can prevent the occurrence of various health problems, such as arthritis. And also, to a significant extent, such exercises reduce stress and fatigue, and the time of exercise is not limited in any way.
The important point is that you can purchase such a special device for both women and men, for amateurs and professionals, for the elderly and children. If you use the expander regularly, the effect will last for a long period of time. After just a few dozen sessions, a person will feel how much stronger his grip has become.
The main advantage of the device is that training can be done absolutely anywhere. This could be public transport and shopping or relaxing on the couch.
Why train your hands and forearms?
There are a lot of athletes who engage in arm wrestling, wrestling, boxing and weightlifting.
It is these people who first need to use an expander to train their arm muscles. Climbers or musicians also need to have a strong grip, but even housewives very often face situations when they need to go to the store and bring back a heavy string bag, and this is quite difficult if your hands are weak. A strong grip is important not only for athletes, because men show their character through the strength of their handshake.
In addition, if you use special exercises, you can develop other muscle groups, partially replacing more bulky, expensive exercise equipment. This is why the wrist expander is so valued among athletes and ordinary people. It is for such life situations that you need to train with the help of this device. The finger expander is very useful.
Hand expander: benefits and harms
This compact device can be used to strengthen and pump up the muscles of the wrist, forearm, and make fingers strong.
This will strengthen your hand grip and improve blood circulation in your upper extremities. If you exercise frequently, it will affect your overall health. The hand expander provides a general therapeutic effect, strengthens the immune system, and helps resist various infections. If we talk only about arm wrestlers, bodybuilders and bodybuilders, then for them there is simply no alternative to such a simulator. In addition, such a device has an almost zero level of injury, which is rare among simulators. Many doctors claim that the carpal expander can be used very effectively to develop the muscles of the hands after fractures and injuries. Such a mini-simulator cannot pose any health risks, but it can create some inconveniences that are typical for cheap and not too rigid models.
Do not forget that springs can deteriorate. But these are very small and insignificant negative aspects that you don’t even have to remember when purchasing such a simulator. The only thing we can say with certainty is that it is incapable of causing absolutely any harm to the body. If you don’t deliberately throw it against the wall, expecting a rebound, then you can be confident in the safety of the equipment.
Benefits of shopping in our store
After deciding on the choice of a simulator, the question arises: “Where to buy a wrist expander?” You don't need to go far - you can do it right on the Gripboard.ru website.
We guarantee from ourselves:
- The highest quality expanders
. Our store occupies a leading position in sales of expanders in Russia. All exercise equipment that goes on sale is first tested by athletes and amateurs. The inventory receives its assessment, and only then, in the case of successful tests, is put on display; - Low prices and discounts
. Our store has the lowest prices for original products. The only cheaper ones are Chinese fakes, which quickly break down and can cause injury during training. Purchasing on Gripboard.ru save maximum money and get maximum quality; - Responsiveness and assistance in choosing a simulator
. You can contact us during business hours and we will help you choose the exercise machine that is right for you; - Fast delivery
. All products that you can order on our website are in stock and ready to ship right now; - Powerful information support
. Sellers are limited to instructions for their products. They don’t tell you how to train with the purchased simulator, which deprives you of results. We are interested in our customers getting results and coming back to us for new purchases. The HVAT brand is supported by athletes who write articles for each product. These materials will allow you to increase the efficiency of each workout and guarantee results.
After purchasing a simulator, you can regularly update your knowledge about training with it using materials that are written and updated daily!
The effect of alternative exercise equipment
Even an adjustable expander, which is of good quality and functionality, is not without its drawbacks. It does not have the same reliability as expensive spring ones and may not last very long. After all, it is not at all difficult to break if used incorrectly.
Well, what about other types of wrist expanders? Among them, it is very difficult to find something that could be called a good option for a quality workout. All these balls and elastic bands are more suitable for developing fingers and hands, for example, for rehabilitation after a broken arm. But a soft rubber ring can also do the job. Among all this diversity, there are also not quite ordinary options, for example, powerball. But such a mini-simulator is quite expensive, and cheap options cannot be called effective.
Price
There are different types of hand expanders available for sale. Depending on the manufacturer, the cost of simulators in Moscow and St. Petersburg varies from 125 to 2000 rubles:
Name | Description | Price, rub.) |
Adjustable Dinosaur Hunter | Hardness (kg): 24-30, 28-45, 40-68, 53-88, 72-133, 90-155 | 1 750 |
Gyroscopic hand trainer Power Ball | Luminous, body – polycarbonate, anti-slip rim – rubber, cord – nylon, diameter 7.5 cm, orange | 1 190 |
Gyroscopic hand trainer Power Ball Wrist | A small ball that works on the principle of a gyroscope. | 650 |
Cheaper models cost up to 300 rubles. There are both spring and ring projectiles:
Name | Description | Price, rub.) |
Wrist spring Es-301, | Hard handle, load: 10 kg, gyroscopic, green | 290 |
Wrist spring ES-304 | Soft handle, green/grey, load: 20 kg, gyroscopic | 249 |
Wrist ES-401 Ball | Green, load: 20 kg, gyroscopic | 149 |
Carpal expander, ring | Black, adult | 125 |
Sales are carried out in any convenient way. The projectile can be purchased in a specialized or online store. There are often discounts and sales. In this case, the purchase will not be very expensive. When making an online purchase, reliability and quality assurance are high. Delivery is carried out by mail, courier, pickup is possible.
Goal 7: Recovery from injury
Final table
Target | Efficiency on a scale from 0 to 10 Men | Efficiency on a scale from 0 to 10 Women | Note |
Developing grip strength | 9 | 10 | For men, it is better to use it in combination with other exercises. This will allow you to see the result faster. The ideal exercise machine for women. |
Increased muscle mass | 8 | 10 | Only hard metal expanders are suitable for increasing muscle mass. Without training large muscle groups, it is impossible to realize the 100% potential of an expander. |
Endurance work | 10 | 10 | Proper, regular work with an expander develops extreme endurance in the hands. |
Prevention and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome | 10 | 10 | Super effective as a preventative. Does not always help in advanced stages of the disease. |
Arm muscle development | 9 | 9 | Be responsible when choosing the type, stiffness of the expander and the training process itself. |
Stress management | 9 | 9 | Partially relieves stress, reduces anxiety, improves mood. |
Recovery after injury | 8 | 8 | Effective, but not always. |
Endurance exercise
To increase power in the hands, perform a long grip. To do this, the expander is squeezed tightly to the maximum of its capabilities and the position is fixed for a few seconds until the muscles begin to tremble and become numb. The exercise is performed in several approaches.
You can combine such a press with an active one: several quick compressions - one fixed one, after a rest - repeat the complex. As you train, it is important to increase the duration of fixation and the number of approaches.
Types of expanders and exercises
Rubber expander - made in the form of a ring or ball. Typically has a hardness of 20-50 kg.
Push-button “accordion” – designed to train each finger separately. Pressure force from 10 to 20 kg.
A butterfly expander is two handles connected by a spring with an elasticity of 20-40 kg.
Steel squeezers are an oval-shaped device with a maximum force of up to 160 kg.
Gyroscopic expanders are small balls with a gyroscope device placed in them. They fit well in the palm of your hand and allow you to develop your fingers, hand and wrist.
How to choose an expander for fitness? There are several types. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages and is used for different types of training.
- Tubular is a universal exercise machine, suitable for working out all muscle groups, but most strongly affects the arm muscles. Outwardly it looks like an ordinary jump rope with handles.
- An expander band is also a universal, but less convenient equipment, since there are no handles for conveniently performing exercises. Most often used in exercises where you need to sit or lie on one end of the band.
- Figure Eight is a tool for working out problem and hard-to-reach areas. There are not many exercises with this fitness equipment, but it perfectly loads the outer surface of the thigh and buttocks if you insert one leg into one handle and move the shock absorber to the side with the other.
- The ring is a type of tubular expander, only it looks like a ring. Can be equipped with handles or Velcro cuffs. Suitable for performing static exercises, since it will not be possible to do exercises with a large amplitude.
There are other types of similar simulators. Thus, manufacturers today create expanders of almost any shape. Some are presented in the form of rubber balls, others involve unusual compression algorithms.
The operating principle of each wrist projectile is the same. However, expanders differ in shape and material of manufacture. There are adjustable models that allow you to change the load on the muscles.
Rubber
A ring made of elastic elastic rubber is familiar even to many schoolchildren. The donut-shaped product has several degrees of load, which depends on the resistance of the material. The indicator is measured in kilograms. The minimum value is 5, and the maximum is 65.
Schoolchildren and students benefit from a rubber expander as exercise for their hands, especially when they need to write a lot. The hand projectile calms the nervous system during exams and improves the student’s concentration on the subject.
Why GMOs are dangerous, what they are, their impact on human health
There are two types of hand expander in the form of a rubber ring:
- Smooth. The surface of the ring has no bulges, depressions, or relief patterns. The hand expander fits comfortably in the hand.
- Raised. The surface of the ring is covered with elastic rubber pimples. In addition to the training effect, a hand massage occurs at the same time. The pimples knead the nerve points on the palm.
For legs
Squats with an expander
When it comes to leg training, the first thing that comes to mind is SQUATS. This is a great exercise to target your quadriceps and glutes.
Performance:
- The beginning is standard for exercises performed while standing.
- We stand in the middle of the expander. We place our legs hip-width apart (slightly narrower than shoulder width).
- We take the edges. We bend our elbows and place them in front of us, so that the expander is behind our forearms.
- The back is straight, there is a natural arch in the lower back. The gaze is directed forward and slightly upward.
- As you inhale, move your pelvis back and bend your knees.
- We take a short pause in the lower position.
- And as you exhale, we rise from the squat.
Watch the position of your knees. In the lower position they should not protrude beyond the toes. While squatting, do not look at your feet. This will make you round up. Start squats with abduction of the pelvis, not bending at the knee.
Become traction on straight legs
Well, where would we be without STANDING ON STRAIGHT LEGS. This exercise helps develop the muscles in the back of the thigh. Which receive virtually no load when doing squats.
Performance:
- We stand in the middle of the expander and take its ends in our hands.
- As you inhale, we begin to move the pelvis as far back as possible, due to which the forward tilt will occur.
- Stretching the muscles of the back of the thigh as much as possible. Exhale and return to the starting position.
While bending over, do not bend your knees. This will shift the load from the thigh muscles to the gluteal muscles. Do not round your back to avoid damaging your spine.
Lunges with expander
This is a basic exercise that allows you to load the gluteal muscles and quadriceps. LUNCHES can be performed in different ways. Taking a step forward and back. This will load the muscles differently. We will consider the technique of only the classic version.
Performance:
- We stand with one foot in the middle of the expander, and move the other one back.
- We take the edges with our hands and bend them at the elbow.
- While inhaling, bend the leg at the knee joint until an angle of 90° is formed in it.
- After taking a short pause and exhaling, straighten your leg by contracting the quadriceps and gluteal muscles.
While performing the exercise, do not lean forward too much. Make sure that your knee does not extend beyond your toes.
What types of hand expanders are there?
Let's look at the types of these simulators.
A rubber wrist expander is simply a rubber ring that you squeeze in your hand to exercise. This is the simplest and most reliable simulator of this type. The ring is cheap, sold in almost any sports store, does not creak when compressed and is durable. You can use it for many years, because the chance of tearing it is minimal, unless, of course, you do this on purpose. In addition, this is a very comfortable wrist expander. The benefits from it are exactly the same as from any other types - strengthening the hands and forearms. What are the disadvantages of a rubber expander? The only serious drawback is the lack of flexible load control. If you need expanders of different hardness, you will have to buy several rings. But their cost allows this to be done. However, if you need a really heavy load, then a resistance band cannot provide this.
A spring expander consists of two handles connected using a spring structure. Such exercise machines are very different from their rubber counterparts and have a larger load range. Most stores must sell such a wrist expander. The benefit of training with it is the ability to find a suitable option for everyone, as well as several training options. For example, with a spring resistance band, you can change the load by simply holding it with the handles either up or down. Unfortunately, such a simulator also has disadvantages. So, cheap options, as a rule, are too short-lived and last for literally several months of regular training. Also, expanders with a high resistance value cannot be purchased at a low price. That is, high-quality strength training is only possible with fairly expensive branded exercise equipment. The advantages of these products are obvious: almost eternal use, a large selection of hardness and quality guarantee. The most famous manufacturer of spring resistance bands is Captains of Crush. This company is known for selling very high quality resistance bands with varying degrees of rigidity. The tightest exercise machine from this manufacturer can be squeezed by literally several people all over the world. The hand expander from Captains of Crush is the highest quality on the market. Thousands of athletes have experienced first-hand the reliability of these products.
The adjustable wrist expander is a simulator characterized by great functionality. Several load levels are installed in one expander. In all other respects, it is approximately similar to its regular spring counterpart. The advantage of this option is that you can progress with each session, increasing the load gradually. As a rule, such an expander is quite expensive because it offers great functionality and at the same time is quite reliable.
There are other types of similar simulators. Thus, manufacturers today create expanders of almost any shape. Some are presented in the form of rubber balls, others involve unusual compression algorithms.
Nuances of choosing wrist trainers
Although training with a wrist expander is considered a very democratic activity, when purchasing them you should know how not to make a mistake when choosing. One of the most common mistakes is trying exercise machines on a hand that had previously been in a tense state for a long time. only need to select an expander - this is the only way you can fully experience all the capabilities of the device.
Do not forget to consider how comfortable the expander lies in your hand - the anatomical features of all people are different. If you already experience pain during the test, it is better to abandon this model and opt for another.
The rigidity of the expander should be such that full compression is difficult for you. Over time, when you are sufficiently trained, you can move on to a tougher version.
Contraindications to using an expander
It is recommended to start any sports activities with the easiest form, during which the load is minimal. All workouts with an expander are based on the following principles:
- mandatory warm-up with soft equipment;
- the number of repetitions for beginners should not exceed 15 times;
- breaks between classes should be sufficient for muscle recovery;
- maximum rigidity is selected individually;
- the load should increase gradually;
- exercises with a wrist expander to strengthen your grip are performed at the end of training or on rest days. You will read about it below;
- regularity of classes.
The listed rules are required to be followed. If you have problems choosing a simulator based on rigidity, you should consult with an experienced athlete or coach.
Example program:
- Day 1 – squeeze 4-6 times, perform 10 approaches with a 2-minute break between them.
- Day 2 – similar to the first, but the number of approaches increases to 11.
- Day 3-4 – 12 approaches.
- Days 5-19 – the number of compression repetitions increases to 6-8 times, 12 approaches with a break of 2 minutes.
- Day 20 – a “unit” with high resistance is used (determined individually according to the same principle: the maximum number of compressions is no more than 8), 4 repetitions, 10 approaches with a rest of 2 minutes.
Warm-up:
- Movement with your fingers, rotation of your wrists, squeezing a soft expander (any rubber simulator from Torneo or another manufacturer will do).
- We squeeze the “device” with our hand to the limit, relax the hand, repeat with a break of 10 seconds. The number of repetitions for a beginner should not exceed 15 times. You need to exercise without holding the simulator in a compressed state, that is, squeeze it and immediately release it. After this activity, you should rest for about 5-10 minutes;
- Long-term compression. This exercise adds a squeeze hold for 15 seconds. The break between approaches is 30-60 seconds. Perform 2-3 repetitions.
Instructions for training with short-term load:
- Warm up using a similar principle.
- Squeeze to the limit and hold in this state for a minute. Number of repetitions – 10 times with a break between cycles of 15-20 seconds. Rest up to 3-4 minutes.
- Compression 100 times for 1-1.5 minutes, the number of approaches is 3-7 with a break between them of at least 30 seconds.
- Squeeze the hard expander 10 times.
The latter program is not suitable for beginners, as it is designed for more experienced athletes.
There are a number of diseases in which a wrist expander can cause harm to the body:
- heart failure;
- vascular disease;
- diabetes;
- low or high blood pressure;
- oncology;
- dermatological diseases of the skin of the hands.
In all other cases, the power projectile will not cause harm.
comparison table
Below, in the table, you can find additional parameters for each expander from the rating, as well as their average cost.
Model | Hardness, kg | Width, cm | Weight, kg | Average price, rub. |
Lite Weights RJ0202E | 36 | 10 | 0,2 | 200 |
ATEMI AER02 | 13,18,22,27 | 9 | 0,1 | 360 |
TORRES PL5019 | 15 | 10 | 0,5 | 280 |
Starfit ES-302 | 10-40 | 11,5 | 0,13 | 500 |
BRADEX SF 0200 | 40 | 12 | 0,172 | 520 |
Indigo IN096 | 15-50 | 14 | 0,38 | 730 |
Yunmai YMGB-Z701 | – | 5,5 | 0,27 | 1000 |
Adidas ADAC-11400 | 11 | 8,6 | 0,32 | 1350 |
GESS SportsMAN GESS-097 | 10-40 | – | – | 1710 |
Goal 4. Prevention and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a problem for everyone who, day after day, is forced to make finger movements that are atypical for humans, from an evolutionary point of view. Working on a computer for more than 4 hours a day, working as a hairdresser, playing traumatic sports (basketball, for example) - all this will lead you to carpal tunnel syndrome after 5-10 years.
In its advanced form, the disease causes decreased mobility of the fingers and acute pain without an external stimulus. Failure to respond to the problem may result in disability. These consequences can be avoided by regularly working on strengthening your hands. The easiest option is to buy any wrist expander. Regular training relieves pain, strengthens arm muscles, and prevents the development of such diseases.
Types of expanders
The operating principle of each wrist projectile is the same. However, expanders differ in shape and material of manufacture. There are adjustable models that allow you to change the load on the muscles.
Rubber
A ring made of elastic elastic rubber is familiar even to many schoolchildren. The donut-shaped product has several degrees of load, which depends on the resistance of the material. The indicator is measured in kilograms. The minimum value is 5, and the maximum is 65.
If we talk about the benefits of a manual ring expander, then the hand exerciser primarily improves the blood circulation process. Squeezing the donut brings blood pressure to normal. The ring helps to restore an injured hand. After the cast is removed, a wrist expander provides the opportunity to accelerate muscle development without causing new injury to newly fused bones.
Schoolchildren and students benefit from a rubber expander as exercise for their hands, especially when they need to write a lot. The hand projectile calms the nervous system during exams and improves the student’s concentration on the subject.
There are two types of hand expander in the form of a rubber ring:
- Smooth. The surface of the ring has no bulges, depressions, or relief patterns. The hand expander fits comfortably in the hand.
- Raised. The surface of the ring is covered with elastic rubber pimples. In addition to the training effect, a hand massage occurs at the same time. The pimples knead the nerve points on the palm.
Start training with a minimal resistance ring. Over time, the bagel changes. To increase the load, use a ring of greater resistance.
They will tell you more about the rubber ring in the video:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=rL_EoTgE0EY
Spring
The hand expander consists of two curved handles that fit comfortably in the palm of your hand. They are connected to each other by a spring. It is this that creates tension when squeezing the handles. The compression force of the wrist expander can be changed by replacing the spring. The power projectile allows you to set a maximum resistance of 20 kg.
Compared to a rubber ring, a spring expander has more benefits. The projectile evenly loads all fingers, even the little finger.
Adjustable
A hand expander similarly consists of two handles, between which a spring is installed. The design is reminiscent of a spring power projectile, but slightly improved. The compression force is changed by an adjustment mechanism, which allows you to smoothly increase the load. You can set the maximum hardness to 170 kg.
Important! The adjustable spring trainer is designed for professional athletes. An untrained person is not able to squeeze the handles even once.
Gyroscopic
A modern wrist expander can be called a simulator for lazy people. A person will not have to squeeze or unclench anything, and the power projectile will still be beneficial. The training process only requires holding your hand in one position. The built-in gyroscope creates energy that tries to deflect the hand to the side. To increase the load, just make circular movements with your hand. When spinning, the gyroscope creates even more energy. In addition to training your muscles, you can benefit from a gyroscopic expander to improve your mood.
TOP 3 manufacturers of hand expanders
The following models are considered the best wrist trainers:
- Spring expanders Grip PRO and Ultra series. They are produced using our own patented technology from weapons-grade high-strength plastic. The presence of anatomically shaped handles allows you to avoid rubbing calluses and fully concentrate on training your muscles. The purchase of such expanders will cost around 1390-1690 rubles.
- Zenith Gripper hand expanders. They are characterized by high rigidity and allow you to make training as effective as possible. In addition, they have an excellent margin of strength and durability. The purchase will cost approximately 1,400 rubles.
- Steel Mirror Finish by Atomgripz. This is an expander made of polished stainless steel, which has no analogues today. Its cost is quite high and reaches 2600 rubles.
The benefits of different types of expanders
Carpal trainer
What is a wrist expander, what are its benefits and harms, read the article!
Among the carpals, several subspecies are distinguished. What these simulators have in common is that you need to squeeze them with your palm. These items are used to train the muscles of the forearm and hands. Joints receive particular benefit from expanders. They are recommended to people after a fracture and for rehabilitation, so patients know very well what an expander is and what its benefits are.
There are torsion and adjustable expanders. In the latter, the load level can be adjusted, but in torsion bars this is not possible.
One of the most popular wrist expanders is the ring. It has several resistance levels, which are measured in kilograms. The shells can be smooth or with “bubbles” on the surface.
There are also expanders with a spring mechanism. These models provide the load separately on each finger.
The obvious advantages of wrist trainers include:
- ease of practice;
- ease of learning new workouts;
- the opportunity to practice anywhere (at home, in transport, while walking).
Chest spring expander
But what muscles are worked by the chest expander? The chest machine is used to work out the muscles of the shoulders, chest, and back. In appearance, these exercise machines look like two handles with metal or rubber bands stretched between them.
This expander is very easy to use. With its help, you can adjust the resistance force, strengthen your arms, muscles around the spine and chest. To start classes, no special knowledge or skills are required.
Rubber expander - tape or tourniquet
The rubber band can be used for any muscle group. This expander is the most versatile. You can train your shoulder girdle, arms, legs, hips and buttocks. The hand expander provides great benefits. Therefore, it is used in fitness yoga classes, boxing, water aerobics, and Pilates.
What is useful about an expander is its versatility. This simulator:
- develops endurance;
- will allow you to load any part of the body;
- will give you the opportunity to exercise easily (no ordinary exercise machine will give you this);
- protects the spine from unnecessary stress.
Butterfly
This simulator consists of two levers that are connected by a spring. Externally, the design looks like a butterfly. To practice, you need to strive to bring the levers as close as possible to each other. The spring at this moment provides the required level of load. What does the butterfly pump the expander?
Why an expander of this type is needed is known to those who want to pump up the muscles in their hips, chest, and arms. This exercise machine is very useful for these parts of the body. Its disadvantage is the inability to change (strengthen or weaken) the load level.
Skier's expander
With this exercise machine you can strengthen your musculoskeletal system. It is used for rehabilitation after injuries and after operations. It can replace dumbbells. What does a ski expander do? With this exercise machine you can strengthen your back, legs, and arms.
Benefits and harms from use
First of all, you should find out what the benefits and harms of a hand expander are. It is noted that when choosing a high-quality simulator and following the rules for its use, only a positive effect is observed. Here are the muscles the product pumps: the hands, wrists, the front of the forearm area, as well as the finger flexors. Excessive loads and the use of dubiously manufactured products lead to negative changes.
The benefits of a hand expander for the body are as follows:
- Preventing the development of arthritis and arthrosis. During training, the load on the joints is measured, but they actively work, and accordingly, the risk of the onset of pathological processes is significantly reduced.
- Stimulation of blood circulation. When using an expander, the hands perform movements similar to those that need to be done when drawing blood from a vein. Accordingly, during exercise, the vessels begin to work actively, the blood pumps more intensely, at an increased speed. Thanks to such changes, beneficial substances spread faster throughout the body, improving the condition of the skin and nail plates.
- Preventing sprains and injuries during weight training. With sufficient strength in the hand area, a person correctly distributes the load and applies it to the necessary muscle tissues.
- Training normalizes the activity of the nervous system. Models with pimples have an effect on a number of nerve endings and help eliminate overstrain.
- Restoring motor skills after injuries. For example, when a fracture occurs, the arm remains motionless for a long time, as a result of which the muscles begin to atrophy, blood circulation is disrupted, and the affected tissues do not receive the proper amount of oxygen. To normalize the condition, you need an expander. Soon all problems when using it disappear.
If you train regularly, the compact device will be of great benefit. True, there is a downside. In certain situations, exercise can cause harm. For example, if exercises are performed incorrectly, there is a risk of injury. If the load is excessive, pain appears in the joints and muscles.
Prevents the development of arthritis and arthrosis
Stimulates blood circulation
Helps restore motor skills after injuries