Bridge to Wellness

December: Cap off the year by improving your hand strength

 by Gary Hicks

There are so many things to do during the month of December that it’s sometimes difficult to spend time working on fitness. Often people decide to take the month off with plans to dedicate themselves once again at the start of the new year.

Rest and recovery are wonderful things because they allow time for the muscles to heal. But instead of taking December off, this may be the perfect time to work on an area we haven’t focused on—your hand and grip strength.

Think about it: Hand strength is important for opening jars while cooking, hauling packages as you walk through stores, ripping through Christmas wrap when opening gifts, and carrying plates of food at family gatherings.

Hand strength is also important to many on the job—laborers, retailers, and health and safety workers to name a few. And let’s not forget those musicians who will be providing entertainment at events associated with the holiday season.

To perform a simple, but very effective hand exercise, hold a small ball, about the size of a tennis ball, in the palm of your hand. Squeeze the ball tightly for 10 seconds, then release for 10 seconds. This simple hand-strengthening exercise will improve your grip and finger dexterity.

Monthly Fitness Challenge for December

The Monthly Challenge for December will be to perform 6 grip-strength exercises with each hand on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the month. On week 1, hold each ball squeeze for 10 seconds. Week 2, hold for 15 seconds. Hold for 20 seconds on week 3 and 30 seconds on week 4.

Can you notice the strength increasing in your hands and forearms? Old Popeye would be proud! Don’t forget to make time to share your experiences with other readers. Here’s the Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/bridgetowellnesschallenge

 

Remember, if you have health challenges that could hamper your ability to exercise, check with your doctor before taking on a new exercise regimen.

This column is sponsored by the Stockbridge Area Wellness Coalition, which exists to promote wellness in our community. SAWC is grateful for our many partners who help us in these efforts, including the Stockbridge Community News and our inaugural “Bridge to Wellness” columnist, Gary Hicks. SAWC sends a hearty THANK YOU to Gary for taking on the first year of this column. His willingness to share his skills and knowledge has enabled us to enhance our workouts and thus our health.

In January 2022, we welcome a new columnist—Sophia Speroff—a registered dietitian of nine years. She has a master’s degree in public health and is currently working at St Joseph Mercy Hospital in Chelsea as a community dietitian. While Sophia will focus mainly on eating better, she has an athletic and competitive side that includes training for triathlons and half marathons. We’re looking forward to the tips she will be sharing. Meanwhile, the folks at SAWC wish everyone a happy and healthy new year!

Print Friendly, PDF & Email