Grip Strength
Grip strength shows up in large studies of older adults. What the research found, what it does not mean for one person, and everyday ways to keep your hands and forearms strong.
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Do one comfortable chair-strength set
About 5 minutes · Easy to moderate. It should never feel painful or unsteady.
From a stable chair, try up to five comfortable sit-to-stands, using the chair arms if helpful.
Steps
- You will need
- A sturdy chair that will not slide, placed against a wall.
- Done when
- You did up to five comfortable stands, or as many as felt fine.
- Sit toward the front of the chair, feet flat.
- Lean slightly forward and stand up, using the arms of the chair if helpful.
- Sit back down slowly.
- Repeat up to five times, resting whenever you like.
Do two rounds of chair stands
About 10 minutes · Moderate. It should feel like work but never painful or unsteady.
From a stable chair, do up to five comfortable sit-to-stands, rest for a minute, then do a second round.
Steps
- You will need
- A sturdy chair that will not slide, placed against a wall.
- Done when
- You did up to two rounds, or as many as felt fine.
- Sit toward the front of the chair, feet flat.
- Lean slightly forward and stand up, using the chair arms if helpful.
- Sit back down slowly. Repeat up to five times.
- Rest for a minute, breathing steadily.
- Do a second round if you feel steady.
Photos: Centre for Ageing Better on Unsplash.
