Nick Maroldi, PT, DPT, OCS, CHT, physical therapist and certified hand therapist at HSS, shares exercises to help improve your grip strength in an interview with The New York Times. 

How often you call on your grip strength during your average day? Each time you lift a bag of groceries, pull a weed or turn a key in a lock, you’re relying on muscles in your hands and forearms to work in coordination.

“A lot of these things require more strength than you may really notice until you start to lose it,” said Dr. Maroldi. 

A strong grip is linked to longevity and well-being, while a weak grip often accompanies heart disease, cognitive decline and even some types of cancer. Bringing grip-focused moves in your routine may improve your quality of life by helping everyday tasks feel easier.

And squeezing a stress ball isn’t the best way to do it, experts said. Repeatedly clenching your hand can worsen or even cause issues like carpal tunnel, trigger finger or tendinitis, Dr. Maroldi said. Instead, work the whole muscle chain that supports your grip: hands, wrists and shoulders.

Read the full article at nytimes.com.