You know what they say about strong hands, don't you? Better blood pressure!
That's right. Hypertensive people in a small study slashed their systolic blood pressure by 15 points after doing handgrip exercises for just 8 weeks. Having trouble opening those jelly jars? Here are three quick ways to start getting a better grip.
Behind the Strength
Researchers don't yet understand exactly how hand exercises help blood pressure. More research is needed before they could be considered a legitimate part of blood-pressure-lowering therapies. (Here's an eating plan that's proven to lower blood pressure.)
In the meantime, we do know for sure that superior hand strength is great for your RealAge for other reasons. One of the most important? People with strong hands tend to be more able-bodied later in life. (Here's another way to see how able-bodied you are.)
3 Handy Exercises
Get a grip! Here are three simple hand exercises to choose from. (For a whole-body workout, check out the RealAge Workout Center.)
1. Squeeze a tennis ball. Try two or three sets of 10 squeezes per hand every other day.
2. After reading them, roll each page of your newspaper into the smallest ball possible. (Then recycle, of course!)
3. For more advanced fitness fiends, try doing a few fingertip push-ups.
Check yourself: Answer these six questions to find out if your last blood pressure reading may have been off.
RealAge Benefit: Keeping your blood pressure at 115/76 mm Hg can make your RealAge as much as 12 years younger.
Add RealAge partner Amazon.com to your bookmark favorites.
Coming Soon!
A new look and feel to the RealAge Web site will launch soon. After you check out the changes, you'll have a chance to tell us what you think!
Take the RealAge Test
That's right. Hypertensive people in a small study slashed their systolic blood pressure by 15 points after doing handgrip exercises for just 8 weeks. Having trouble opening those jelly jars? Here are three quick ways to start getting a better grip.
Behind the Strength
Researchers don't yet understand exactly how hand exercises help blood pressure. More research is needed before they could be considered a legitimate part of blood-pressure-lowering therapies. (Here's an eating plan that's proven to lower blood pressure.)
In the meantime, we do know for sure that superior hand strength is great for your RealAge for other reasons. One of the most important? People with strong hands tend to be more able-bodied later in life. (Here's another way to see how able-bodied you are.)
3 Handy Exercises
Get a grip! Here are three simple hand exercises to choose from. (For a whole-body workout, check out the RealAge Workout Center.)
1. Squeeze a tennis ball. Try two or three sets of 10 squeezes per hand every other day.
2. After reading them, roll each page of your newspaper into the smallest ball possible. (Then recycle, of course!)
3. For more advanced fitness fiends, try doing a few fingertip push-ups.
Check yourself: Answer these six questions to find out if your last blood pressure reading may have been off.
RealAge Benefit: Keeping your blood pressure at 115/76 mm Hg can make your RealAge as much as 12 years younger.
| TRY IT! | |
|
Get a grip! On your hand strength and blood pressure, that is, with the Gripmaster Hand Exerciser. Choose your color, choose your resistance, and put the squeeeeeeze on hypertension. Great stocking stuffer.
|
Coming Soon!
A new look and feel to the RealAge Web site will launch soon. After you check out the changes, you'll have a chance to tell us what you think!
Take the RealAge Test