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Improving grip/upper body strength

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Iain C View Drop Down
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    Posted: 23 Feb 09 at 11:52am

Not really sailed for 6 months due to injury but I've got the all clear now and had a cracking sail yesterday.  It was great to be back in the 12 again (even if I did stick it's on it's nose!) and physically that was fine for me, however I also had a blast in a 300 (great boat) but being non-skiffy I really struggled with upper body strength (er, getting on the board!) and had really weedy grip strength...hands hurt like hell today!

I do a lot of cycling (well as much as I can until the days get longer) so legs and CV should not be a problem, what's the best way to sort the top half out...without the aid of a boring gym!

And for grip, is a PowerBall better or the more traditional springy things that look like pliers with the jaws missing?

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Post Options Post Options   Quote Merlinboy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Feb 09 at 11:58am
I Find the powerball britlliant for forearms, wrists and grip.  Its a good warm up tool or good for when the misses is watching eastenders.  I never liked the spring things tbh.
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Captain Morgan View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Captain Morgan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Feb 09 at 1:24pm

I used a powerball for a few months last Winter...

I have a pretty strong grip anyway, but wanted that bit more. However, I stopped using it after my left wrist started to develop stabbing pains when pulling/pushing things at certain angles - my tiller extension being notably painful!

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Roger View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Roger Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Feb 09 at 1:35pm

I asked this question of a fitness fanatic friend a few years back, and his answer was that pressups are just about the best thing to do, nice and simple, dont need a gym and will improve upper body strength no end.

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ASok View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote ASok Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Feb 09 at 1:46pm

If you have an indoor climbing wall nearby then give a bit of bouldering / indoor rock climbing a go. 

Its a great sport and really good for improving the upper body and the strength of your grip.  More intersting than a gym and it is also great to have a hobby that doesn't rely on the weather!

 

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Iain C View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Iain C Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Feb 09 at 10:14pm

Cool, thanks for the advice guys.  Sounds like press ups is the way to go then!

 

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Post Options Post Options   Quote timnoyce Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Feb 09 at 1:29pm
Climbing is a fantastic way to improve your grip and arm strength and also really enjoyable. 30mins at the wall and you really know about it!

I've just joined the gym as I don't think there is a decent climbing centre down this neck of the woods. Need to get in shape for the upcoming 24 hour bike ride!
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Strawberry View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Strawberry Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Feb 09 at 1:44pm
My method of improving grip strength and forearm stamina apparently makes you go blind...

But improves CV too!


Edited by Strawberry
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Stefan Lloyd View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Stefan Lloyd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Feb 09 at 2:14pm

Originally posted by Roger

I asked this question of a fitness fanatic friend a few years back, and his answer was that pressups are just about the best thing to do.

Push ups will improve your ability to push. Sailing mostly involves pulling. Muscles do very specific things.

I'd agree with the people saying "climbing" as the muscle groups used are pretty similar to those in sailing.

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Roger View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Roger Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Feb 09 at 3:29pm
Originally posted by Stefan Lloyd

Originally posted by Roger

I asked this question of a fitness fanatic friend a few years back, and his answer was that pressups are just about the best thing to do.

Push ups will improve your ability to push. Sailing mostly involves pulling. Muscles do very specific things.

I'd agree with the people saying "climbing" as the muscle groups used are pretty similar to those in sailing.

 

I thought his original question said he had difficulty getting up onto the board? I would have thought push ups would have been helpful here, but I'll stand corrected if I'm wrong.

However climbing is also going to be more fun, with a good personal.

 



Edited by Roger
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