The carpal expander, the effect of which has already been appreciated by many people around the world, is a very popular simulator. We suggest today to find out what this thing is? How and why do you need to deal with it? How to choose a carpal expander? Is the use of this simulator consistent with the effort expended? Consider these and other issues in this article.
What is a carpal expander?
The carpal expander is an object, squeezing which you can increase the strength of your hands and strengthen your fingers. He is precisely because he develops the general grip strength. The main advantage of this toy is that you can train with it almost anytime, anywhere. Also, exercises do not require much effort from a person, because you can compress the expander even before bedtime.
What are the types of carpal expanders?
Consider the varieties of these simulators.
- A rubber hand expander is just a rubber ring that you need to squeeze in your hand for training. This is the simplest and most reliable simulator of this type. The ring is cheap, is sold in almost any sports store, does not creak when compressed and is durable. You can use it for many years, because the chance of breaking it is minimal, unless, of course, you do it on purpose. In addition, it is a very convenient carpal expander. The benefit from it is exactly the same as from any other species - the strengthening of the hands and forearms. What are the disadvantages of a rubber expander? The only serious drawback is the lack of flexible load regulation. If you need expanders of different stiffness, you will have to buy a few rings. But their cost allows you to do this. However, if you need a really big load, then a rubber expander cannot provide this.
- The spring expander is two handles connected by a spring structure. Such simulators are very different from rubber counterparts and have a larger load range. In most stores, such a carpal expander is always sold. The benefit of practicing with him is the ability to find a suitable option for everyone, as well as several training options. For example, with a spring expander, you can change the load by simply picking it up or down with the handles. Unfortunately, such a simulator also has disadvantages. So, cheap options, as a rule, are too short-lived and they last literally for several months of regular training. Also at a low price you cannot buy expanders with a high resistance value. That is, high-quality strength training is possible only with fairly expensive branded simulators. The advantages of these products are obvious: an almost endless period of use, a large selection of rigidity and a quality guarantee. The most famous manufacturer of spring expanders is Captains of Crush. This company is known for selling very high-quality expanders with varying degrees of rigidity. The tighter simulator from this manufacturer can be squeezed by just a few people around the world. The carpal hand expander from Captains of Crush is the highest quality on the market. Thousands of athletes have experienced the reliability of these products.
- Adjustable carpal expander is a simulator, characterized by great functionality. In one expander several levels of loading are established at once. In all other respects, it is approximately similar to a regular spring analogue. The advantage of this option is that you can progress with each lesson, increasing the load gradually. As a rule, such an expander is a little expensive, because it offers great functionality and at the same time is quite reliable.
There are other types of similar simulators. So, manufacturers today create expanders of almost any form. Some are presented in the form of rubber balls, others suggest unusual compression algorithms.
Hand expander: how to deal, training features
At first, it’s not even so important which one you will use the simulator. The correct training technique will be much more important. Although there is nothing complicated in it, because you only need to compress the expander as many times as possible. In fact, training with a hand expander suggests a choice between only two training methods:
- You just do the maximum number of repetitions on each arm, and then rest for 1-2 minutes and repeat again. You should do it until you feel severe fatigue in the forearms.
- This method is much similar to the first option, but the expander cannot be unclenched. Relax, holding it clenched in your hand. In some cases, this provides a better workout, for example, if the simulator is too light for you.
Naturally, you need to gradually increase the rigidity of the expander. Over time, this will become much more difficult. Here you will have to resort to either branded spring products, or to an adjustable expander. There are no cheap options to continue serious training.
Rubber ring training method
An expander of this type can be squeezed not with the whole palm, but with a few fingers. This training method is also suitable if you do not have more rigid expanders, but want to continue training with the simulator. Try to make the usual compression first with four fingers, then with three or two. Alternate your fingers for even load distribution. The hardest thing is the little finger. In the end, this method will allow you to further strengthen your fingers.
Hand expander: benefits and harms
We figured out the workouts, but what exactly is the use of such activities? As mentioned earlier, training with an expander contributes to the development of the hands and muscles of the forearms. How many exercises in the same bodybuilding give such a development? Almost none. Therefore, this is the first plus: you develop lagging muscle groups and hands if you use the carpal expander. The effect begins to manifest itself after a week of classes. So, first of all, the strength of your handshake increases, as well as the overall grip strength. After such training, it will be easier for you to hold something with your fingers. Also, regular classes with the hand expander are very useful for arm wrestlers, bodybuilders and powerlifters, as well as those involved in projectiles. So the benefits of such exercises will bring wherever the strength of the forearms, hands, fingers.
Not only good
But nevertheless, carpal expanders also have negative aspects. Cheap spring options can break at any time. With a rubber ring, if it is tough, it is painful to deal with, because the friction force of the rubber on the skin is large, and it is necessary to do more than one compression. However, the skin may gradually get used to such loads. Branded spring expanders can make a quiet but unpleasant creak. Accordingly, it is not always possible to use it in public places. In addition, they are not very convenient to carry. Also, such simulators are very stiff for the hands.
The effect of alternative exercise equipment
Even an adjustable expander, which is distinguished by good quality and functionality, is not without drawbacks. It does not have the same reliability as expensive spring, and can not serve too long. In the end, it’s not difficult to break it if used incorrectly.
Well, what about other types of carpal expanders? Among them, it is very difficult to find something that could be called a good option for a quality workout. All these balls and gums are more suitable for the development of fingers and hands, for example, for rehabilitation after a broken arm. But a soft rubber ring can handle this. Among all this variety there are also not quite ordinary options, for example, powerball. But such a mini-simulator is quite expensive, and cheap options can not be called effective.
Which expander to choose?
So, having studied the above information, we came to the conclusion that this simulator has more advantages than disadvantages. Therefore, if you need an effective tool for training your hands, then it's time to buy a carpal expander. The benefits of this toy will be noticeable almost immediately. But which simulator to choose? For most people, rubber rings are suitable for a start, which are cheap and provide a normal load. If your goal is serious strength training, then you can not do without a good spring expander. Just need to design your fingers? Choose some simple and cheap toy, like a rubber ball. As you can see, different hand expanders serve for a variety of purposes.
Conclusion
As can be seen from this article, almost every person may need a carpal expander. The benefits and harms of this simulator are disproportionate, because you get much more benefits from such an acquisition. So, do not forget about the advantages of the carpal expander and use it to achieve your goals.