Hand Gripper Squeeze is an isolation exercise for the forearms: one joint works, so it comes after the compound lifts to finish the target muscle. Difficulty: beginner, suitable for beginners. It takes 5 steps; the most common mistake is covered in the tip below.
Step-by-step
- Position the spring gripper with one handle at the base of your palm and the other across your finger knuckles.
- Keep your wrist straight and in a neutral position.
- Squeeze with all your fingers to bring the two handles fully together.
- Hold in the closed position for 1-2 seconds.
- Open under control by resisting the resistance instead of releasing the spring suddenly.
Coaching tip
Close the spring all the way and hold it shut for 1-2 seconds; half-closed reps do not count.
Caution
Skip this move or ask a professional first if you have pain or an injury in: elbow. FitCi filters it out of your program automatically based on the injuries in your profile.
How to program it
Sets × reps and rest by goal; tempo and controlled reps matter most on isolation work. Start at the bottom of the range in week one; add 2.5–5% when you hit the top with clean form.
| Goal | Sets × Reps | Rest |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 3 × 6-8 | 120 s |
| Muscle gain | 3 × 10-15 | 75 s |
| Fat loss / conditioning | 3 × 12-15 | 60 s |
FitCi applies this table to your age and goal automatically and writes weekly progression.
Alternatives
- At home, no equipment: Dead Hang
- Same muscle, different equipment: Barbell Wrist Curl, Barbell Reverse Wrist Curl, Dumbbell Wrist Curl
More forearms exercises
Add this exercise to your program
Build your own program in FitCi, pick an expert template, or photograph the plan your coach gave you; the app tracks sets, reps and weight.