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Best Hyperwear Workout Gear (How I Actually Use It For Functional Fitness)

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When it comes to fitness equipment, I don’t want a garage full of gadgets that collect dust—I want versatile gear that helps me train smarter, move better, provides functional resistance and prepare for whatever adventure comes next. That’s why I keep reaching for Hyperwear, whether I’m lifting in my home gym, walking the neighborhood, hiking trails, training for DEKA or Spartan races, or simply looking to make my workouts more efficient. From weighted vests and ruck packs to sandbells, battle ropes, sandbags, and wearable weights, Hyperwear makes equipment that’s built to move with your body—not fight against it.

Whether your goal is building strength, improving endurance, supporting bone health after 50, or simply getting more out of the workouts you’re already doing, there’s a piece of Hyperwear gear that can help. Here’s what I use most often and why each one has earned a permanent place in my training routine.

Hyperwear Weighted Vests – Fit, Elite and Pro  

This is the Elite Vest, I have it loaded to 15 pounds. The FIT vest in top picture goes up to 10 pounds and is perfect entry level.

If I had to choose just one piece of equipment, it would be a Hyperwear Weight Vest – I personally have the Hyper FIT Vest and the Hyper Elite Vest.

Unlike bulky weighted vests that bounce around or feel stiff, all three of these vests are designed specifically to move with your body. Its slim, body-hugging fit keeps the weight close to your center of gravity, making it comfortable for everything from walking and hiking to bodyweight workouts and stair climbing. The FIT vest, specifically, is designed for a woman’s body. All these vests features adjustable weights, so you can start lighter and gradually increase resistance as you get stronger—a huge advantage if you’re new to weighted training or want room to progress. The stretchy, breathable fabric helps keep you cool, and because it fits close to your body, it doesn’t restrict your range of motion.

I wear mine for:

  • Neighborhood walks
  • Incline treadmill sessions
  • Bodyweight strength workouts
  • Hiking
  • Mobility circuits
  • DEKA and Spartan conditioning workouts

Best for: Anyone wanting one piece of equipment that can make almost every workout more challenging. Great for muscular skeletal strength and upping your cardio a bit!

Hyperwear Sandbags

Don’t let the simple design fool you—Hyperwear’s soft sandbags deliver a serious workout. Unlike rigid barbells or dumbbells, the shifting sand creates an unstable load that forces your core and stabilizer muscles to work harder with every rep. They’re ideal for carries, squats, cleans, presses, lunges, and rotational movements that mimic real-life lifting. The soft-shell construction is comfortable to shoulder and hug, making them a great tool for functional strength training at home or outdoors.

Best for: Functional strength, total-body workouts, carries, rotational power, and athletic conditioning.

Hyperwear Battle Ropes

Battle ropes are one of my favorite ways to combine strength and cardio into one efficient workout. In just a few minutes, they can elevate your heart rate while challenging your shoulders, arms, back, core, and legs. Hyperwear’s battle ropes are built for durability and designed to withstand repeated waves, slams, circles, and power movements, making them perfect for HIIT workouts, conditioning circuits, or adding a high-intensity finisher to a strength session. What makes them stand out from other battle ropes is that the use of an anchor is optional– you can slam them anywhere, and I do!

Hyperwear Wrist Weights

When I want just a little extra challenge without picking up dumbbells, I grab my Hyperwear wrist weights. They look “innocent” but trust me the burn is real!

Unlike traditional strap-on ankle weights that tend to slide or feel bulky, Hyperwear’s ergonomic design stays comfortably in place while allowing your arms to move naturally. They’re an easy way to increase the intensity of walking workouts, dance fitness, shadow boxing, cardio intervals, or light strength sessions without changing your routine.

Because they’re lightweight and compact, they’re also easy to toss into a gym bag or suitcase when traveling. I especially like using them when I want a little extra upper-body work during cardio without committing to a full strength workout.

Best for: Walking, cardio, travel workouts, active recovery, and beginners looking for a small progression.

Hyper Ruck Backpack

If you already enjoy walking or hiking, the Hyper Ruck is one of the easiest ways to level up your fitness.

This isn’t just a backpack with weight tossed inside—it’s purpose-built for rucking. It features padded sleeves that keep weight plates positioned high and close to your back for better comfort and balance, plus an adjustable chest strap and removable hip belt to stabilize heavier loads. It even includes a hydration sleeve for longer adventures and enough storage for everyday gear, making it practical beyond workouts.

One feature I really appreciate is its versatility. The Hyper Ruck also includes multiple grab handles, so it can double as a functional training tool for carries, squats, lunges, and other strength exercises—not just walking. I’m using mine to train for a Grand Canyon adventure coming up.

I use mine for:

  • Neighborhood rucks
  • Trail hikes
  • Airport travel  (without the weights!)
  • Outdoor conditioning
  • Long walks when I want more of a challenge

Best for: Walkers, hikers, outdoor athletes, and anyone wanting a low-impact conditioning workout.

Hyperwear SandBell

The SandBell might be the most versatile piece of equipment in my garage gym. Imagine combining the best features of a medicine ball, sandbag, slam ball, and kettlebell into one piece of equipment.

Because the SandBell is filled with sand and made from soft neoprene, the weight shifts as you move. That creates a unique training stimulus by forcing your stabilizer muscles to work harder than they would with rigid equipment. You can safely toss, slam, drag, carry, swing, squat, rotate, and lunge without worrying about damaging your floors or equipment. Hyperwear offers SandBells in a wide range of weights, making them suitable for beginners all the way to advanced athletes.

I use mine for:

  • SandBell tosses
  • Rotational core work
  • Loaded carries
  • Over-the-shoulder throws
  • Conditioning circuits
  • Functional strength workouts

If you’ve watched my social media, you’ve probably seen plenty of SandBell tosses—they’re one of my favorite exercises for building explosive power while making workouts feel more like play than work.

Best for: Functional fitness, home gyms, athletic conditioning, HIIT workouts, and total-body strength.

Which One Should You Buy First?

If you’re only buying one piece, here’s how I’d decide:

  • New to weighted training? Start with the Hyper Vest FIT. It’s the easiest way to make the workouts you’re already doing more effective.
  • Love walking or hiking? The Hyper Ruck is a fantastic upgrade that adds strength and endurance without adding impact. I’m using mine to train for a Grand Canyon hike
  • Want one tool for dozens of exercises? Go with the SandBell. It’s incredibly versatile and works for strength, power, core, and conditioning. I’ve even used mine for assisted stretching.
  • Looking for a simple add-on? Wrist weights are an affordable way to increase the challenge of cardio and mobility workouts. They look harmless but, believe me, the burn is real!

Personally? I use all six mentioned here because each serves a different purpose in my training, and together they keep my workouts fresh, functional, and challenging. Shop my favorite Hyperwear gear HERE and save 10% with code THEFITFORK.

Fitness Gifts for Moms That Are Strong, Sporty, and Seriously Amazing

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Celebrate the strong, sporty mom in your life with the best Mother’s Day fitness gifts for moms! I’ve rounded up my favorite health, fitness, and wellness finds — from the oversized Sanctum XL sunglasses by Tifosi to the must-have Healing Red Light Pad from Novaalabs, plus stylish workout essentials like the Adjustable Bra by Handful and the Leaps & Rebound Fitness Rebounder. Bonus: score discounts on top brands like Greatness Wins, IUGA, Hyrox, and Previnex to make gifting even sweeter!

ASRV Sportswear: For the sporty mom who’d rather get new workout gear than flowers, this technical apparel from ASRV absolutely deserves a spot on the list. Built for running, lifting, hybrid training, obstacle course racing, and all the adventures in between, these pieces are functional, durable, ridiculously comfortable, and confidence-boosting in that “let’s go do hard things” kind of way. Because honestly, the right activewear doesn’t just look good — it makes you feel strong, capable, and ready for whatever challenge is next.

Sanctum XL Sunglasses by Tifosi:  A popular style of Tifosi sunglasses just got supersized—meet Sanctum XL. Designed for those who demand a larger fit, broader coverage in sports eyewear – I was so happy if fit with my big head. Even though they are larger, they still feel nice and lightweight. With 25% more lens area, it delivers expanded UVA/UVB protection and keeps me from squinting so much. Find them HERE.

Healing Red Light Pad from Novaalabs:  She’ll enjoy the benefits of temporary relief of minor pain and stiffness in the back, knees, and neck from this multi-placement red-light pad (an included Velcro strip helps keep the pad where needed).  The light wavelengths help non-invasively heal tissues up to 1” deep by reducing inflammation, encouraging blood vessel development, increasing collagen production and more.  I primarily use my pad to manage arthritis pain and minor DOMS. SO many benefits from Red Light, you should Google it! This company also has many other red-light devices worth checking out! Use my Novaalabs discount code JENNIFER10 to save 10%.

Adjustable Bra in Battle Cry Pink by Handful: If ever there was the most perfect bra, THIS IS IT! That’s why I currently have 12+ of this style! It’s the ultimate blend of comfort, versatility, and performance – soft, sweat-wicking, removable pads (the nicest I’ve seen), I love how this bra is super flattering on my no-so-curvy shape.  But, if you do have curves, they have sports bras for that enviable shape too! Plus, Handful donates 12.5% of revenue from every style bra in the Battle Cry Pink color to the Young Survivor Coalition in recognition of the 1 in 8 women diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Use Handful discount code TheFitForkFS to get FREE SHIPPING on any order

Fitness Rebounder (Mini Trampoline) by Leaps & Rebound: I love this low-impact way to get more movement in my day. The rebounder features bungee cords instead of springs – choose a 40” or 48” circumference.

Personally, I think the 48” is the most versatile! I use this mini-trampoline to improve balance, coordination and strength – all while enjoying a little extra movement that is low-impact – so helpful for my 55+ bod! Get it HERE with a 10% discount Code: JENNIFERL or on Amazon

Kissing Strap Dress by Greatness Wins: Cutest little performance sports dress that is perfect for golf, pickleball, festival-going or an active day of errands. The super soft + durable performance knit fabric adapts to your body so you can keep your head in the game – plus, its moisture wicking and features UPF 40 sun protection. The functional styling includes a strappy back detail and interior shelf bra removeable pads. Save 25% on your entire purchase at Greatness Wins with code: JENNIFERF25

SUPERPLUSH™ Women’s Flipflop from Roll Recovery” The SUPERPLUSH™ line was created to be a refuge for tired feet after a run or workout. Exceptionally comfortable, they’re engineered for foot health and recovery. I found them very comfortable and supportive and appreciated the premium foam technology that is sustainably sourced foam that uses Algae instead of harsh chemicals.

 PowerTight Scrunch Butt Shorts (leggings too) by IUGA: Super affordable and super flattering shorts to help you smash gym day. Designed to sculpt, shape, and support, these shorts are your ultimate companion for workouts and beyond. Compression fabric, supportive “sandwich” waistband, seamless in front (aka no camel toe), two side pockets.  Save 25% on all IUGA products with code FITFORK25 or you can also find good deals on the brand at AMAZON

HYPERWEAR Wrist/Ankle Weights: Consider these a weighted fashion statement! Each weighted wristband weighs 1 pound and ideal to place on wrists or ankles for extra challenge during yoga, Pilates and other home workouts. Adjustable and comfortable with soft silicone-coated steel construction and non-pinch elastic band. This wrist weights are easy to wash off when they get sweaty and a convenient little carrying pouch included. Multiple colors available – get a pair HERE.  

Insulated Water Bottle with Swivel Smart Phone-Holding Lid by Ringo: A game-changer, mom will absolutely LOVE it – I use mine every single day! A 24 or 32-ounce size available, and keeps cold drinks cold for 24 hours, hot drinks hot for 12 hours. This magnetic lid water bottle attaches to the back of phone – and swivels up, down and all around to get the perfect angle photo. Not just for photo- hold up phone for GPS, Zoom, movie watching, etc.   It’s super durable, heavy (so that it won’t fall over with phone, even if bottle empty, and dishwasher safe. Get it HERE.

HYROX SHOP & RACE REGSTRATION: The popularity of this functional fitness race is off the charts. Treat the sporty mom in your life with a chance to run one of these races (8 1ks, 8 fitness zones) in various venues across the U.S and world. Use my Hyrox discount code FITFORK-10 to save 10% of individual races in the U.S. Or, gear her up at the Hyrox shop in some the hottest Hyrox gear and collabs.

Equalizer Bars from Lebert Fitness – Strength workouts, agility training and calisthenics at home made easy with these functional fitness bars. Mom will love the endless bodyweight exercise options and how easy they are to store. Available in lots of fun colors (lol, or black).  Use my Lebert Fitness discount code: THEFITFORK to save 15% on most products

Lebert Fitness -- save 15% discount code THEFITFORK

Muscle Health Plus by Previnex : If wants to perform her best, recovering well and support overall general wellness, Mom will love Muscle Health PLUS supplement. This mix combines the highest quality muscle health ingredients (like Creatine, BCAAs, EAAs, ingredients to boost protein synthesis and more) into an “all-in-one” formula that’s as convenient as it is effective. Beneficial for an active lifestyle and also for healthy aging (I mean, the buzz right now is all about Creatine and Protein Intake/Absorption for women over 40 and post-menopausal women). Save 10% on your cart with my Previnex discount code: THEFITFORK

Save 15% at Previnex with code THEFITFORK

Note: This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission for purchases made through links. Proceeds help offset operating costs for The Fit Fork – thank you!

Find the best Mother’s Day fitness gifts for moms who love to move! From sunglasses to red light therapy pads, stylish activewear, workout gear, and recovery tools — plus discount codes to save big!

I Used CBD Every Day to Improve Workout Recovery and Here’s What Happened

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If you’re reading this, you’ve probably had some level of curiosity about how CBD helps running and workout recovery. I personally grappled with “should I” or “shouldn’t I” take CBD for quite some time Of course, I had heard of CBD, people had been knocking on my metaphorical door for quite some time. Truthfully, it sounded like the latest, greatest alleged “cure all,” so, of course, I was skeptical and had my concerns.

I used a variety of CBD products, from CBD gummies, CBD balm, and CBD oil capsules to help improve my overall wellness and recovery as an athlete over 50 years old. I found that I was recovering better, sleeping better, experiencing less inflammation, was able to eliminate use of potentially harmful NAISDs pain relievers, and even have less pre-race anxiety.

Eventually, I decided to try CBD for myself after taking the time to look at the research, to understand more in depth what CBD could do for me (and what it wouldn’t do to me), and how this all would benefit my lifelong fitness journey as an athlete over 50.

I used a variety of CBD products, from CBD gummies, CBD balm, and CBD oil capsules to help improve my overall wellness and recovery as an athlete over 50 years old. I found that I was recovering better, sleeping better, experiencing less inflammation, was able to eliminate use of potentially harmful NAISDs pain relievers, and even have less pre-race anxiety.

But First, Is CBD Safe?

I was compelled to learn more about CBD for runners an athletes– was it safe to incorporate into my endurance routine and would there be unwanted outcomes?  I mean, although CBD is naturally occurring chemical plant compound with potential therapeutic effects, one of my main concerns was I going to feel weird, high or not in control of my body and thoughts – and would I fail a drug test?! I’m super conservative and mindful about what I put into my body, so I did my due diligence. I learned that CBD and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the well-known cannabinoid that provides psychoactive effects, have NOTHING to do with each other except that they hail from the same plant. So, NO feeling high with CBD – whether that’s a good or bad thing for you, ha-ha!   Plus, it is important that you use a high-quality, trusted brand, – I’m using Venga CBD made specifically for endurance athletes.

Pre-CBD Self-Assessment: Before starting my CBD regimen, I was experiencing some pretty common issues among athletes, especially us older ones. Things like muscle and joint soreness from trying to keep up with daily training plus a little arthritis pain here and there. Poor sleep, chalked up to slow workout recovery, the joys of menopause and busy mid-life responsibilities, and a brain that doesn’t want to fire down at night. A little pre-race and general life anxiety. Nothing too serious, and I hate to complain as someone who is healthy and fit and blessed in a million ways. But yet these body and mind stresses were nagging enough that it was making it harder and harder for me to stay in the game as a competitive athlete.

I used a variety of CBD products, from CBD gummies, CBD balm, and CBD oil capsules to help improve my overall wellness and recovery as an athlete over 50 years old. I found that I was recovering better, sleeping better, experiencing less inflammation, was able to eliminate use of potentially harmful NAISDs pain relievers, and even have less pre-race anxiety.

 My CBD Routine: I started using various products in the Venga CBD portfolio (see below). I chose this brand for many reasons, including their wealth of online resources explaining how CBD can help improve performance. When I say, “improve performance,” please understand that CBD is not a performance enhancer in the moment, but rather it benefits other areas of your life as an athlete such as recovery, pain management, sleep, anxiety, and more. Venga also is designed specifically for the athlete lifestyle and also uses a proprietary method in drastically improve (up to 5x more) the bioavailability of CBD in the body as compared to other brands.

  • Ultra Gels (boosted with curcumin): I take 1 or 2 of these cbd oil capsules based on my training load and perceived load. 
  • Aid Station Gummies: These are the best CBD gummies and are easy to take along during training or a race for an energy boost — and they taste great too.
  • Super Sleep (with Melatonin and CBN): Good sleep is where we recover and make gains and I use these, not every night, but on an as-needed basis.
  • Recovery Balm: This CBD balm for athletes smells great and helps my aching hands, fussy hips and sometimes knees. I apply it before and after workouts, as needed.
I used a variety of CBD products, from CBD gummies, CBD balm, and CBD oil capsules to help improve my overall wellness and recovery as an athlete over 50 years old. I found that I was recovering better, sleeping better, experiencing less inflammation, was able to eliminate use of potentially harmful NAISDs pain relievers, and even have less pre-race anxiety.

Post-CBD Self-Assessment:  After taking my CBD regime for 60 days, I was feeling pretty great. I needed to increase my running mileage training for an upcoming event, and I was able to do that easier on this CBD routine that I was able to in the last 5+ years.  

As I said earlier, when it comes to CBD for athletic performance, you CAN’T look at as a performance enhancer (per se) that you pop and it makes you run faster or lift heavier in the moment. It’s NOT that. But CBD can help you recover better and quicker, so you can train harder and longer – and that’s where the gains are! I’ve also noticed, that I’m sleeping a better without anxiety. Funny thing is that I’d consider myself an easy-going person, but at night is where my anxiety that has piled up through the day comes flooding out! Now my brain feels calmer and more relaxed until I drift off. 

I’m so happy that I started taking CBD in my 50s, not just because I’m still out there pursing my passions full speed ahead – but because it has helped me mostly eliminate use of NSAIDS (like Ibuprofen(Advil), Naproxen (Aleve), Aspirin) which studies have shown carry risk of cardiovascular issues, kidney damage, high blood pressure and even may slow muscle and tissue repair.

Final Thoughts: As an older endurance enthusiast, I would give the thumbs up to incorporating a CBD for athletes in your training. I encourage you to do your own research and make an educated decision. You will want to use a brand that is trust-worthy, effective in terms of bioavailability, and free of all TCH.  As mentioned, I use Venga CBD – and if you should so choose to try it out, feel free to use my discount code THEFITFORK-15 to save 15%

Save 15% at Venga CBD - code THEFITFORK-15
Save 15% at Vega CBD with code THEFITFORK-15

Disclaimer: These are my personal opinions and experiences. You should always consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating CBD or any other supplement into your regimen.

Abs-olutely Watermelon Workout for Core

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Note: This post is sponsored by National Watermelon Board. Visit them at Watermelon.org for everything watermelon!

You don’t need to hit the gym or invest in expensive equipment when you use this surprising tool for the ultimate at-home core workout – a personal-sized watermelon!

Exercising and watermelon both make me feel happy and like I’m taking care of my health. And, keeping your core strong is so important as you get older, a strong core helps improve balance and stability, minimizes fatigue and the chance for injury, and keeps you functionally fit to keep on doing fun things.

Pick a smaller, “mini” watermelon about 4 to 6-pounds and 10 to 15-centimeters in diameter. This is the typical range for personal-sized watermelon sold year-round in most local markets. Weigh your watermelon to make sure, heavier isn’t necessarily better in this core workout.

After the workout, you can slice your watermelon and enjoy it as a post-workout snack – your body will benefit from the hydration (watermelons are 92% water), vitamin C, natural carbs to replenish energy, and other beneficial nutrients that work in harmony with a balanced diet.

Watch this short video which shows the core exercises!

Try these Core Exercises with a Personal-sized Watermelon

(Repeat for 2 to 4 sets, depending on fitness level)

Kneeling Lift to Bend: Kneel with one leg forward. Set watermelon in front of kneeling leg, even with foot on other side. Reach with both hands to pick and raise overhead in slow reverse chop motion. The bend at side, stretching obliques, before returning to top. Lower watermelon and repeat. Repeat 10 times each side.

Bicycle with Watermelon Weave: Sitting on bottom with legs and torso extended into a bike crunch position, hold watermelon in left hand. As you bend your right knee, bringing watermelon towards your chest, and pass the watermelon under the leg as it’s bending Grab the watermelon with your right hand, then switch leg positions and reverse the move to return to the start.  

Prone Legs-Up Toe Touch: Lay on back with legs straight up in air. Hold watermelon with both hands and lift arms and torso upward, while contracting abdominals, to reach toes with watermelon or come as close as possible. Lower to the ground. Repeat 10 times.

Plank Roll Outs: Get into a straight-arm plank position with watermelon near one hand. Roll watermelon backward toward feet while you pike upward into a downward dog position. Next roll the watermelon forward to the start position. Repeat 5 times, each side.

Around the World: Kneel on both legs and hold watermelon in front of you. Pass the watermelon from the right hand to left hand and then around back of body coming back to start position. Note: you can do this exercise standing up, but if the watermelon drops, it could break. Repeat 10 times going each way.

Superman Watermelon Lift: Lay on stomach, with legs straight behind you and arms straight in front (watermelon between hands). Squeeze glutes to protect lower back and slowly lift legs up off the ground as far as you can while at the same time also lifting chest up and watermelon up with arms – hold for a few seconds.  If this is too difficult, focus on the leg and chest lifting while keeping watermelon on floor and rolling it back and forth between hands. Repeat for 10 holds.

Watermelon Russian Twists: Sit upright with glutes on mat and feet lifted off ground. Rotate your torso from side to side, holding watermelon in both hands and moving to each side of body.   Repeat for 10 twists on each side.

Iron Grip Exercises for Obstacle Course Racers and Hybrid Athletes

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Save 20% on spartan race code: UBST24-TK88D27

Having a strong grip super important and functionally relevant regardless of your age, gender, or active endeavors. I mean, even if you’re not an obstacle course racer, hybrid athlete, or powerlifter, you’re definitely going to want to give a firm handshake and be able to twist the lid off a pickle jar (or whatever) independently for decades to come. Plus, who knows – a strong grip could save your butt in a life-or-death situation like hanging onto a tree branch over a flood stage river (lol, hopefully just a hypothetical).

A number of studies have shown that weak grip strength can predict an increased risk of functional limitations, disability, and not living as long. Regardless of your age today, you’re getting older every single day. A stronger grip could improve your quality of life, and that’s the most important thing – but it can also help you pick up heavier weight and the gym and also improve your skills and ability to successfully complete obstacle course (like Spartan Race) obstacles like rigs, monkey bars, rings, farmer carries, the box, rope climb, wall climbs/jumps (especially Road to Sparta) and more.

Grip strength training for the win!

DEAD HANG

Hanging from a bar for as long as possible is a simple yet beastly method to improve grip strength, forearm strength, and pull-ups. When practicing your dead hang, use a forward-facing, closed-grip on the bar and hand until failure. Don’t be floppy, engage shoulders, chest and core. After resting for a few minutes, try to hang again until failure, you’ll likely feel the burn and not last as long. That’s okay! Rest again, and do a third rep until failure. Incorporate a “3-rep dead hang until failure” into your workout (or just whenever) at least a couple times a week.

Ways to Make it Harder:

  • Dead hang from towels looped over bar.
  • Dead hang wearing weighted vest
  • Try it one-armed
  • Dead hang and do a pull up every 10 seconds, without releasing from bar

FARMER CARRY

To start, you’ll need two dumb bells, kettlebells, or bar plates of the same weight (later on you can incorporate variations). The ideas is to grip a weight in each hand and walk for time or distance, keeping shoulders upright and core engaged. Farmers win the prize for lugging heaving stuff around on the daily and their strength and stamina has been immortalized forever with exercise named in their honor. Farmer’s Carries are a simple and effective exercise that will fire up your grip, get your blood pumping, and strengthen pretty much your entire body. It even calls on mental toughness, because about halfway in, you’ll want to quit!

Incorporate Farmer Carries into your workout several times a week and see gains in your grip and overall strength. You’ll have no problem carrying all the grocery bags inside with one haul! I like to program Farmer Carries between run intervals (without rest) to up the challenge of both exercises.

3 Ways to Make it Harder:

  • Use awkward, harder-to-carry weight like universal bars, sandbags, or loaded trap bars.
  • Use different grips: try pinch grip on plates, or loop a hand towel through top of kettlebell to be the handle. Spread your hand wide to grip over one end of a lighter dumbbell. Use “fat grips” or a wrapped towel around the bar or handle of your weight to create a larger circumference to grip.
  • Carry offset weight. For example, a lighter dumbbell on one side and a heavier on the other. OR just weight on one single side like a suitcase. Or carry one weight overhead and one by side. These these variations really tax grip and also cause core to work in overtime to stabilize.

NO GYM, NO WORRIES!

You can still work on your grip strength at home or in the office with just a few minutes of time. Dead hangs can be done at home with a chin up bar (this is pull up bar I have), and grip strength only limited by your imagination. There are lots of little gadgets around designed to improve grip strength like a Grip Strength Squeezer or Grip Ring Spartan. Heck, at the gym those bar collars are one of the most grip-centric things around and sometimes the hardest part of the lift. Instead of the “clenching in” grip, it’s also a smart idea to work the opposition motion, extending out. Put a rubber band around between your finger tips and first finger joints and then stretch hands outward for a strengthening stretch.

Check out the Home Gym & Obstacle Training Equipment at Spartan. They have kettle bells, sand bells, grip tools, rope and other gear to gear up your strength training.

20% off Spartan Code: SAP-JFf21
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Get 20% off any U.S. Spartan Race: Sprint, Stadion, Super, Beast, Ultra Beast, Trail, Kids and Hurricane Heat! All Heats! Sign Up Today! — Use code: SAP-JFf21

Get a grip, seriously! To succeed at obstacle course races (like Spartan) or hybrid fitness events, you need to have good grip strength to maneuver your bodyweight up, over, and across stuff and pick up heavy things for the long haul! Check out these two simple and scalable exercises (with endless variations) that will help you achieve your goals!
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