Adding Life To Your Years With A Better Grip
Who Knew Grip Strength Was A Diagnostic Measure of Aging?
Over the past few ski seasons, I’ve noticed times when my wrists are weak, especially when rocking my poles. Arthritis? Age? Don’t know. A few days off slope or wearing an elastic wristband, and it goes away.
Three different bagels can help you strengthen your grip.
Credit: GripProTrainer
Now I’m trying another approach. I have a little exercise device that looks like a rubber bagel, and you squeeze it as part of a grip-improving, hand and forearm workout. It comes in three colors, each calibrated to different strength abilities. I’ve started with green, which gives 30 pounds of resistance. The product website says it’s for “lighter weight people,” which is hardly my profile. But for now it’s enough. Black has 40 pounds resistance and red, 50 pounds. I doubt I’ll graduate beyond green.
But something about it feels very good. It’s compact, portable, and in a design/function way has a simple elegance. I’ve started to pick it up and use it unconsciously.
Studies suggest that grip strength is related to aging. An interview with one researcher published in The New York Times states “…an adult’s hand grip can distinguish different rates of aging in people with different levels of education.”
Some people use a tennis ball or one of those spring-loaded devices, but based on my experience, the green rubber bagel feels good and keeps me going back for more. It’s called the GripPro Trainer. Online, they’re $7.95 each or $19.95 for all three.
It’s too early to know if using it will help my skier’s wrist. I’ll figure that out during the season. But if you golf, fish, water ski, play tennis, or engage in any activity where grip strength is an issue, it’s worth looking into. Who knows? Maybe it will add years to your life…and life to your years.
More Hot Products From SLC’s Outdoor Retailers Show
Gee Whiz, Seniors, Here’s What’s Coming to a Store Near You!!
Shoes whose laces tighten without your needing to bend down to tie them.
Wireless heating insoles controlled with a smart phone app.
A small device that communicates your whereabouts and whether or not you need help when there’s no cell service— nywhere on the globe.
These are just a few of an endless array of products exhibited at the summer edition of the semi-annual Outdoor Retailers Show in Salt Lake City.
Every August, thousands of manufacturers and merchants—from mom and pop to big box—converge on the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City to see and place orders for products to be sold a year from now. They return in January, this time focusing on winter sports.
Exhibitors are organized by product category. Paddle board, surf boards, water accessories, etc. in one section. Footwear, socks, foot beds, etc. in another. Yoga equipment here; camping gear there.
Treksta’s hands free lacing system works by sliding the heel back for lace up. Credit: Treksta
Back to those self tying shoes. You can look for them under the name Treksta Hands Free Shoes. It’s an athletic shoe (quite comfortable) with a foot-activated lacing system. Even the most active person will enjoy not having to bend down to tie or tighten shoe laces.
Digisole is a French import that will be in stores in a year. A programmable, heatable insole for ski and other cold weather boots, the insoles can reach 120 degrees F, a bit too toasty for most tootsies. The great thing about Digisoles is that they’re fully adjustable using an app on your Smartphone. Same phone app tells you how many steps that day, what the weather is, etc., etc. The soles are charged via USB connection, and, for most heat levels and in most conditions, will keep your feet comfy for 5-8 hours. Can’t wait to try it on the hill.
SPOT Gen3 will find you almost anywhere on the globe.
Credit: SPOT GlobalStar
Spot is a reasonably priced, pocket-sized, personal tracking device that, with the push of a button, lets family and friends know you’re ok or sends emergency responders your GPS location. It’s all about providing you and loved ones peace of mind when you’re out of cell range. Using satellite technology, it works from land, air and sea, anywhere on the globe. The unit, itself, can be purchased for about $75, and the satellite subscription is about $150 per year. A small price to pay for peace of mind. It’s a valuable and necessary addition to every pack or parka.
Outdoor Retailers Show: Harriet’s Three Hot Product Picks
It’s Like Christmas In August.
Outdoor Retailers Show in Salt Lake is the largest outdoor sports show of its kind.
Credit: Harriet Wallis
The annual Outdoor Retailers Show is going on in Salt Lake City right now (August 5-8), and it showcases gear for all outdoor enthusiasts. It’s a sneak peek at brand new innovative products as well a upgrades in existing products.
The massive trade show has more than 1,500 exhibitors from around the world. Some exhibitors are well known outdoor recreation companies while others are little companies that strut a single creative product. The show brings buyers together with the sellers and it sets the stage for what you’ll soon see in your favorite recreation store.
I attended the show for SeniorsSkiing.com to search for products that would appeal to our readers. I walked miles to see the show takes up every square inch of the Salt Palace, the city’s convention center, and then it spills outside into three, block-long tents.
Here are my top picks:
Harriet’s Pick #1: Addaday Rollers.
Credit: Harriet Wallis
Addaday rollers for soothing sore muscles. Apply a lot or a little pressure on what hurts. It’s less bulky than traditional foam rollers so you can pack it in your suitcase and take it with you on vacation. www.addaday.com
Harriet’s Pick #2: Sprigs Wrist Wallet
Credit: Harriet Wallis
Sprigs wrist wallet is a comfy cuff that’s safer than your coat pocket. Each wrist wallet has a hidden pocket, a zipper pocket and room for your cell phone too. Stash all your important items — credit card, money, room key and phone – and you’ll always have them with you. Lightweight and lots of patterns. “I invented it in 2004 after my sister came back from a trip to Morocco and said there were lots of thieves,” said Sprigs owner Valerie Ciptak Vierra. www.sprigs.com
Harriet’s Pick #3: ExOfficio sports underwear
Credit: Harriet Wallis
ExOfficio Give-N-Go Sports Mesh underwear. ExOfficio is already known for it’s lightweight, breathable, quick wicking and quick drying fabrics that are perfect for travel. It’s women’s underwear line now includes the extra-breathable diamond weave sports mesh fabric that will breathe beneath your base layer. Next year, look for the boy shorts style and the fancier lace collection. There are new styles for men too. www.exofficio.com.
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