Several times a week, I am driving (and sitting) in Los Angeles traffic. It is never enjoyable but I have long since given up fantasies of road rage and mostly I am resigned to the wait. I do manage to keep myself entertained and amused. For example, I have my music, radio talk shows and instructional tapes and cds. I could eat. I even keep a camera handy. You never know when a good photo op presents itselfI also keep a Captains of Crush hand gripper on hand (pun intended, sadly). While in gridlock, I can get a pretty good grip and forearm workout. Other drivers may confuse the fierce gritting of teeth and face scrunching as a precursor to road rage or at least extreme frustration, but it is just this driver calmly putting his down time to good use.

The Captains of Crush (CoG) is not your garden-variety sporting goods store gripper. They are serious strength implements. I use the “Trainer” which takes 100# of force to close. Soon, I will get the #1, which takes 140# to close. I change it up and do sets and reps, just like barbell and dumbbell work. Other times, I will close it and see how long I can hold my business card between the handles. It has most definitely helped with my deadlift and pulling grip and has been useful in rehabbing an elbow tendon problem. I have always had a firm handshake, but the only people who are going to crush me are CoG users proficient in the more advanced grippers!

You can get the Captains of Crush grippers at www.ironmind.com.

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