This grip strengthening gadget is a 'solid tool,' according to a personal trainer — and it's on sale ahead of Amazon Prime Day 2025
I really started to notice it when I could no longer easily open a jar of my favourite pickles. Was this my life now? Relegated to being a weakling who had to rely on her husband to get her fix of fermented foods? Upon further research, I discovered that grip strength is also an indicator of overall health. Suddenly, it was about more than fulfilling a craving for dill. Breast cancer treatments had taken my breasts, weakened my bones and put me into a semi-permanent brain fog, so I wanted to be proactive about warding off other health impacts.A few months ago, I saw one of Yahoo Canada's shopping experts write about this 2-pack of portable grip strengtheners from Amazon — which just so happen to be on sale for under $20 ahead of Prime Day 2025 — and immediately ordered them for myself. Read on for my honest review.
These grip strengtheners are great for hand strength training on-the-go.
This grip strengthener is made of heavy-duty plastic and reinforced metal alloy materials, making it pretty darn durable. It can be used to strengthen hands, forearms, wrists and even fingers. The lightweight device weighs 204g and measures about 6x4", so you can easily throw it in your travel bag or purse for on-the-go training and stress release.
The adjustable resistance ranges from 22 lbs (10kg) to 132 lbs (60kg), catering to all levels of grip fitness. The company also provides multiple exercise modules to help you get the most out of the handy gadget.
Super convenient: I carry one in my purse at all times to remind me to build hand strength. We went on car trips with the kids recently, and it was also great for keeping them entertained.
Great stress reliever: I tend to pick my hands when I get stressed, so having these in sight is a great way to help break my bad habit. If I'm feeling stressed, I reach for the gripper and it quickly calms my nerves.
$17 $22 at Amazon
Easy to adjust resistance levels: I'll be very honest, I haven't gone up much in grip strength as I am still mastering the lowest level, but it's nice to know I have a resistance range available for when the time comes to step it up.
Very affordable: The device is well constructed, and I see it lasting a long time. But if I left it somewhere or it broke, it wouldn't cost a fortune to replace.
Pace yourself, especially at the start: When I got these, I couldn't wait to use them. Unfortunately, I overdid it, leading to some forearm soreness and a blister on my palm. Now, if I'm planning on using the gadget for an extended period of time, or more long-term use, I pull out the workout gloves.
⭐️ 4.4/5 stars
💬 8,500+ reviews
🏅 "Great strengthening tool"
One customer was very impressed with this "simple" and "durable" device, which they also described as "surprisingly easy to use."
$17 $22 at Amazon
Another reviewer who suffers from golfer's elbow says the gripper has "definitely helped" with their recovery, calling the gadget a "great strengthening tool."
The "comfortable grip" and "easy to adjust tension" sold another shopper on the item.
However, similar to my experience, some shoppers have said that while the tool is "well built," you should be prepared for "beginner blisters."
Customers also say that while this is a good "starter grip trainer," if you're an "intermediate" or above gym goer, these won't be challenging enough.
According to Nicole Davis, a certified personal trainer at Garage Gym Reviews, told Yahoo Canada, "grip strength naturally declines with age, mostly due to muscle loss and changes in nerve function." In fact, she calls it one of the earliest signs of "functional decline," which she says can begin as early as 50 — often overlapping with menopause — "suggesting hormonal changes may contribute to reduced muscle strength and function."
If you're looking to improve your grip strength, experts say this is a good way to get started.
Davis says research has shown that grip strength is an "important biomarker of health in older adults." When you have a stronger grip, everyday tasks like household chores and opening containers are easier, leading to more independence later in life. This particular tool is "decent for general grip work," particularly if you are a beginner or recovering from an injury. While she says the gripper won't do much to "build serious forearm size," for "day-to-day hand strength," it's a "solid tool."
The key to building grip strength is not to overdo it. Davis suggests you "start light and build gradually" as "grip training fatigues fast." She recommends avoiding daily grip training, instead opting to do it once or twice a week, which is "plenty" for people simply looking to improve strength. "The hand and forearm muscles are small, and they need time to recover just like everything else."
Stephen Sheehan, a BarBend personal trainer, calls the NIYIKOW Grip Strengthener a "fine tool," especially if you want to "train grip in a targeted way." While he says the gripper is "not fancy," he likes that it's portable and has a "decent" resistance range.
The NIYIKOW hand gripper is portable, petite and perfectly priced — for me, that's a winning trifecta. Instead of picking at my fingers, I have been picking these up to help relieve stress. I have one in my purse at all times, which is great when I'm travelling.
Plus, experts back up the merits of this grip strengthener, especially for "day-to-day hand strength."
That said, if you're looking to build more serious strength, you may want to opt for something more heavy-duty. On the other hand, if you're a beginner, take a lesson from me and be sure not to overdo it.
At its pre-Prime Day price of $17 for a 2-pack, you really can't go wrong. Not for you? Shop more early Amazon Prime Day deals here.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
35 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Why Your Nervous System Might Be at War With Modern Life
A viral TikTok video is striking a deep chord with viewers who say it perfectly explains why they're exhausted, anxious, and burned out. The message? It's not just you—your nervous system may be in survival mode all the time. Brittany Piper, a 36-year-old Somatic Experiencing® practitioner and author of Body-First Healing, posted a video in March that's now racked up nearly half a million views. In it, she argues that our modern lives are fundamentally out of sync with what the human body—and especially the nervous system—was built to handle. 'It is my personal and professional belief that the drastic rise we are seeing in chronic physical and mental illness can be attributed to this one thing,' Piper says. 'We have created a world that our nervous system no longer wants to live in.' Piper compares the nervous system to a security alarm, constantly scanning for danger. In our fast-paced, hyper-connected world, it's often triggered, not just by traumatic events, but by everyday stressors like digital overload, political division, economic uncertainty, and social disconnection. The result? Our bodies stay locked in survival states like fight, flight, freeze, or shutdown, flooding us with cortisol and adrenaline. She told Newsweek that this ongoing activation can lead to anxiety, fatigue, pain, and other chronic issues. 'Many of the symptoms we face today at alarming rates,' she said, 'are not random symptoms, but the body's intelligent responses to overwhelm.' Piper's video has struck a nerve with thousands of viewers who say they've been desperate for answers, and her explanation finally makes sense of what they've been feeling. Her advice? Healing doesn't mean pushing harder. It means slowing down, grounding yourself, and building awareness of what your body is trying to tell you. Piper suggests starting with small actions: feel your feet on the ground, notice your breath, or identify something comforting in your environment. These steps, she says, can build a sense of internal safety and help regulate the nervous system. 'Healing is less about doing more,' Piper adds, 'and more about doing less, with more attunement.' As conversations around mental health, trauma, and somatic therapy gain mainstream traction, Piper's viral theory offers both validation and a practical path forward, especially for those who feel like they're stuck in overdrive. Why Your Nervous System Might Be at War With Modern Life first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 5, 2025
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Woman Faces Dilemma After Son and Mother-in-Law Suffer Over 80 Bug Bites at High-End Resort
A Mumsnet user chronicled her family's vacation horror story involving more than 80 bites from bed bugs Wondering what to do next, she asked the forum, 'Am I being unreasonable to request a full refund from the resort as we have had a really horrifying experience?' The majority of users agreed she should push for a full refundA 'horrifying experience' is bugging a woman whose son and mother-in-law suffered bug bites during their family vacation at a high-end resort. The woman chronicled the vacation horror story on the community forum Mumsnet, where she asked people how she should handle the situation. 'Me, my partner, son and mother-in-law (MIL) have paid a huge amount to stay in a resort,' she explained. 'After the first night, MIL had what we thought to be mosquito bites all over her arms and chest. They were blistering and weeping. The doctor gave her an injection antihistamine and directed us to stay in our room for 72 hours.' 'The next morning, MIL woke up with over 80 bites over her body, face, back and hands,' she added. 'The doctor confirmed it was bed bugs.' The doctor told the mother-in-law to stay inside for 72 hours. 'The resort moved MIL to another room, meaning that 5 days of our holiday we have all been cooped up in a room, and me and my partner have been taking turns in taking little one to the pool,' she wrote. 'Now we have found bites on our 2-year-old,' she continued. 'We're not sure what to do. MIL is emotionally distressed and it's so bad. The bites are so swollen, and some have even popped so badly that her skin is raw.' Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Wondering what to do next, she asked the Mumsnet forum, 'Am I being unreasonable to request a full refund from the resort as we have had a really horrifying experience?' In a poll under her post, 98% of the nearly 2,000 voters chose the 'You are NOT being unreasonable' voting option. 'Contact your travel company/agent/rep NOW,' one reader replied. 'Take photos and keep notes of everything. Get a written note from the doctor. This won't get resolved now, but the more you do in real time the less wriggle room the company will have.' Another recommended that she 'push for a full refund + compensation.' Read the original article on People
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
If You Skip Deodorant for a Week, Here's What Happens to Your Body
If You Skip Deodorant for a Week, Here's What Happens to Your Body originally appeared on Parade. Morning affirmations and mantras are often billed as a way to boost confidence first thing. We're not here to argue. However, just wondering: Have you heard of the benefits of applying deodorant?"It gives you confidence in knowing that you are covered," raves , a dermatologist. "Each day your skin is full of more sweat, oils, environmental factors like pollutants, dirt and grime, as you go about your day and routine, so applying deodorant can help with unwanted odor."Applying deodorant may not have the same panache as a 12-step skincare routine that involves ice rolling your face. Applying deodorant might be as second-nature as brushing your teeth, to the point where you can't even remember if you've did it and often question yourself. What if the answer was no, for seven straight days? A pair of dermatologists and one dermatopathologist shared the truth on precisely what happens to the body if you skip deodorant for a week. Dermatologists suggest that you may overlook issues like body odor and stained clothes on the first day of not using deodorant. However, by day seven, you—and those around you—may be running to grab deodorant for you to apply. Here are the risks of skipping deodorant for one week. You can't see this one, but it's there. "Deodorants often contain antimicrobial ingredients," explains Dr. Gretchen W. Frieling, MD, a triple board-certified dermatopathologist at GFaceMD. "Skipping it gives bacteria more room to grow in moist areas like armpits, leading to more odor and potential skin imbalances."Which leads us to the big one... Come on, you could smell this risk of going deodorant-free for a week coming from a mile away, right?"The most obvious effect is that you might start to smell stronger," shares Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD, Ph.D., a dermatologist. "It may not happen immediately if you have been using deodorants daily, but it will happen."You might be surprised to learn what's behind this unpleasant smell. "Sweat on its own is odorless—what causes the smell is the bacteria living on your skin," Dr. Kazlouskaya says. "Everyone's skin microbiome is different, and even if you shower daily, some people naturally develop a more noticeable scent." This one is the pits. "Antiperspirants—a type of deodorant—contain aluminum salts that temporarily block sweat glands," Dr. Frieling explains. "Without them, sweat flows freely, which can feel uncomfortable."That "flow" can also have a ripple effect on your laundry workload—break out the stain stick. "Without deodorant or antiperspirant, you may start seeing stains on your clothes," Dr. Kazlouskaya notes. "This happens because of the complex interaction between sweat composition, skin bacteria and fabric." Sweat is necessary to cool the body off. However, deodorant adds a layer of protection, reducing the odds that you sweat excessively."Excessive sweating can irritate the skin, causing chafing, bumps and folliculitis, which is inflammation of the hair follicles," Dr. Kazlouskaya says. "Sweat can be irritating, and it can increase bacterial growth, leading to small pimples or inflamed areas."Related: People may revert to 2020-style social distancing or start declining invites altogether. "You might notice people keeping a bit of distance from you," Dr. Kazlouskaya says. "That subtle shift can be a sign that your body odor is becoming stronger."Social connection is a key part of being human, so you may notice your mental health declines. On that note... Who knew that deodorant provided such a boost to your mental health (which can motivate you to take care of yourself physically)? "All of the above can make you more self-conscious and hesitant to engage with others," Dr. Kazlouskaya says. "A drop in self-esteem is a real consequence when you're not feeling the best." Plot twist. You may notice a few benefits from not applying deodorant (but that doesn't mean you should stop altogether)."Your skin may thank you depending on the type of deodorant you are using, especially if you are using a chemical deodorant," Dr. Chacon says. "You may see improved skin health. Even taking just a week off will reduce your chemical exposure to harsh ingredients like aluminum, which can cause some health concerns. This is especially important if you have sensitive skin and notice more reactions in your skin."To avoid this mishap, Dr. Kazlouskaya suggests avoiding deodorants that don't work for your body. "A good deodorant shouldn't cause itching, redness or irritation," she advises. "If it does, stop using it immediately. If irritation persists, see a dermatologist."Related: "Usually, daily application is sufficient for most people, but follow the instructions on the product label and listen to your body," Dr. Kazlouskaya explains. Indeed, there's some nuance. "There's no strict rule," she explains. "Some ingredients target odor by reducing bacteria—true deodorants—while others block sweat glands—antiperspirants. If your deodorant includes an antiperspirant, it's often best to apply it in the evening for maximum effectiveness." Dr. Chacon is a fan of morning deodorant applications. "That way, you can feel confident that your deodorant is doing its job and covering any odor for the day," she says. "You can always reapply if you find yourself sweating more than that day, especially if you worked out, and smell an odor sooner than the end of the day or if you have taken a shower midday and need to reapply because it was washed off." Up Next:Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, a dermatologist Dr. Gretchen W. Frieling, MD, a triple board-certified dermatopathologist at GFaceMD Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD, Ph.D., a dermatologist If You Skip Deodorant for a Week, Here's What Happens to Your Body first appeared on Parade on Jul 5, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
