Quick Tip for Getting Instant Strength
Want to become instantly stronger? Get-Fit Guy shares a quick trick for gaining a burst of strength.
Ben Greenfield
Want to become instantly stronger, without actually doing an intense training program?
A recent study found that athletes can improve their performance under pressure by simply squeezing a ball (or clenching their fist) before competition. This activates certain parts of the brain responsible for focus and performance. Technically, squeezing the left hand activates the right brain hemisphere, and vice versa.
I learned this trick a few years ago when a personal trainer showed me how squeezing my left hand into a fist when I shook someone’s hand allowed me to have a more firm handshake. In the same way, squeezing a dumbbell handle or barbell very firmly when you lift can increase strength!
How can you implement this strength trick? When you’re weight training, make a fist or simply grip what you’re holding really hard. This works especially well for “big” exercises like the bench press, shoulder press, squat, etc.
If you have more questions about how to get instant strength, then ask away at the Get-Fit Guy Facebook page.
About the Author
Ben Greenfield received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from University of Idaho in sports science and exercise physiology; personal training and strength and conditioning certifications from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA); a sports nutrition certification from the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), an advanced bicycle fitting certification from Serotta. He has over 11 years’ experience in coaching professional, collegiate, and recreational athletes from all sports, and as helped hundreds of clients achieve weight loss and fitness success.