[Blarg]

They make hand grippers now that are really tough -- like, it takes 100 or 280 pounds worth of force to close them, etc. The old-fashioned kind you get at the sporting goods stores supposedly take 30 pounds, and you can close them endlessly for reps. The "name" brand of these new ones, Captains of Crush, you can actually get certified on, if you can close the #3's or 4's. Very few people can do the 3's, and I think only one or two guys have done the 4's.

Anyway, my grip has always been a weak point, so I wanted to challenge myself and improve it. I have great endurance, but not much strength. So I got the Captains of Crush #1 model. It takes 140 pounds of force to close. I was thinking about getting the Trainer, which is 100 lbs., but what the hell. Anyway, I'm no hero on them. I can close the #1 to within about 1/4 of an inch with my right hand, but can't quite get there. It's more like 1/3 to half an inch with my left hand. Big laugh for many, maybe, but hey, that's why I want to improve.

So now I have a new strength goal I can work on even while net surfing or poker playing - conquering these grippers. And who knows, maybe making the grade on the next level up at some point.

Good quality item. Solid metal, nicely knurled for a good grip. Cost me 20 bucks at Amazon, same price they go for everywhere.

If anyone else wants to take up the challenge of getting to at least close the #2, post on it! That's the last level people or ordinary strength can do. Finally something you can do to get in shape -- sorta -- even while playing poker!