Hand Exercisers

Exercise. If you're like most of us, getting up and moving sometimes just doesn't appeal. Notice the word "workout" starts with "work"?

There are days when my husband and I, who are both avid exercisers, still have a hard time getting motivated to move. And the kids... forget it. Often enough, they'd rather get on the computer than kick the soccer ball around.

As we've learned, one of the most important muscles to train when getting in shape is your mind. Of course, the brain isn't a muscle technically. But when it comes to exercise it is the heavy lifter. Without it, your body won't do much except flop onto the closest couch.

With family fitness, it can be even more of a challenge because you're not only motivating yourself, but the rest of the gang as well.

On the other hand, you've got a whole posse of cheerleaders living with you. With all of you involved, there's a higher likelihood that someone will say, "Hey, let's do something!" and get the ball rolling.

Here are some of the ways we get ourselves off of the couch and keep ourselves doing a little something each day.

1. Talk about the benefits of exercising. Even kids get into this. The more you discuss why you exercise, the more reasons you all will have to get active. I've developed quite a collection of articles that discuss why exercise is important. Take a look and bring them into the conversation.
2. Use music. We often put on a radio when we're outside moving around. And on a rainy day, nothing beats dancing up a storm (until the storm clouds disappear). I also put together a couple CD's that we listen to with some real motivation favorites.
3. Make it fun. Exercise can feel like a slog. Or it can be a joy. When you bring in a game of tag, or fun soccer games or an obstacle course, you make it an adventure that even you adults will enjoy.
4. Bring in the competition. Now, competition is a controversial idea. But truth be told, the world works on this. Certainly it can fester between siblings. Why not turn it into something useful - and help them develop skills to deal with losing and winning gracefully and using it for fuel for their next venture. So make some of your activities competitions. Race. See who can get the most baskets in 2 minutes. We've even held a stretching Olympics where we measured who could do 10 stretches the best. (Hint: If you vary the forms of competition, you can find ways to highlight the variety of strengths within the family as well).

Finally, training as a family for larger competitive events - triathlons, mountain bike races, fun walks - can also keep the whole family motivated.

1. Watch and learn about elite athletes. Soon after my daughter watched her first national track and field event on TV, I spied her running laps around the outside with her swimsuit and shorts on and her hair slicked back into a bun just like the superstars she'd just watched. Kids love to mimic what they see, especially when someone has the superhero aura. So watch some professional athletes on TV, or even better, live. Listen to them talk about how they work through challenges, pain, disappointment and keep going. Talk about these stories and make them part of your in home culture. These images and ideas will fuel all of you to keep going a little further.
2. Set goals. Nothing moves you forward faster than having a goal. I've included as a PDF, my family goal sheets that we use for not only exercise but all aspects of our lives. Having a goal reminds you what you're heading for and keeps you pointed in that direction. Even though you're moving step by step, if you can see where you're going, you'll keep moving forward.
3. Reward yourselves. We've gone on bike rides to an apple orchard to go picking. Or finished a tough mountain climb with a nice dinner and a movie. And while you should emphasize the healthy rewards, you can certainly enjoy a little frozen yogurt or pizza on occasion. Just not too much.And as the mom, I certainly enjoy the feeling of purchasing some new jeans that fit nicely or feeling better about how I look in the mirror. Finally, a simple, "Wow, you worked hard" or "You've really gotten faster," said with sincerity can provide tremendous fuel.
4. Document and reflect. Take pictures, rehash old stories. It may seem simple but by imbuing your family fitness time with good emotions and good memories makes it something that you'll want to keep doing. You'll look forward to making more memories filled with laughter, love, pride, and excitement.

Here's what we use to make sure that we exercise. Motivation makes it possible. So take these tips and put them into your family fitness plan. No more excuses - get moving!

For more ideas on how to get your family fitness routine going go to http://www.fitfamilytogether.com. There you can get more exercise motivation tips and a free ebook for making the most out of family fitness.

Cando® VariGrip Hand Exercisers - Set of 5 $105 Set of 5 colors (yellow, red, green, blue, and black) that represent the entire VariGrip line. Individual finger adjustability is ideal for post injury use. Use the thumb screw to adjust each finger strength separately. Available in 5 color-coded resistances so user can increase tension as he/she progresses. Palm rest can be repositioned to allow user to exercise the entire hand at once. Soft finger pads and palm rest create comfort.

Cando® VariGrip Hand Exercisers - Set of 5 with Stand $125 Set of 5 colors (yellow, red, green, blue, and black) that represent the entire VariGrip line. Comes with stand. Individual finger adjustability is ideal for post injury use. Use the thumb screw to adjust each finger strength separately. Available in 5 color-coded resistances so user can increase tension as he/she progresses. Palm rest can be repositioned to allow user to exercise the entire hand at once. Soft finger pads and palm rest create comfort. Comes with plastic display stand.

Cando® Via Hand Exercisers - Set of 5 $58.33 Set of 5 colors (yellow, red, green, blue, and black) that represent the entire Via line. Cando Via is inexpensive enough for practitioners to give to their patients for home use. Soft finger pads, palm rest, and ergonomic design create comfort.

Cando® Via Hand Exercisers - Set of 5 with Stand $74.95 Set of 5 colors (yellow, red, green, blue, and black) that represent the entire Via line. Comes with stand. Cando Via is inexpensive enough for practitioners to give to their patients for home use. Soft finger pads, palm rest, and ergonomic design create comfort. Comes with plastic display stand.

Cando® Pro Hand Exercisers - Set of 5 with Stand $137.5 Set of 5 colors (yellow, red, green, blue, and black) that represent the entire PRO line. Comes with stand. The Cando PRO is meant for those with larger hands, as well as those using the unit for sports medicine or athletic training. The PRO has a larger body than the its sister brands (Digi-Flex, VariGrip, and Via) as well as heavier tensions among the 5 color-coded resistances. The PRO offers soft finger pads and a contoured palm rest for comfort. Comes with plastic display stand.

Cando® Pro Hand Exercisers - Set of 5 $117.5 Set of 5 colors (yellow, red, green, blue, and black) that represent the entire PRO line. The Cando PRO is meant for those with larger hands, as well as those using the unit for sports medicine or athletic training. The PRO has a larger body than the its sister brands (Digi-Flex, VariGrip, and Via) as well as heavier tensions among the 5 color-coded resistances. The PRO offers soft finger pads and a contoured palm rest for comfort.

curl bar pulley exercisers $50.58 curl bar pulley exercisers The handle is mounted chest high on the single handle unit; chest and floor height on the double handle unit; and chest, floor and shoulder height on the triple handle unit (ceiling height of 10 feet is needed). Order unit with 10, 20 or 30 pounds of weights per tower. Additional 2-pound weight blocks are available. Select resistance by inserting “pin� into weight stack at increments of 2 pounds. Exercisers are wheelchair accessible. Handles can be easily adjusted to any starting height to accommodate any size person or exercise position. Simply adjust the rope slip to lengthen or shorten the pulley rope. Product photo may not exactly match the product offered for sale. Please refer to the product description.

Flex-Band Exercisers -Extra Strength - Blue $25.75 Flex-Band Exercisers -Extra Strength - Blue Can be used to add upper and lower body resistance to Matwork. Product Specifications The economical Flex-Band exerciser can help exercisers simulate many of the moves performed on a Reformer. Length 6.5 ft Product photo may not exactly match the product offered for sale. Please refer to the product description.

Flex-Band Exercisers - Regular Strength - Green $25 Flex-Band Exercisers - Regular Strength - Green Can be used to add upper and lower body resistance to Matwork. Product Specifications The economical Flex-Band exerciser can help exercisers simulate many of the moves performed on a Reformer. Length 6.5 ft Product photo may not exactly match the product offered for sale. Please refer to the product description.

Theraputty Resistive Hand Exercise Material $8.99 This putty helps users to strengthen and develop a stronger grip. May be used independently or as part of a progressive resistance exercise program. Made in USA Home Medical Supplies & Equipment , Daily Living Aids , Orthopedic Aids , Resistance Exercisers

Rejuvenation Hand Invigoration Putty $9.99 Hand Invigoration hand putty is a versatile tool that can help rehabilitate weakened hand, wrist and forearm muscles. Increasing hand strength, coordination and dexterity promotes improved flexibility and blood flow as well as relieves stress. FEATURES: Latex Free Non-sticky Non-greasy Kit Includes: (1) 3-oz Hand Putty Instruction Chart Diet & Fitness , Exercise Equipment , Toning , Resistance Exercisers

Prohands Via Hand Exerciser $9.99 Only this exerciser isolates and strengthens each finger individually to develop maximum power, dexterity and endurance. This is our entry level exerciser. Medium resistance with 6 lbs per finger. It's ideal for anyone wanting to maintain strength, dexterity and healthy hands. Used by leading certified hand therapists The no. 1 hand exerciser in the world Maximizes the performance of the fingers and hands by flexing and toning the muscles, ligaments and tendons Proven to dramatically improve performance Use for golf, tennis, fitness, computer & stress, yoga, bowling, fishing, gardening, baseball, basketball, football, martial arts, handgun, gaming. Diet & Fitness , Exercise Equipment , Weight Training , Resistance Exercisers

Cando Digi-Extend Hand Exerciser Set $49.83 The Cando Digi-Extend is a unique therapy device to isolate the extension of the fingers. This set of hand exercisers strengthens the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles and improves joint motion.4-piece setColor-coded progressive resistanceCompact designFSA eligible with a physician's letter

Cando Digi-Flex Hand Exerciser Metal Rack for 5-piece Set $74.79 Store your Cando Digi-Flex hand exerciser set in a convenient and neat way with this metal rack. This metal rack holds five Digi-flex exercisers.Holds 5-piece setStepped designMeasures 6 inches wide x 12 inches long x 12 inches tallFSA eligible with a physician's letter

Cando® Digi-Extend Hand Exerciser Clinic Set $132.5 Clinic Set of 4 Digi-Extend Hand Exercisers and metal display rack. The Digi-Extend is a unique therapy device that can isolate the extension of all five fingers and each of the individual finger joints. The product strengthens the intrinsic and extrinsic muscle groups to maximize extensor tendon gliding, joint motion, coordination, and muscle function in the hand and forearm. The Digi-Extend focuses on the extensor mechanism of one or all fingers as it targets the area of the hand that needs rehabilitation. Patients can easily change the resistance levels and vary their hand positions for specific exercises to help maximize the exercise goals and prevent injury. The Digi-Extend can also be used for finger adduction, abduction, blocking, and flexion exercises. The Digi-Extend is a professional step-up from the simple devices presently available on the market for extensor strengthening and conditioning. It is compact in design, high-tech, easy, and comfortable to use as well as effective in helping patients reach their therapy goals. Four color-coded band resistance levels allow each muscle or joint to work at a comfortable level and build as increased strength is achieved.

Finger Fitness Power Web Combo Hand Exerciser Medium/Firm $34.95 The Power Web Combo Hand Exerciser offers the unique advantage of two resistance levels on one web, offering greater flexibility and value. It is identical in size band weight as the original Power Web with the same high quality construction and materials. The hands and wrists are two of the most frequently injured parts of the body. Many trainers incorporate Power Webs into their strengthening programs or as a pre-game warm-up for developing strength, dexterity, and range of motion. Specific benefits for the guitarist You won't find hand strengthening devices as versatile and easy to use as Power Webs. These effective exercisers can be utilized for hard-to-imitate joint actions.

Everyday Essentials Squeeze Egg Firm Density $7.99 Safe, effective way to build hand and forearm strength. Improve your sports skills: tennis, baseball, golf Release your tension while: working, traveling Choose the density right for you - soft, medium, firm Home Medical Supplies & Equipment , Daily Living Aids , Personal Care Aids , Resistance Exercisers

Everyday Essentials Squeeze Ball Soft Density $7.99 Safe, effective way to build hand and forearm strength. Improve your sports skills: tennis, baseball, golf Release your tension while: working, traveling Choose the density right for you - soft, medium, firm Diet & Fitness , Exercise Equipment , Weight Training , Resistance Exercisers

Everyday Essentials Squeeze Egg Medium Density $7.99 Safe, effective way to build hand and forearm strength. Improve your sports skills: tennis, baseball, golf Release your tension while: working, traveling Choose the density right for you - soft, medium, firm Home Medical Supplies & Equipment , Daily Living Aids , Personal Care Aids , Resistance Exercisers

Everyday Essentials Squeeze Ball Medium Density $7.99 Safe, effective way to build hand and forearm strength. Improve your sports skills: tennis, baseball, golf Release your tension while: working, traveling Choose the density right for you - soft, medium, firm Home Medical Supplies & Equipment , Daily Living Aids , Personal Care Aids , Resistance Exercisers

Everyday Essentials Squeeze Egg Soft Density $7.99 Safe, effective way to build hand and forearm strength. Improve your sports skills: tennis, baseball, golf Release your tension while: working, traveling Choose the density right for you - soft, medium, firm Home Medical Supplies & Equipment , Daily Living Aids , Personal Care Aids , Resistance Exercisers

Hand To Hand $8.99 Hand To Hand

Hand to Hand $26.99 Hand to Hand

Hand $24.99 George Marks Hand - Photographic Print

Hand in Hand $10.99 Nel Whatmore Hand in Hand - Art Print

IV Hand In Hand With Traitors $12.49 IV Hand In Hand With Traitors

The Hand $12.99 "A startling argument . . . provocative . . . absorbing." -- The Boston Globe "Ambitious . . . arresting . . . celebrates the importance of hands to our lives today as well as to the history of our species." -- The New York Times Book Review The human hand is a miracle of biomechanics, one of the most remarkable adaptations in the history of evolution. The hands of a concert pianist can elicit glorious sound and stir emotion; those of a surgeon can perform the most delicate operations; those of a rock climber allow him to scale a vertical mountain wall. Neurologist Frank R. Wilson makes the striking claim that it is because of the unique structure of the hand and its evolution in cooperation with the brain that Homo sapiens became the most intelligent, preeminent animal on the earth.         In this fascinating book, Wilson moves from a discussion of the hand's evolution--and how its intimate communication with the brain affects such areas as neurology, psychology, and  linguistics--to provocative new ideas about human creativity and how best to nurture it. Like Oliver Sacks and Stephen Jay Gould, Wilson handles a daunting range of scientific knowledge with a surprising deftness and a profound curiosity about human possibility. Provocative, illuminating, and delightful to read, The Hand encourages us to think in new ways about one of our most taken-for-granted assets. "A mark of the book's excellence [is that] it makes the reader aware of the wonder in trivial, everyday acts, and reveals the complexity behind the simplest manipulation." -- The Washington Post From the Trade Paperback edition.

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