Get that wrist rotating! (Powerball - Grip Trainer)

Member Name: nixtee

Product:	Powerball - Grip Trainer
Date:	03/04/09 (442 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Exercise, fun, can try and beat a friends speed

Disadvantages: Can be difficult to get going at first

Possibly due to prolonged computer use, possibly due to other reasons, I lack strength in my hands and wrists (and arms and... well, I lack energy in general, to be truthful!). I'm only in my late 20's, but I seem to lack the ability to open some bottles, cans and cartons. I've never been brilliant at it, but it just seems to be getting worse. I feel like a 90 year old sometimes when I'm trying to open bottles etc! So in a bid to gain some strength in my hands and wrists, I kept my eye out for something to help...

Along came the Powerball - A ball-like object, about the size of a tennis ball (though a little heavier), containing a gyroscope.

The idea is that you put the Powerball in your hand (at the moment, I tend to use it in my right hand as I'm right-handed) and start it using the cord provided (it's akin to starting a strimmer!). Then with the palm of your hand facing down, you rotate your wrist slowly in time with the Powerball. You can feel it's energy and rotate your wrist accordingly. Over time you can start to build up speed (It's advised that you do this gradually) and in turn this will build up your strength.

I find start rotating my arm, and to a lesser extent my shoulder, sometimes, but try to resist this as the Powerball rotates better with your wrist.

There is a whole range of Powerballs, starting with the 250Hz range (featuring the Classic, Pro and Screamer Powerballs), the Neon range (featuring the Classic, Pro (Blue, Green & Red) and Techno Powerballs) and the Premium range (featuring the Metal Pro, Metal Pro Light and Signature Series Powerballs).

I went for the Neon White Signature Powerball from the Signature range. There was no particular reason for this, other than looks I suppose. I did, however, want one with an "digital speed meter" (which this one has) so I could monitor my rotations. Most, but not all, of the Powerballs have an DSM (digital speed meter), however one can be added at a later date.

The Powerballs are also fixable (should you break it) and accessories can be bought. My Powerball came with a wrist cord (which I don't use) and 3 starter cords (as they look like they could be lost easily!), these along with a carry case, electric start etc can be bought from the Accessories section of the Powerballs.com website.

I've had my Neon White Signature Powerball for a couple of weeks now, and while it took a little while to get it going properly, I enjoy using it and feel it is doing some good (though only time will tell). When it gets going it's white lights spin & glow, which look pretty cool in the dark! Powerballs do make a werrrring kind of noise when in use, so people in the next room might wonder what you're up to (as my Dad did when I was showing my Mum how to use it!).

As I said, I let Mum have a got on my Powerball last night and she took to it straight away, even building up speed. We think she took to it so well due to being a cook and doing a lot a stirring over the years!

The Powerball webite claims the Powerball is medically recommended for things such as RSI, carpal tunnel syndrome and strengthening broken bones. So if you want to gain some strength in your hands and wrists, the Powerball may just be the thing for you! I'm certainly enjoying using it at the moment, though I'm yet to see if it actually does me any good.

The Powerball website sells them direct, though I've found them cheaper elsewhere (specifically Amazon UK). I paid £14.64 for mine, though an Amazon voucher from Dooyoo brought that down to £4.64!

Summary: Gain strength in your hands and wrists with a Powerball.