Let’s get a grip in the gym and help prevent heart disease

Try this weights workout and slash your risk of cardiovascular disease, says Amanda Khouv.

WHEN was the last time you went to the gym and paid attention to how well you were gripping? It might be time to start, according to new research published in The Lancet. The study, which looked at over 14,000 participants, found that weak grip strength was a good indicator of increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Grip strength is an indicator of overall muscular strength, which we know promotes a healthy metabolism and body fat percentage. So, next time you hit the dumbbells, barbell and kettlebell, remember the good you’re doing your heart and push yourself that bit harder when working out.