Gear: How to get a grip

Good grip is a good thing. In daily life, you need strong hands, wrists and forearms to hold grocery bags, staircase railings, steering wheels and plenty of other things we take for granted. In athletics, your grip is the last link between you and your sport — whether it be gymnastics or tennis or rock climbing or ping-pong. New research even says your grip is an indicator of overall body strength — and also maybe how long you'll live. Bottom line: It pays to keep your grip strong, especially if you play hard or are older than 50, when strength wanes. Below are four ways to do it conveniently, even as you sit in front of the TV.

By Roy M. Wallack, Special to the Los Angeles Times

April 11, 2011