Truth-0-Meter and Longevity

In college I participated in a peer’s research study that needed 20 strong, college-aged people.

How did they determine “strong”? With a hand dynamometer—a device that measures grip strength by the pounds of force you can generate with your best squeeze.

It was simple, low-skill, and surprisingly accurate. That was the first time I learned grip strength can be used as a predictor of total body strength.

A couple years ago, several GAIN members sent me an article, What Grip Strength Can Tell You About How Well You’re Aging.

“A wealth of research already tells us that strength is good for us. People who lift weights are substantially less likely to develop heart disease, high blood pressure and many other chronic illnesses than those who skip resistance exercise.”

Grip strength doesn’t just measure your squeeze, it’s a window into your overall strength. And strength itself is one of the best predictors we have for longevity.

Next time you’re in the gym, give it a squeeze. See what the Truth-o-Meter says.

—Justin Miner