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Comment by allemagne | Hacker News Reader

If you want to simulate our "arboreal ancestors" to improve grip strength then you could probably do no better than joining a rock climbing gym. Every time I visit mine I leave with my forearms aching and plenty of freshly torn calluses. It's fun as hell, maybe in part because we as humans used to need an inborn propensity for it.

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Totally anecdotal here, but I would not hesitate to wager that many climbers' grip strengths lie way outside the normal range. The sport has a higher grip exercise-to-cardiovascular exercise ratio (however you might measure that) than probably any other sport that exists today.

Another way of building your grip strength is deadlifting raw, although that is anaerobic.

raw ... ?

Without a deadlift suit[1]. Some people also use "raw" to mean without straps as well[2].

[1] https://gometal.com/product/pro-king-deadlift-suit/

[2] https://www.paulcheksblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Wri...

Only ever heard it for straps.

Equipped DL puts more strain on the grip simply because the weight is heavier.

The best DL-like movement that specifically targets grip strength is partial DLs off the blocks or in the rack. That way the weight is heavier and you can specifically target the lockout hold where the grip strength is most important DL - wise.

Maybe for 'gym rat' climbers. Gyms have larger holds and steeper walls. Climbing in the real world is more about balance and legs/feet. You almost never hang off your hands. Instead you are gripping tiny flakes of rock in an effort to keep weight over your feet. Hands and fingers will get abused in cracks (something gyms dont have) but im not so sure about grip.

Yeah, I think people are also confusing grip endurance with grip strength. Pulling a 500+ lb bar off the ground requires more grip strength than climbing on the walls supporting your body weight.

Also, different parts of the finger. Outdoor climbers use tip, indoor climber the first two knuckles. Weightlifter use the whole hand, which is probably best for measured grip.

Not trying to sound arrogant, but this is simply false. Source: me. I climb 5.13/V10.

And I lead 5.11c walls. It's a big sport.

Judo and Ju Jitsu as well.

Grip and hand fighting are very integral to both combat sports. A sport like Ju Jitsu helps improve not only your grip strength, but foot dexterity and prehensility.

Jiu Jitsu is very concept oriented to boot. Strategy and understanding run deep. Honestly it would surprise me if jiu jitsu black belts weren't intellectually on the level of chess masters (obviously translated into the physical domain).

Something to aim for with rock-climbing is no thick calluses, and especially not torn ones. All this requires is more care when going for / leaving a hold, by using the exact right angle and applied force for friction as needed. Letting go of the hold completely before falling instead of trying to defy the fall is also big for this.

Not only will this save your skin, but this careful attitude will also minimize chance of serious injury, which is unfortunately all too common with rock climbing. It can be hard to say no to the wall, even when you know you're done ;)

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