While often ignored in traditional exercise programs, hand, finger, wrist and forearm strength should never be taken for granted. Manufacturers of gyroscopic exercise balls recognized the need for an exercise device that enhances manual strength and dexterity, and sought to create a hand, wrist and forearm strengthener. The resulting gyroscope exercise ball design is based on the laws of physics.
Identification
The tennis-sized gyroscope ball consists of a spinning mass, which is enclosed in a plastic or metal shell. The balls have a small string. Pulling the string starts the gyroscopic movement.
Function
When the gyroscope inside the ball gains momentum, the user accelerates the spinning mass by performing circular wrist movements. The faster the user spins the ball, the more inertia the gyroscope generates. This increased inertia increases the resistance it inflicts on the muscles of the hands, wrists, forearms and upper arms.
Benefits for Athletes
Professional and recreational athletes involved in swing-based sports, such as tennis, golf, hockey and squash, can enhance their performance by maximizing the wrist-strengthening benefits of the gyroscope ball. Hold the ball in one hand, keeping your palm facing the floor. Use a strong grip as you flex and extend your wrist. Perform 20 repetitions on each hand.
Performance Enhancement for Musicians
Finger strength and manual dexterity are essential when playing musical instruments such as the piano and violin. Grip the ball using only your fingertips. Extend your arm in front of your body, keeping the gyroscope ball facing the ceiling. Perform 10 clockwise and 10 counter-clockwise wrist circles. Repeat with the other hand.
Considerations
Many sports and daily activities requiring hand, wrist and forearm strength also rely on the biceps and triceps muscles. To work your biceps, hold the gyroscope ball, keeping your arm to the side of your body, your elbow flexed at a 45 degree angle, and your palm facing your body. You will feel the muscles in the front of your arm activate as you rotate your wrist. Work your triceps by holding the ball, extending your arm by your side, and rotating your arm in its socket so that your palm faces forward and backward.
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