Will Smith has just put up a grip strength score most men never come close to. In a new video alongside fitness YouTuber Browney, the actor takes on a series of strength and conditioning challenges – including a grip strength test using a hand dynamometer. Smith records a score of 77kg.
Average Grip Strength Scores for Men
To put that into context, average grip strength for men aged 50 to 59 sits at around 46kg. That puts Smith more than 30kg above the norm for his age group.
Why Grip Strength Is Important
It’s not just a party trick, either. Grip strength is increasingly recognised as a key marker of overall health and longevity. And research published in The Lancet found that lower grip strength is linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death.
In other words, strong hands often reflect a strong body.
So how do you build it?
How to Build Grip Strength
The good news is that grip strength responds well to simple, consistent training. Exercises like dead hangs, farmer’s carries, heavy rows and deadlifts all place significant demand on the hands and forearms, helping develop crushing strength.
Even small tweaks – like holding onto the bar for longer at the end of a set or reducing reliance on lifting straps – can make a noticeable difference over time.
For a breakdown of the best grip strength exercises, we’ve got you covered:
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