Many different finger exercises can be used to promote strength and flexibility in the fingers. These exercises may be integrated into different activities, like playing a guitar, or they may be performed independently in order to specifically target the fingers. Most people who practice an activity regularly that requires finger strength find that the fingers grow strong enough for the activity naturally, but sometimes hand and finger exercise equipment can be used to promote strength outside of normal activities. Finger exercises should be practiced with caution because the movements of the fingers are relatively complex, and fingers can be injured easily.
Some finger exercises relate directly to sports or other activities. There are, for example, many finger exercises for piano and guitar that improve finger strength, flexibility, and coordination by playing scales and specific notes in combination. These exercises are often monitored in order to ensure that the correct muscles and parts of the hand are being used. In sports like rock climbing, finger exercises might involve climbing in a specific way to target the fingers.
It is also possible to use specialized equipment to strengthen the fingers and improve dexterity. Stress balls can be squeezed with the entire hand or using several fingers to improve strength. There are also specialized devices with changeable resistance designed to build up even more strength using a single device. Rubber bands can be used to apply tension to the fingers in the opposite direction.
For coordination as well as strength, a person might try using bao ding balls or even simply taking up activities that use the fingers and require small, specific movements. Rolling a coin between the fingers, for example, can be a very effective finger exercise. Using the hands in ways that a person usually does not will generally improve both strength and coordination. When soreness arises, a person must be sure to cease the finger exercises that caused the soreness, as finger injuries can be severe and permanent.
Many activities that require finger strength also promote finger strength through practice. For example, a person who regularly practices playing guitar is building finger strength while practicing even when he or she is not targeting the fingers. Likewise, a person who regularly does rock climbing is building finger strength as he or she progresses to harder courses. By allowing strength to build naturally, a person ensures that the relevant muscles and the appropriate types of strength are being built up. When this does not suffice, artificial replacements for situated activities can work as well.