Studies have shown that having a firm handshake can actually improve your health.
High blood pressure is a common condition and can be the precursor for serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses such as heart attacks or stroke.
Also known as hypertension, it is often referred to as the "silent killer", as most people who have it don't show any symptoms.
READ MORE: Three signs of high cholesterol that show up in your feet
While typical treatment includes certain drugs such as beta blockers and a change in diet, experts have found that increasing your strength in your hands could work just as well as medication, the Daily Record reports.
In a study published in the National Library of Medicine, isometric handgrip home training to help lower blood pressure was investigated. Hand grips work aggressively on making your finger, palm and wrist muscles stronger.
Isometric hand training is a way to categorise exercises which recruit hand muscles and exert tension without actually lengthening or shortening the muscle. In an isometric contraction, the muscle is engaged, but it's not changing size.
The research found that isometric handgrip training was superior to traditional endurance and strength training in lowering resting systolic blood pressure. In fact, in only 20 weeks of handgrip training, notable changes were evident related to blood pressure reading.
In another study with Canada's McMaster University, participants performed 10 handgrip exercises three times a week for eight weeks, working at 30% of their maximal voluntary contraction. Researchers found that the hand exercises helped significantly lower systolic blood pressure, which is the higher number in the blood pressure reading, and is when the heart pumps blood to the rest of the body.
Ultrasound measurements of the vessels also showed that one of the main arteries of the body became more flexible with these exercises and also less rigid. More flexible vessels are a sign of healthy blood vessels. Researchers at the time said: "The results of this study indicate that isometric handgrip exercises improve resting systolic blood pressure."
How to do isometric handgrip training
A resistance bar or band must be squeezed with one hand for two minutes. It's advised to then rest for two minutes and switch to the other hand, doing two sets for each hand.
To get the most effect from the exercise, you need to hold for the two minutes at 30% of your maximum effort.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
READ NEXT:
Drivers face up to £1,000 fines for commonly used 'thank you gestures' on roads
UK set for 28C summer heatwave that could last several days
DWP confirm if £650 cost of living payment in July is per individual or household
ITV The Chase Bradley Walsh's replacement 'identified' as host says 'he's had enough'
Paul O'Grady 'ready to riot' as he is delayed for hours in travel chaos
