Upper Body Strengthening Tools for Upper Limb Difference
A practical guide to weights, straps, and accessible equipment for children, teens, & adults with upper limb differences
Introduction
Weighlifting Hooks
Active Hands Grip Aid
Loop Resistance Bands
Multi-Loop Stretch/Strength Strap
Hook-and-Loop Closure Wrist Weights
IRONWEAR® Hand Weights
Resistance Tubing with Handles
Final notes and transparency
References
Learn more
Introduction
Strengthening the upper body can be challenging for people with upper limb differences, especially when equipment is not designed with different anatomies in mind. Many families tell me they want to build strength safely, but they aren’t sure which tools to choose or how to adapt them.
This guide includes the tools I use in my own workouts with a partial hand. I have included products that are appropriate for children, teens, and adults.
Important note
Every body is unique. A tool that works well for one person may need to be modified for someone else. Trial-and-error is normal, and it’s okay if you adjust, or customize tools.
This guide is educational only and not medical advice. Always check with a clinician before starting new exercise routines.
1. Weightlifting Hooks
What they are:
Hooks that attach to the wrist and wrap around a bar to assist with pulling movements
Why they’re helpful:
- Reduce reliance on grip strength
- Great for rows, pull-downs, and deadlifts
- Work well for partial hand differences and other grip-related challenges
Use cases:
(Teens & adults) Gym workouts, cable machines, barbell exercises
Link:
Weight Lifting Hooks
2. Active Hands Grip Aid (Adapted Version)
What it is:
A strap system that secures the hand around a handle (must have a wrist to use this version). I adapted mine to fit my hand more comfortably.
Why it’s helpful:
- Excellent for light dumbbells and cable & machine handles
Use cases:
(Teens & adults) Dumbbells, cable & machine handles
Link:
Active Hands Limb Difference Aid
Note: I modified the product to improve the fit for my partial hand — see January’s post for details
3. Loop Resistance Bands
What they are:
Closed-loop elastic bands great for warm-ups and strengthening
Why they’re helpful:
- Inexpensive
- Loop enables easy on/off and reduces need to grip
- Excellent for gentle shoulder and upper-back strengthening
- Great for home workouts for children or adults
Use cases:
(Children, teens, & adults) At-home programs, warm-ups, low-resistance strengthening
Link:
Mini Band Resistance Loop | also typically available at FiveBelow stores
4. Multi-Loop Stretch/Strength Strap
What it is:
A strap with multiple looped pockets that make it easier to secure the hand or arm
Why it’s helpful:
- Inexpensive
- Longer loop design allows for greater range of exercises
- Great for home workouts for children or adults
Use cases:
(Children, teens, & adults) At-home programs, warm-ups, low-resistance strengthening
5. Hook-and-Loop Closure Wrist Weights
What it is:
Weights that can be fastened to wrists or arm
Why it’s helpful:
- Inexpensive
- Adjustable weight models offer flexibility (shown in photo)
- Comfortable options available
- No need to grip weights because of hook-and-loop closure
Use cases:
(Children, teens, & adults) At-home programs, warm-ups, low-weight resistance strengthening
Link:
Weights for Women, Men, and Kids – note that this link is for non-adjustable weights; they’re often sold as ankle/wrist weights, so check the length because they may be too large for small wrists
6. IRONWEAR® Hand Weights
What it is:
Weights that can be fastened directly to hand (need a wrist)
Why it’s helpful:
- Pricey but durable
- Allows partial hand to hold weight
- Easy on/off with hook-and-loop straps
- Multiple weight options
Use cases:
(Children, teens, & adults) At-home programs, warm-ups, low-weight resistance strengthening
Link:
Knuckle Irons™ (Champion Series) – 1/2 pound each (1 pound pair) or 1 pound each (2 pound pair); could be used for 6-9 year old children
Hand Irons™ Champion Series – 2 lb. to 7 lb. each; also an adjustable option; great for ages 10+
Note: Reebok® no longer sells IRONWEAR® weights
7. Resistance Tubing with Handles
What it is:
Resistance tubing with handles that attach with clips
Why it’s helpful:
- Lots of versions available at reasonable price points
- Work well with Active Hands Grip Aid (above)
- Set comes with multiple weight tubing
Use cases:
(Children, teens, & adults) At-home programs, resistance strengthening
Coming Soon:
How I modify adaptive equipment: what I change and why
I often need to adjust tools (yes, even adaptive ones) to work for my partial hand. I’ll share exactly how I modify:
- Active Hands grip aid
- Household items
- Exercise straps
…including easy ways families can safely customize equipment at home
Final Notes and Transparency
I do not receive commissions or kick-backs for any of the products mentioned here. Some companies occasionally send items for me to try.
References
Long, C., Ranellone, S., & Welch, M. (2024). Strength and conditioning in the young athlete for long-term athletic development. HSS Journal: The Musculoskeletal Journal of Hospital for Special Surgery, 20(3), 444–449. https://doi.org/10.1177/15563316241248445
Learn More
- Check out “How to think like an OT”: how we engage in and adapt everyday activities with upper limb differences
- Explore Typing/Keyboarding with an Upper Limb Difference (or two!)
- Read Start Here: Overuse Syndrome in Upper Limb Differences
© 2026. Laura Faye Clubok, MS, OTR/L, On The Other Hand Therapy. All rights reserved.