Firm handshake linked to longevity

(Shebeko)

According to researchers, a strong handshake isn't just about showing confidence during initial meetings but can indicate that you will live a long life.

A study published on September 9 in the online edition of BMJ, formerly the British Medical Journal, found a strong grip is linked to longevity.

Rachel Cooper, PhD, a fellow at the British Medical Research Council (MRC) Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing and colleagues identified four health markers: "grip strength, walking speed, chair rise time, and standing balance performance."

Only grip strength was linked to longevity with both younger and elderly populations.

Here are three exercises with how-to clips to beef up your grip from the blog AskTheTrainer.com:

Alternating Multi Curls: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GofU3HcYB40
One Grip Pull-ups: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hl1tN8AaS3k

Full study, "Objectively measured physical capability levels and mortality: systematic review and meta-analysis": http://www.bmj.com/content/341/bmj.c4467.full