Greg Irwin of Hamilton is all hands. His bathroom is decorated in handprints. He has hundreds of hand trinkets. Even his back yard is furnished in hand-shaped chairs.

        Mr. Irwin, founder and owner of HandHealth.com, is a finger fitness expert. His unique expertise has landed him on shows such as The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and Jay Leno.Recently, a Chinese documentary was produced and aired featuring Mr. Irwin.

        His mission is to convince the general public to care for their hands with the same intensity that athletes care for their bodies.

        Each year Americans spend billions of dollars on hand beautifying creams and lotions. While these items may enhance the physical appearance of our hands, Mr. Irwin fears that hand fitness is being neglected. “Physical education overlooks the conditioning of hands,” he says.

IF YOU GO

• WHO: Finger-fitness trainer Greg Irwin   • WHAT: Demonstration   • WHEN: Friday, 5:30-7 p.m.   • WHERE: Carew Tower Magic Shop.

FITNESS PRODUCTS

HandHealth.com has designed hand fitness products that help strengthen and condition hand muscles.   • Sno-Ball: Increases hand and forearm strength. Also helps to relieve stress.   • FiddlLink: Increases limberness and dexterity.   • Hand Health Ring: Provides hand massages and increases hand and forearm strength.   • Chinese Health Spheres: Limberness and increasing flexibility.   • Due in April: “Finger Fitness Aerobic Style” video.   Prices range from $5.95 to $24.95. Go to www.HandHealth.com or call (513) 868-7933.

        In today's technological world, filled with computers and handheld devices, hands are busier than ever. The 27 bones and 37 muscles that compose each hand undergo an intense workout each day. It is not surprising that people are complaining of achy, sore hands.

        An estimated $20 billion dollars are spent each year on hand related problems. Carpel tunnel and arthritis are among the most frequent problems. “Finger fitness now can help in the prevention of these problems later in life,” says Mr. Irwin.

        Mr. Irwin, a 1981 Miami University graduate, developed hand exercises in college while studying music education. As a piano player, he wanted to train his hands to be more responsive. Other musicians have also benefited from Mr. Irwin's techniques.

        “The amount of finger control you gain through its exercises is invaluable to any guitarist, bassist or keyboardist,” says guitar player Tom Mulhearn. Mr. Irwin's ideas and finger fitness exercises have since expanded and are now in a book Finger Fitness: The Act of Finger Control (Church Street Printing; $17.95) and video (Hot Licks Video; $19.95).

        “Hands are like a knife,” says Mr. Irwin. “They must be sharpened regularly or else they will become dull and useless.” He provides lectures and workshops to companies on the importance of hand fitness. He urges people to perceive themselves as “occupational athletes.”

        “Think of yourself as an athlete at your computer,” he says. “Part of any sport is to develop your strength, your dexterity, and in this case, finger independence.”

        Mr. Irwin refers to himself as an “edutainer.” His main goal is to educate on hand fitness. However, at the same time he enjoys entertaining. His finger ballet — The Ultimate Dance of Digital Dexterity — has been performed around the world.

        Whether a musician or a surgeon, Mr. Irwin says that everyone can benefit from hand fitness. After years of practicing hand exercise, Mr. Irwin believes that his ambidexterity has greatly increased.

        His grandmother, Birdie Irwin, 96, of Hamilton, credits these hand fitness techniques with her ability to still actively play the piano.

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