Ways to Make You Knuckles Tougher

Tough knuckles are a necessity for anyone who practices martial arts, boxing or any other sort of fighting. By strengthening your knuckles and the bones beneath them, you will compete better and reduce the risk of personal injury. Specific techniques have been proven to toughen your knuckles, but only if you stick with them over time.

  1. Knuckle Pushups

    • Knuckle pushups are the same as the standard variety but done on your knuckles instead of your palms. Do the pushups on a hard surface such as tile or cement; carpeting may feel better but won't give you proper results. With your hands shoulder-width apart, do three sets of pushups at a time. This will toughen both the skin on your knuckles and the bones beneath. Be sure to stretch and flex your fingers after the pushups to prevent injury.

    Punching Sand

    • Punching your fists repeatedly into a bowl of coarse sand will also help to build calluses on your knuckles. Start with a bowl of sand only, punching into it with the knuckles extended forward. As your hands become used to this, slowly begin adding fine gravel to the mix to increase its coarseness. Check the gravel to make sure there are no sharp pieces that can cut your hands.

    Punching Bag

    • Using a punching bag regularly can help to toughen your knuckles. Begin with just the bag, punching for 15 minutes at a time. As you throw your punch, aim with the knuckles on the first and second fingers. This will ensure that your arm is lined up properly, reducing the risk of wrist injury. As your knuckles get used to the impact over time, tape increasingly coarse materials, such as burlap, to the punching bag.

    Abrasions

    • Rub your knuckles on a rough surface such as cement until they are scratched open. Once this is done, apply a disinfectant to your knuckles to kill any germs. Allow your knuckles to heal, and then repeat the process. This is an extreme technique and will not strengthen the bones behind your knuckles, but it will cause them to develop calluses quickly. Watch your knuckles closely and stop if they ever become infected.