How to Get Tougher Knuckles

Strengthening your knuckles is ideal for martial artists and many other sport enthusiasts, as it increases muscle stability in your wrists, arms, shoulders and core. Taking the time to toughen your knuckles will improve not only strength of your knuckles, but of your overall punch as well.

Instructions

    • 1

      Do push-ups using your knuckles instead of palms. Position your knuckles lengthwise on a flat surface, even with your shoulders. Lean onto your first two knuckles while you descend so your bottom two knuckles raise slightly off the surface. Your elbows should bend inward instead of outward. As you elevate, slowly rotate back onto all your knuckles.

    • 2

      Practice punching on a punching bag and gradually increase the roughness of the surface. Wrap a burlap sack around the bag to toughen it up a bit.

    • 3

      Punch heavy trees using a protective mat to keep from cutting your hands. The resistance from the tree will also help to strengthen your wrists and overall punching power. 

    • 4

      Routinely train your knuckles to get them to your desired toughness. Plan your knuckle strength training times and stick to the regimen.