How to Make My Knuckles Harder

Developing harder knuckles won't improve the strength of your punches. Conditioning knuckles "may keep you from getting a scratch on your knuckles during a fight, but that's all," writes Tom Mizula. The power behind a punch derives from a person's body alignment, hip movement, mental state and other factors. The safest exercise for developing protective callouses on your knuckles are knuckle push-ups, which also tone and strengthen muscles that contribute to punching strength.

Instructions

    • 1

      Assume a traditional push-up position, with your body at roughly a 45-degree angle in relation to the floor. Curl your hands into fists and rest your body weight on the larger knuckles of your index and middle fingers.

    • 2

      Lower your body until your chest is parallel to the ground.

    • 3

      Push down on your knuckles until your body returns to its original position.

    • 4

      Perform as many knuckle push-ups as your strength allows.

    • 5

      Striking a punching bag also develops callouses on the knuckles. When punching a bag, wear gloves made specifically for this activity to protect bones in the hand.