Gold Star 5-Spring Chest Expander with Hand Grip (2 in 1)

The Gold Star chest expander is a classic five-spring chest pull with a hand grip built into each handle, for teenagers and adults who want simple strength training at home, in a hostel room or on the roof. Its box calls it a “Chest Developer, Two in One”: pull the handles apart to work your chest, shoulders and back, or squeeze the red inner grip against the handle to train your hands and forearms.

All five steel springs hook on and off, so you decide how hard it feels. Start with fewer springs while you learn the movements, then add them back as you get stronger. When you’ve finished your pulls, a few sets of grip squeezes on each handle round off the workout.

Why you’ll like it

• Resistance you can changeFive removable springs let the chest expander grow with you.
• Two tools in oneA chest pull and a hand grip trainer, so there’s less to buy and store.
• Works the upper bodyFront, overhead and behind-the-back pulls train the chest, shoulders, upper back and arms.
• Easy to storeAt about 67–68 cm long, it fits in a drawer or under the bed when you’re done.

Three moves to start with

1. 1Front chest pull: hold it at chest height with straight arms, pull the handles apart, then return slowly.
2. 2Overhead pull: hold it above your head and pull your arms out and down to shoulder level.
3. 3Behind-the-back pull: hold it behind your shoulders and press your arms out to the sides.

Do 8–12 slow repetitions of each move, rest, and repeat two or three times.

Using it safely

• Check that every spring hook is closed before you start.
• Wear a T-shirt and keep the springs away from your face, hair and skin.
• Pull and release slowly, and never let the handles snap back.
• Store it out of reach of young children.

Tip: add springs before you add speed. Slow, controlled pulls with fewer springs do more for your muscles than fast, jerky ones.