Siri Schubert
Background information

This fitness device is all about getting your upper body in shape

Siri Schubert
13.1.2026
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook

The Eggspander might look like a simple hand trainer, but it does a whole lot more. Not surprising then that it won two prizes at the international sports trade fair ISPO.

Like plenty of people, lawyer and tax consultant Dr Kai Sauerwein used to spend hours at his computer every day. And like many, his body reacted with tension and poor posture.

Looking for ways to activate his body during the day, he came across hand muscle trainers. But he still wasn’t satisfied. Most trainers only target a few muscles in your hands and forearms, and he quickly became bored with them. So, he got to work designing an alternative: the Eggspander.

The Eggspander was awarded two prizes at the international sports trade fair ISPO.
The Eggspander was awarded two prizes at the international sports trade fair ISPO.
Source: Siri Schubert

A mini trainer for the upper body

The Eggspander consists of two plastic plates connected by a hinge and three springs, which can be removed individually depending on your desired resistance. Its special feature? This fitness device is squeezed between the palms of both hands. Most conventional hand trainers only work on one hand at a time.

The Eggspander’s two-handed squeeze activates a whole range of upper body muscles. According to the manufacturer, 85 per cent of the muscles in your arms, chest, back and torso are covered. Romeo Jackson confirms this. He’s part of the development team, debuting the device at the international sports trade fair ISPO. He’s an expert in functional strength and a four-time Mr Holland Bodybuilding Champion.

Romeo Jackson and Managing Director Sonja Stamer at the award ceremony.
Romeo Jackson and Managing Director Sonja Stamer at the award ceremony.
Source: ISPO

The Eggspander won two prizes at ISPO: the ISPO Jury Award and the Public Choice Audience Award. The ISPO jury particularly praised its two-handed operation, versatility and compact, lightweight shape.

First impressions

In the time since the event, I’ve been able to get a first impression of the Eggspander myself. It’s a winning concept: when I squeeze the device between my palms, I can feel the muscles in my upper body working. Depending on the position of my arms, either my chest or back muscles are prioritised. You’ll find training videos on YouTube for added inspiration.

To me, the Eggspander is less of a gym substitute and more of a gadget that’ll sit on my desk and remind me to take short exercise breaks every now and then. After a mini-workout, my posture improves and I feel more alert.

However, the Eggspander is a bit big for my hands. I’d like to see different sizes come out in the future. Luckily, Kai Sauerwein announced innovations in an interview at ISPO. Maybe we’ll even get a small and medium version.

The Eggspander is a new device that just debuted at the ISPO sports trade fair. We currently don’t have the Eggspander in our range. If that changes, you’ll find out here.

Header image: Siri Schubert

57 people like this article


User Avatar
User Avatar

Research diver, outdoor guide and SUP instructor – I love being in, on and around water. Lakes, rivers and the ocean are my playgrounds. For a change of perspective, I look at the world from above while trail running or flying drones.


Fitness
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest

Sport
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest

Background information

Interesting facts about products, behind-the-scenes looks at manufacturers and deep-dives on interesting people.

Show all

These articles might also interest you

  • Background information

    Breezelabs: Swiss start-up measures running performance via headphones

    by Siri Schubert

  • Background information

    World Yoga Day: 3 preconceptions about yoga that I can no longer hear

    by Anika Schulz

  • Background information

    mescan body scanner: just a gadget or high-tech for your insides?

    by Patrick Bardelli

16 comments

Avatar
later