A grip to rely on

Strength is not just about muscles. It’s about contact, control, and the feeling of being able to rely on every single lift. For the innovator behind SmartGrepp, the idea emerged from repeated encounters with sweaty barbells and unreliable grip—leading to a solution that makes training cleaner, more stable, and more focused.

It all starts in the hands

Behind the innovation is Christian Jansson, a Västerås native with a full schedule and even more ideas. Alongside his work as a delivery driver and a doorman, training has been a central part of his life.

– I’ve always trained actively. Boxing, wrestling, and strength training alongside that. And every time I trained at the gym, I experienced the same thing: my hands couldn’t get a proper grip. Not because I was weak, but because the bar was slippery.

Whether it’s a heavy deadlift or the final repetition on the pull-up bar, grip is the link between intention and result. When it fails, frustration takes over. Training gloves proved not to be a sustainable solution – they quickly start to smell, provide poor grip, fit badly, and wear out easily – while magnesium and chalk are prohibited in most gyms. For Christian, the answer was to do something himself.

A grip takes shape

The idea for SmartGrepp began to take shape about five years ago and was followed by roughly 1.5 years of intensive development work.

– I spent a long time working with materials science. The properties of rubber aren’t as simple as people think. How it reacts to oils, skin residue, and pressure plays a major role.

Using his own mold, he began testing and experimenting, often during lunch breaks and in the evenings. By testing the prototypes at the gym when as few people as possible were present, he was able to work undisturbed while also reducing the risk of revealing a solution that had not yet been patented. Only when the grip met his own standards did the final shape fall into place. This meticulous process resulted in a patented product, manufactured in Sweden, with full control over materials, content, and the production process.

– I want to know what’s in the products. And I want the people who manufacture them to have fair working conditions and collective agreements.

From the first rep to across the Nordics

SmartGrepp was launched at a time of great uncertainty. The pandemic brought restrictions to gyms, while awareness around hygiene increased significantly. When the first prototype was introduced at facilities, it quickly proved to be an advantage. The response was immediate: the product was adopted right away and sparked curiosity among both staff and members. Around the time of the launch, Christian also received a tip from a friend to get in touch with SmartaSaker, which became another step toward establishing the product. Today, SmartGrepp is sold to approximately 900 gyms, and the journey has continued beyond Sweden, with expansion into both Norway and Denmark.

– The reception has been broad and spans several target groups – from young people with high performance goals to older recreational exercisers. Some buy it for the grip, others for hygiene or comfort – many for all three.

Looking ahead

Today, Christian runs SmartGrepp together with his twin brother. Around them, family and friends have been a natural part of the work and have played an important role along the way. Their time, commitment, and perspectives have helped shape both the product and the journey forward. For Christian, it has been about knowing his strengths – listening, drawing on others’ expertise, and refraining from doing what he’s not best at himself. An approach that also leaves room for the next step. Because despite the success, ideas continue to bubble.

– I already have four other prototypes in the works. That’s all I’ll say for now. Let’s call it a teaser.

From the first sketches to hundreds of gyms, SmartGrepp has been developed with the same mindset as a long-term training goal. Step by step, with a focus on feel and function. And just like training, it’s not about quick shortcuts, but about putting in the work, refining the technique, and building over time.

Tips for other innovators

 Your product should solve a problem or add value. It needs to be unique.
 Be humble and listen to feedback. No one is good at everything.
 Prioritize recovery. Work hard, but to function long-term, you must also allow yourself time off.