Deformable grip pad with bistable spring bands and methods of use

A method of enhancing and cushioning hand gripping of a bar or bar-like apparatus by a user comprising the steps of:

• a. providing a deformable grip pad for one or both hands of the user, deformable grip pad, comprising:
• i. an upper layer of elastomeric material in attachment with a bottom layer of the elastomeric material to form a cavity therebetween which is substantially enclosed;
• and
• ii. at least one bistable spring band positioned within the cavity, wherein the bistable spring band is configured to alternate the shape of the grip pad between a flat, straight configuration and a cylindrical, wrapped configuration.
• b. attaching one deformable grip pad for each hand of the user to the bar or bar-like apparatus by use of the bistable spring band;
• and
• c. grasping the bar or bar-like apparatus around each of the deformable grip pad.