Abstract: A hand exerciser includes a frame having a contoured hand grip portion and a slide mechanism supported within the frame for reciprocative movement. The slide mechanism includes a transverse finger grip which is both rotatable and angled to maximize the contact area between the palm of the hand and the finger grip. Springs are positioned between the frame and the slide mechanism to provide the resistive force necessary. The resistive force may be adjusted by a single internally threaded knob which cooperates with an externally threaded fastening element between the frame and the slide mechanism. A mechanical counter is coupled to the frame and is engaged by the slide element for the purpose of counting the number of strokes. Also provided is a pointer and scale mechanism for indicating the amount of resistive force provided by the springs.