Thumbells to exercise smartphone addicts' thumbs

A UK mobile service provider is encouraging textaholics to turn their thumbs into lean, mean pressing machines with their tiny new Thumbells.

The mobile service company and device provider O2 claims that over 26 million in the UK have complained of thumb pain within the last five years after spending hours gaming, web browsing, and using social networks on their smartphones, 'New York Daily News' reported.

"Our research shows that excessive usage of the phone can leave people with sore thumbs, so we want our customers to make sure their thumbs are well looked after so they can make use of all the great technology that is available at their fingertips," David Johnson, general manager of devices for O2, told ABC News.

"That's why we're trialling the Thumbell units and have worked with BMI to develop the Fit for 4G fitness routine," said Johnson.

The Thumbell is currently being tested internally at the company. It weighs in at about 65 grammes, according to the report.

The company has uploaded fitness videos that lead Thumbell users through some basic strengthening exercises.

Overuse of the thumb to type message is a serious concern, said Nicola Goldsmith, who worked with the company to develop some exercises.