If you ever get a chance to play with kettlebells, they're great for strengthening your grip.
not helped by the grips on the dumbbells being made for larger hands than mine
FWIW, that'll improve your grip strength long term (precisely because it's harder now); people deliberately train with thicker bars for that purpose.
In the meantime, straps are an option. Or, depending on the exercise, you might be able to modify it to use a barbell (in the back or front squat position) instead.
no subject
not helped by the grips on the dumbbells being made for larger hands than mine
FWIW, that'll improve your grip strength long term (precisely because it's harder now); people deliberately train with thicker bars for that purpose.
In the meantime, straps are an option. Or, depending on the exercise, you might be able to modify it to use a barbell (in the back or front squat position) instead.