Inclusion Criteria:  diagnosis of hypertension controlled by up to three antihypertensive medications; SBP levels ≤ 180 mmHg and/or DBP ≤110 mmHg; no serious heart disease; no upper limb musculoskeletal injury that prevents the handgrip.  Exclusion Criteria:  diagnosis of other cardiovascular diseases or diabetes during the study; change the class and/or dose of antihypertensive medication during the study; worsening of the disease (BP > 180 or use of four or more medications).