Working out forearms/wrists

[Lynn M.]

Hi all-

I was curious to know whether or not you all do forearm and/or wrist curls on the days you are working your biceps. I know Cathe does include these on some of her bicep workouts, but I usually skip them.

Currently, I'm doing most of my weight training at the gym and never do forearm/wrist work. Am thinking I need to to prevent injury as well as maybe help me sling more weight on bicep day.

What are your thoughts/personal experience?

Thanks in advance, Lynn M.

 

[Gayle]

Hi Lynn - I'd never done any wrist/forearm work other than what Cathe included...and must admit I skipped it a lot too.

However, lately I've been incorporating barbell and kettlebell complexes into my work. A complex is where you do a series of exercises without ever putting the bar or KB down. It really works the grip and forearm, as well as all the other muscles you're working.

 

[chefkate]

i just do if/when cathe does....

 

[Lynn M.]

Hi there-

Thanks for your replies..

Gayle, have you noticed a significant increase in strength in the forearms and wrist with the complex part of the KB workout? Have you been able to go up in weight for your bicep work since you've gotten more forearm/grip work?

For me, I think having weaker forearms and wrists is preventing me from going heavier for my bicep work, but I'm not sure. I do keep a nice straight wrist ( no curling) while doing bi's but my forearms and wrists seem to fatigue before my bis! Weird, huh?

Thanks in advance, Lynn M.

 

[bitmover]

I hate that forearm work, personally. My wrists always click when I do it. And, to boot, I feel like I already have popeye forearms from the swimming I did as a kid. I have been swinging kettlebells for a couple of months now and do notice the forearms get really worked. Not sure how to add anything here, but I'm interested in the thread!

-Beth

 

[LauraMax]

I don't do any forearm or wrist excercises at all. My hands are already beat up enough w/the weight lifting, I'm afraid of ending up w/the dreaded Seinfeld "man hands."

I just use lifting straps for exercises that require extra hand strength.

 

[MommaPew]

I must admit I only work wrists/forearms when Cathe does but it does make sense (just like working calves I guess).

I think that having a strong forearm and wrist would help in a lot of sports. I play baseball and I think it helps me to hit farther. (I need all the advantage I can get)

 

[Gayle]

Hi there-

Thanks for your replies..

Gayle, have you noticed a significant increase in strength in the forearms and wrist with the complex part of the KB workout? Have you been able to go up in weight for your bicep work since you've gotten more forearm/grip work?

For me, I think having weaker forearms and wrists is preventing me from going heavier for my bicep work, but I'm not sure. I do keep a nice straight wrist ( no curling) while doing bi's but my forearms and wrists seem to fatigue before my bis! Weird, huh?

Thanks in advance, Lynn M.

Actually, I don't do any targeted bicep work anymore, but I have noticed a big increase in strength in my grip when doing heavy deadlifts...I can go much heavier before failing or having to switch to a alternate grip. I've also noticed that exercises like the "Triple Crush" in AOS Providence, where you grip the round part of the KB, are much easier...I really struggled with that at first. So I believe working the complexes is helping.

ETA - The really nice thing about a complex is that you're working every other part of your body to boot...so the grip/forearm work is a bonus.

 

[Lynn M.]

Thanks everybody for the responses...

I will be adding some forearm work for the next 4-5 weeks to see if I can increase my grip strength. While it doesn't excite me too much, I'm curious to see what it will do.

Watch out Popeye, here I come!!! ( hahah)

Lynn M.

 

[orphylea]

Hey Lynn, thanks for asking this- I was kind of wondering about forearm strength the other day. We must be on the same workout wavelength.

 

[Lynn M.]

Hey Patti-

Great minds think alike, huh?

Are you struggling w/ these same issues too?

Lynn M.

 

[orphylea]

Lynn: Yep, similar issues- I noted that Cathe works the forearms in a few workouts when she does biceps. I did them and then wondered why and if I should do them. I decided to do it for a month or so and see if it helps me with my grip strength. I figure it can't hurt, right?