Let’s stop and think about this for a minute. When was the last time you worked out your forearms. I’m talking about actually concentrating on doing wrist/forearm exercises. The answer for most would probably be never. A lot of people think that they’re forearms get enough work when doing all the other exercises, but the simple fact is that forearms are a very important muscle group and should be worked out just like any other musclegroup.

Strong well developed forearms are important for a numerous amount of actions, when lifting weights, the forearm muscles are needed in order to grasp and hold on to the weight, while doing sets. For example if you’re doing barbell deadlifts you will notice that if your forearms are under developed, as they tire out during the sets you will be unable to hold the weight in your hands as easily. When you have well developed forearms this means that you will undoubtedly be able to handle more weight overall in all exercises.

The forearm consists of several main muscles: extensors, flexors, brachioradialis. Full forearm development really in my opinion requires that these muscles be worked out with specific exercises.

Wrist extensors muscles are used to enable the hand to extend backwards. The extensors run along the top of the forearm. The best exercises that will hit these muscles are:

-Barbell reverse wrist curl
-Cable reverse curl
-Dumbbell reverse curl
-Reverse rope rollers

Wrist flexor muscles are used to enable the hand to bend downwards. These muscles are the muscles that make up the inner forearm. These muscles provide the most bulk of the forearm. Exercises that target these muscles include:

-Barbell wrist curls
-Cable wrist curls
-Dumbbell wrist curls
-Rope rollers

The brachioradialis is the muscle that is on the upper outer portion of the arm. This muscle is most noticeable when the arm is fully straightened. Exercises the will focus on this muscle are:

-Reverse barbell curls
-Reverse preacher curls
-Dumbell hammer curls

There are also other ways that you can indirectly strengthen the muscles of your forearms.

- Try to stay away from wrist straps when working out, this will help to make sure your forearms are baring all the weight.

-Try to stick with thicker bars when working out, if there are none available then you can simply wrap a towel around the bar and this will accomplish the same results.

-Use one of those grip strengtheners, or a mechanical wrist curler.

Forearm training is a very important part of overall bodybuilding; your forearms play a crucial role in your ability to handle your everyday weights. With forearms being this crucial to exercise it is important that we give them the attention they deserve.