Wrist curl
4770340
221750004
2008-06-25T22:42:02Z
EncycloPetey
474828
Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/Talkstalk|Talkstalk]] ([[User talk:Talkstalk|talk]]) to last version by WLU
The '''wrist curl''' is a [[weight training]] exercise for developing just the [[wrist]] [[flexion|flexor muscles]] of the [[forearm]]. It is therefore an isolation exercise. Ideally, it should be done in combination with the '''reverse wrist curl''' to ensure equal development of the wrist flexor and wrist [[extension (kinesiology)|extensor muscles]].
Wrist curls can be performed with a [[dumbbell]] or with both hands holding a [[barbell]]. To perform a seated wrist curl, the lifter should be seated on a [[Bench (weight training)|bench]] with his [[knee]]s bent and the forearm(s) resting on the [[thigh]]. The [[hand|palm]] should be facing up and the hand should be free to move completely up and down. At the starting point, the wrist should be bent back so that the [[finger]]s are almost pointing down at the floor. In a steady motion, the lifter should raise the weight by using the forearm muscles to bring the hand up as far as possible. The forearm itself should remain resting on the thigh. Then the weight should be slowly lowered back down to the starting point.
To perform a standing wrist curl, a barbell can be held in both hands with the palms facing backward. The bar should be behind the lifter. The same motion should be performed as in the seated wrist curl. The range of motion will be smaller but the standing wrist curl offers the benefit of providing the most stress on the target muscles at their peak contraction.
[[Category:Weight training exercises]]