Wrist extensions are for strengthening the wrist flexor muscles which can
have a wrist strengthening effect along with the building of the forearms (wrist extensor)
muscles. In addition to targeting the wrist extensor muscles, performing
dumbbell wrist extensions can also help balance the ratio of extensor to flexor
strength which may have implications for avoiding wrist and elbow injuries.
If you are doing both exercises, you should use a lighter weight for what
you do with the wrist curls for these dumbbell wrist extensions because the
muscles are smaller and weaker. Like all forearms exercises, wrist curls are
entirely optional for the average fitness enthusiast. There are some people
however in which forearm, wrist strengthening exercises are very important.
Forearm
strengthening exercises are best performed at the end of whatever
workout you are doing. Unless you are doing these exercises specifically for
rehabilitation, there is very little reason to perform a forearms only
workout. Doing forearms exercises before pulling exercises can limit your
grip strength which in turn will limit your ability to use optimal weights.
Doing forearms exercises before pushing exercises can also have a
detrimental effect as the fatigue can destabilize your wrist which can be
dangerous for exercises such as heavy
bench press.
Dumbbell Wrist Extensions Safety Considerations
While the danger for acute injury is very low for this exercise, wrist
extension is the same motion which causes carpal tunnel syndrome which is a
local peripheral neuropathy which can be debilitating. If you have had
carpal tunnel syndrome in the past be weary of performing this exercise. If
the wrist extension begins hurting your wrists, stop immediately and seek
professional advice.
Required Fitness Equipment