Weak wrists/grip/forearms, need advice
 

After about 2-3 months of weight training, I have developed a problem that is holding me back. My wrists and forearms aren't able to keep up with the weight that my lats and biceps can do. I used to have carpal tunnel and still have some effects from it like weak wrists. The problem is that I experience some pretty intense pain in my forearms when doing certain exercises like lat rows and bicep curls. Also, I find it hard to maintain my grip on certain exercises as well. I am coming to dread these exercises for these reasons. Can someone offer me any advice on what to do?

Have you spoken to your doctor or physical therapist about weight training with your past history of carpal tunnel?

IMO, I would have a hard time giving advice when you have a preexisting medical condition. I've known several folks with carpal, and it ain't fun. :(

Please speak with your doctor and be careful!

Nelie,
I agree that this is something to take to the DR...I don't have carpal tunnel and am not qualified to give advice about it.
I can share this with you, though..
I do not have wrist/ forearm probs but there came a time (after training for awhile) when my forearms could not keep up with the strength of my back and I use wrist straps (that you wrap around the DB, BB or machine handles) so I am able to train my back to failure without my forearms giving out first. I also train my forearms and wrists to keep them strong. Doubtful this would help with pain though...

Good Luck:)
XoXO
L2L

What kind of training do you do for your forearms and wrists?

I have the same problem too. I just started doing exercises on the gripper. And my husband loaned me his wrist straps to use for shoulder shrugs and such. But I'd like to strengthen those areas more.

Thanks,
Lisa

Hi Lisa:)
I do my arms on Mondays and I throw in a few sets for forearms at the end. I do 'grips' like you already are doing and I also do a lot of wrist curls. I straddle a bench and put my forearms on the bench with wrists and hands hanging of the end. I do wrist curls with a light (40#) BB to failure. It will seem easy at first , but these muscles lose steam quickly. I also do 'reverse' curls by turning hands down (in the same position on the bench) and curling wrists backward. You can do both arms (BB) or one at a time (DB). You can do regular or rev curls or both. Not a lot you can do to isolate forearms so I do these a lot and they have helped my forearm strength (and definition) quite a bit.
Happy Trianing !
XOXO
L2L

If you have carpal tunnel, please ask your doctor about lifting weights, particulalry dumbells. I have several clients with carpal tunnel (I'm a trainer) and there are some things that they can't/shouldn't do. Ask your doctor- we are not medical specialists here :)

Mel