Wrist/Forearm

[Thorne]

When working-out does anyone isolate their wrist and forearm muscles? And if you don't work on them can it hold you back from doing other exercises?

 

[Joey007]

I don't have to, my forearms are in great shape as it is :]
most of your workouts you do, like bicep curls etc, strengthen your forearms, but if you feel that your forearms are weak.

isolate it, yes, I feel if your forearms are weak, you might want to do exercises to strengthen it, because without a strong forearm you can't really lift your potential

 

[Hawk]

When working-out does anyone isolate their wrist and forearm muscles? And if you don't work on them can it hold you back from doing other exercises?

I subscribe to a school of thought that isn't real keen on isolation.

That being said, if you are going for strength, I suggest a wide bar. For smaller hands, 2-2 1/2" grip would be good, and for large hands 3" grip. If this is done with dumbbells in power snatches and other such movements, the grip and forearm could really benefit. There are other things such as gripping exercises with plates as well, or wrist exercises using rollers and if these are done in a non-isolating manner, big gains can be made. If you are going for looks, you may want to do other things after gaining the mass like using grippers or other finger exercises.

For the record, however, I am not a fan of using grippers or finger exercises.

NOT stregthening your grip from the getgo will cause problems in the long run. As bipennate would tell you, hook grips are often used on a bar when grip is too weak (mainly in the thumb).

Personally, I see no excuse for needing straps or a change of grip. If you cannot grip, you have no business lifting.

In my opinion, the best thing to do is use a wide bar in as much as possible, as frequently as possible, with only intermittent work on a standard size bar.

-But, that is only MY opinion.