Importance of forearms?

[brimmy]

I was just wondering how important it was to workout the forearms? Are there actually benefits that help the rest of the arms or body? Or is it just to get the look? How many of you workout your forearms?

[miskiw]

really the only reason to work your forearms is to increase your grip strength or improve the look of your forearms obviously...

but then again... doing heavy lifts like deadlifts your forearms are worked so working your forearms isn't really nessisary... but I occationally work them

[TsiTalon]

You want to be able to pick up them heavy weights and work with them ? work the forearms. Most of the time you work them with other exercises Ex. Standing BB curls work bi's and forearms, same as lat pulldowns etc etc

[MostMuscle]

"You are only as strong as your weakest link". We all have heard this statement many times before, usually concerning abdominals, hamstring or lower back strength. All of these muscle groups are extremely important for overall strength development, but one key muscle group often overlooked by strength athletes are the muscles of the lower arm, your wrist flexors, and extensors. More often than not, these muscles fail first in heavy compound movements such as deadlifts, chin-ups, and barbell rowsВ….all great muscle building exercises. Your back and legs may be able to deadlift 3 more repetitions, but if your forearms fail, you simply cannot hold onto the weight any longer. You are forced to rack the weight and this slows your development.

[TsiTalon]

Originally Posted by MostMuscle

. Your back and legs may be able to deadlift 3 more repetitions, but if your forearms fail, you simply cannot hold onto the weight any longer. .

one word .... straps

[miskiw]

Originally Posted by MostMuscle

Your back and legs may be able to deadlift 3 more repetitions, but if your forearms fail, you simply cannot hold onto the weight any longer. You are forced to rack the weight and this slows your development.

this is why some people use wrist straps when using heavy weight.. yes yes.. this causes problems when developing grip strength.. but your target muscle will be able to reach the failure level that may not be possible with out the straps... personally I prefer to use straps and not wait for my grip strength to catch up... but I only use straps on my heaviest sets

[NateDogg]

Use chalk. I makes a HUGE difference for me.