Radial Deviation
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Radial Deviation is a bodyweight strength exercise that involves tilting your hand upward at the wrist against resistance, such as pressing the back of your hand into a wall or using a light band, to isolate the wrist extensors. Its primary purpose is to build forearm strength, improve wrist stability, and enhance grip endurance for activities like weightlifting or racket sports. Forearms are the main muscles worked, making it ideal for athletes, climbers, or anyone prone to wrist imbalances seeking better joint resilience.
How to Perform Radial Deviation
- 1Stand tall with feet shoulder-width apart, arms extended straight in front of you at shoulder height, palms facing down, fingers straight and together.
- 2Make a tight fist with both hands, thumbs extended upward alongside the index fingers (like a hitchhiking position).
- 3Spread your fingers wide apart as far as possible while keeping the fist tension and thumbs up—inhale during this radial deviation.
- 4Hold the spread position for 1-2 seconds, feeling the stretch in your forearms.
- 5Slowly close your fingers back into the tight fist—exhale during this return.
- 6Repeat for 10-15 reps per set, then switch to ulnar deviation (fingers together, pinkies up) for balanced training.
- 7Key form tips: Keep elbows locked and shoulders relaxed to isolate forearms—avoid swinging or using momentum. Common mistakes: partial range of motion or shrugging shoulders.