Wrist Circles

Wrist circles are a fundamental mobility exercise designed to warm up the wrist joints and forearm muscles by moving them through a full range of motion. This simple movement increases blood flow and synovial fluid production, making it an essential warm-up before upper body lifting.

Exercise movement reviewed by:Marie Braga, PT, DPT, CSCS
How Iridium Helps

While this is a low-intensity mobility drill, the AI monitors your completion and perceived difficulty to gauge your joint readiness for heavier lifting. If you report wrist discomfort during tracking, the app can prioritize this exercise in your warm-ups or suggest alternatives like static stretching to ensure safety before you tackle compressive movements like bench presses.

Form Cues

Do
  • Extend your arm fully or rest your forearm on a stable surface
  • Isolate the movement strictly to the wrist joint
  • Draw the largest possible circle with your knuckles or fingertips
  • Perform the rotation slowly and with control
Don't
  • Don't rotate your elbow or shoulder to assist the movement
  • Don't rush through the circles with jerky motions
  • Don't force your wrist into a painful range of motion
  • Don't clench your fist so tightly that it restricts mobility

Common Mistakes

  • Moving the forearm along with the wrist
  • Performing the circles too quickly
  • Limiting the range of motion
  • Ignoring popping or clicking sensations

Muscles Worked

This exercise primarily targets the complex network of forearm flexors and extensors that control hand movement. By taking the wrist through flexion, extension, and deviation, it effectively prepares the connective tissues and joint capsule for bearing heavy loads.

Primary

Forearms

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