Wrist extensor stretch

Wrists · Seated · about 40 seconds · Updated 25 September 2026

The wrist extensor stretch straightens one arm in front of you, palm down, lets the wrist bend so the fingers point down, and presses gently on the back of the hand with the other hand. It stretches the top of the forearm, which holds the wrists up over a keyboard. Hold each arm for about 15 seconds.

The Posture figure doing the wrist extensor stretch — The wrist extensor stretch as the Posture figure demonstrates it. The pink glow shows the area it works.

How to do the wrist extensor stretch

Straighten one arm in front of you, palm down.
Let the wrist bend so your fingers point down.
With the other hand, press gently on the back of the hand. Hold, then switch arms.

What it works

Forearm
Wrist extensors

How long and how often

In a Posture break it's a 15-second hold on each side, about 40 seconds in total, as part of the Wrists & eyes break. It's meant to be repeated through the day in short breaks rather than done once; doing it regularly matters more than the exact timing.

Tips

Mild tension only
Elbow straight, not locked
Stop if it tingles

Who should skip it

Wrist pain, numbness or carpal tunnel

Move gently, in a comfortable range. Stop if you feel sharp pain, numbness, tingling or dizziness.

Try it with the guided 3D figure →