I have been doing the upright cable row quite a bit and I like it a lot, it's given me great results pretty quickly.  Only problem is, it's beating the crap out of my wrists.  I mean, sometimes I have a really difficult time extending my wrists, doing basic tasks.  I need an alternative, any ideas?

Are you using this same form doing the uprights?  If so, your wrists will not move or bend.

http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/detail/view/name/upright-cable-row

 

I do these and love them.

http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/detail/view/name/seated-cable-rows

 

I also do these and using your shoulders, your wrists shouldn't move.

http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/detail/view/name/bent-over-barbell-row

Thanks MQ, the second one I do often.  Yep, I do the first exercise just like that.  My left side is weak compared to the right and maybe that has something to do with it, since it's my left wrist that causes the most problem.  #3 I think I will put on my list to try.  I do prefer the machines though, less of a chance of doing it wrong.

On the 3rd one, I do a variation of that.  I stand on a flat bench when I do the bent over rows so the bar can go lower.  Got the exercise from something Arnold wrote a long time ago.  I love it and it works better than any other exercise I've done for my back.

Have you tried squats in the shower?  It's the ultimate in multi tasking.   You can do like 20 while you condition!  Plus if you break a sweat or something--- what better place to be than the shower? 

You might try a fairly lightweight kettlebell. Machines tend to isolate which muscles are being worked, so the kettlebell will strengthen all the little muscles that work the big muscle being overworked by the machine. That made sense ya?

 

Kettlebells are way cooler than those sissy machines anyway. :-D

On the 3rd one, I do a variation of that.  I stand on a flat bench when I do the bent over rows so the bar can go lower.  Got the exercise from something Arnold wrote a long time ago.  I love it and it works better than any other exercise I've done for my back.

And what amount of weight does a person usually start at with that exercise?

There's a thread that may help you.....  here's the link.  http://www.quittrain.com/topic/1776-sex/

 

At least it's fun !!!!

Have you tried squats in the shower?  It's the ultimate in multi tasking.   You can do like 20 while you condition!  Plus if you break a sweat or something--- what better place to be than the shower? 

LMAO Jenny you are a riot!  I don't do squats in the shower, don't do squats period.  Hate em'.  I do do planks though, but the shower thing doesn't sound so safe.  I mean what if you get stuck or something?  

You might try a fairly lightweight kettlebell. Machines tend to isolate which muscles are being worked, so the kettlebell will strengthen all the little muscles that work the big muscle being overworked by the machine. That made sense ya?

 

Kettlebells are way cooler than those sissy machines anyway. :-D

I've heard about these kettlebell's.  I'm going to have to look into this, as well.

I do lots of squats love them (make me bootilicious! lol) jk actually I do lots of squats, lunges, girly pushups, 

ha ha...get this...I changed the type of bar I use and I no longer have wrist pain, all is well :)

And what amount of weight does a person usually start at with that exercise?

 

Sorry I missed this.  Whenever I do a new exercise, I start with little or no weight at all until I learn the proper movement and get used to it.  Use just the bar and then if too light just add until you get some slight resistance to get proper form.  Slowly add weight as you get used to it.

Have you tried squats in the shower?  It's the ultimate in multi tasking.   You can do like 20 while you condition!  Plus if you break a sweat or something--- what better place to be than the shower? 

Ok, so maybe not in the shower, but I did squats and lunges on Saturday.  After spin, I did squats and lunges in the abs and booty class, first non-spin class ever.  I'm branching out lol.  Monday, I am taking a TRX class for the first time, ought to be interesting.

Here's another very effective exercise. (one of my favorites)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Rhle7RXpzE

 

The idea is pull the band apart at the same time you are doing the face pull.

While not hard on the wrists, this exercise can be a little hard on the hands.

That's interesting.  I don't have those bands...but a good way maybe to get the benefits of a row machine at home.