I am a hairstylist so I baby my hands and wrists (therefore they are weak), so I am just curious if my hands hurt and are swollen because the muscles in my hands and wrists are not use to weights and repetition of the moving handles on machines, or if I sprained my wrists/hands due to the repetition? I'm hoping is just like working any muscle too hard too soon, cuz I'm ready to go stagnant with my hands again. I will ice them now. But let me know how not to make them hurt next time I workout.

I had this too when I first started using light (5lb) hand weights. I have a tendon cyst on one wrist and it flared up every time. I tried to really pay attention one time and noticed I was gripping the weight as hard as I could. Loosen up your grip and palm the weight. Curl your fingers around it just hard enough not to drop it. Start with a lighter weight maybe (3lb?) and work your way up to heavier. I noticed after the first couple of times of loosening my grip on purpose, I didn't have the pain in my wrists I was having before. Try and see if that works...Good luck and don't hurt yourself!!:laugh:

Yeah what Jill said, don't white knuckle the weights. Also you can get gloves that help.

Also, get things that strengthen your hands like squeeze balls that you can toy with while you watch TV.

You can stengthen any piece of your body....do it slowly and no excuses.

Gloves might help if you really have soft hands. Try reducing the weight a bit and go slow. You will have a good workout if you make the movement last longer. Good form is very important. Some movements need a locked wrist, others need to flex. Do you have a trainer? Ask him. If not it would be a good idea to have at least one session to learn the proper form for each machine or piece of equipment.

Good luck. Just don't stop.