What does pronation refer to in terms of hand position?

Pronation refers to the rotation of the forearm in such a way that the palm faces downwards or posteriorly. This term is commonly used in anatomy and physical fitness to describe the orientation of the hand and forearm in various movements and exercises.

When the palm is facing down, it indicates a specific position that is often utilized in many fitness routines, particularly when performing exercises like push-ups or certain types of lifts where the downward facing palm creates optimal alignment and muscle engagement.

The other positions—where the palm faces up, sideways, or backward—do not fit the definition of pronation. For instance, the palm facing up refers to supination, which is the opposite of pronation, while sideways or backward hand positions do not conform to the standard definitions used to describe forearm rotation in relation to pronation. Thus, the definition of pronation distinctly points to the palm facing down.