Primary
Biceps
Secondary
Brachioradialis, Forearms, Brachialis
Equipment
Barbell
Difficulty
Intermediate
Type
Pull
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Reverse curls use a pronated (overhand) grip that shifts emphasis from the biceps to the brachioradialis and forearm extensors. This grip targets the muscles responsible for arm thickness when viewed from the side. Reverse curls are essential for complete arm development and grip strength.
When to use it
Include in arm workouts to target forearms and brachialis.
Who it's for
Intermediate lifters looking to build complete arm development.
Grip the bar with palms facing down and keep your wrists straight throughout—do not let them bend back. Use significantly lighter weight than standard curls; the overhand grip is mechanically weaker. Keep elbows pinned at your sides.
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Stand holding a barbell with overhand (pronated) grip.
Keep hands shoulder-width apart.
Pin elbows to your sides.
Curl the bar up by flexing at the elbows.
Squeeze at the top briefly.
Lower under control to starting position.
Use lighter weight than regular curls.
Focus on forearm and brachioradialis engagement.
Keep wrists straight throughout.
Include reverse curls in arm workouts when developing forearm thickness and brachioradialis mass. They work well after standard curls as a secondary movement, or paired with hammer curls for complete brachialis and forearm development.
Using too much weight - causes wrist strain.
A poor grip during the Reverse Curl limits how much force you can produce and puts your wrists in a weak position. Set your grip before you start the rep, and keep your wrists stacked over your forearms.
Bending wrists during curl - stresses wrist joint.
A poor grip during the Reverse Curl limits how much force you can produce and puts your wrists in a weak position. Set your grip before you start the rep, and keep your wrists stacked over your forearms.
Swinging body for momentum - reduces muscle targeting.
Bouncing or using momentum during the Reverse Curl takes work away from your Brachioradialis and puts your connective tissue at risk. Control the weight through the full range — if you can't, lower the load.
Intermediate lifters looking to build complete arm development.
Lower reps with heavier weight builds raw strength. Your muscles and nervous system adapt to handle more load over time. This range is best for strength-focused goals.
This rep range keeps your muscles under tension long enough to trigger growth. Most people see the best muscle-building results in this zone. It balances strength and muscle size.
Higher reps with lighter weight builds muscular endurance and improves conditioning. This range is good for joint health and building work capacity.
General guideline: 3 sets of 12-15 reps. Rest 45-60 seconds.
MySetPlan places Reverse Curl inside a complete workout — with the right sets, reps, rest periods, and a progression you can follow week to week.
Sample workout
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Reverse Curl
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Reverse Curl
The Reverse Curl primarily targets the Brachioradialis, Brachialis, making it an effective exercise for biceps development. Secondary muscles worked during the Reverse Curl include Biceps brachii, Forearm extensors, providing additional training stimulus. Stabilizer muscles engaged include Core, Wrist stabilizers.
The Reverse Curl is rated as intermediate difficulty, meaning it requires some training experience. Intermediate lifters looking to build complete arm development. Focus on proper technique and consider starting with easier variations.
For the Reverse Curl, the recommended approach depends on your goals. 3 sets of 12-15 reps. Rest 45-60 seconds. For strength, use 6-8 reps. For muscle growth, perform 10-15 reps. For endurance, complete 15-20 reps.
The Reverse Curl typically requires a barbell, which most home gyms don't have. For a home-friendly alternative targeting the same muscles, check the variations section above.
Good alternatives to the Reverse Curl include: Hammer Curl, Zottman Curl. These exercises target similar muscle groups as the Reverse Curl and can be used as substitutes based on your equipment availability, gym setup, or training preferences.