Dumbbell Reverse-Grip Bicep Curl

Beginner
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Dumbbell reverse-grip curl that targets brachioradialis, brachialis, and biceps to build forearm strength and grip stability; emphasizes pronated grip for unique arm stimulus.

About Exercise

Equipment

Dumbbells

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Forearms, Biceps

Secondary Muscles

Shoulders

Accessory Muscles

Abs

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Hypertrophy
Strength

Training Style

Bodybuilding
Weightlifting

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Forearms

10/10

Flexors

Biceps

9/10

Brachialis

Biceps

7/10

Shoulders

3/10

Anterior Delts

Abs

2/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds • Adjust based on intensity

How to Perform

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand with palms facing down and arms extended at your sides.

  1. Keep elbows tucked to your sides.
  2. Exhale and curl dumbbells toward shoulders by flexing elbows.
  3. Squeeze forearms at the top.
  4. Inhale and slowly lower dumbbells to full extension.
  5. Maintain neutral wrists throughout.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Elbows pinned
  • Palms down
  • Squeeze forearms
  • Control descent
  • No swinging

Breathing

Inhale during the lowering phase and exhale as you curl the weights up, bracing your core for stability.

Tempo

2-1-1

Range of Motion

Lower until arms are fully extended without locking elbows; curl until dumbbells reach shoulder level with biceps contracted.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Start with light weights to protect wrists
  • Avoid locking elbows at bottom
  • Stop if elbow or wrist pain occurs
  • Use lighter load than standard curls

Spotting

Not typically required; self-spot with lighter weights or use safeties if needed for heavier sets.

Common Mistakes

  • Using body momentum
  • Flaring elbows outward
  • Hyperextending wrists
  • Incomplete range of motion

When to Avoid

  • Wrist injuries
  • Elbow tendonitis
  • Acute forearm strain

Flexibility Needed

  • Neutral wrist mobility
  • Shoulder flexion for arm positioning

Build Up First

  • Basic bicep curl form
  • Grip strength competency

Also known as

Reverse Dumbbell Curl, Pronated Bicep Curl, Supinated Reverse Curl

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