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Exercise Guide

How to do barbell reverse curl

Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.

The barbell reverse curl is a unique exercise that targets the brachialis and brachioradialis, muscles located in the forearm and beneath the biceps. By using an overhand grip, you shift the focus away from the biceps and onto the forearm extensors. This is excellent for building impressive forearm thickness, improving grip strength, and enhancing the overall appearance and functional power of your arms.

Stats

TIER
2
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Barbell
TARGET MUSCLES
Biceps

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Barbell Placement: Position the loaded barbell on the floor.
  2. Stance: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly turned out.
  3. Grip: Grasp the barbell with an overhand grip (palms facing down), hands shoulder-width apart.
  4. Starting Position: Stand tall with the barbell in front of your thighs, arms straight, shoulders back and down, and core engaged.

The Lift:

  1. Curl Upwards: Keeping your upper arms stationary and elbows tucked in, curl the barbell towards your shoulders.
  2. Peak Contraction: Squeeze your biceps and forearms at the top of the movement, briefly holding the contraction.
  3. Controlled Lowering: Slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position, resisting the urge to drop or relax at the bottom.

Tips:

  • Focus on the Forearms and Brachialis: While the biceps are involved, this exercise primarily targets the forearms and the brachialis muscle (located under the biceps).
  • Elbows Tucked: Keep your elbows close to your body throughout the movement to isolate the target muscles.
  • Slow and Controlled: Avoid using momentum. Focus on the contraction of your muscles.
  • Grip Variation: You can also perform this exercise with an EZ curl bar for a more comfortable grip.

Common mistakes: Using momentum to swing the bar and failing to keep the elbows tucked into the ribs.

Alternatives

Bench

dumbbell seated curl

Biceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell standing curl

Biceps
Cable

cable curl

Biceps
Preacher Curl Machine

machine preacher curl

Biceps
Preacher Curl

ez-barbell close grip preacher curl

Biceps
Bench

dumbbell concentration curl

Biceps
Cable

cable one arm curl

Biceps
Crossover Cable

cable overhead curl

Biceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell prone incline curl

Biceps
Bench

dumbbell incline biceps curl

Biceps
Cable

cable biceps curl (sz bar)

Biceps
Ez Barbell

ez-barbell standing preacher curl

Biceps
Cable

cable hammer curl(rope)

Biceps
Barbell

barbell wide grip curl

Biceps
Bench

ez-barbell seated curl

Biceps
Barbell

barbell reverse curl

Biceps
Barbell

barbell preacher curl

Biceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell seated alternate biceps curl

Biceps
Bench

ez-barbell spider curl

Biceps
Cable

cable reverse curl

Biceps
Preacher Curl

dumbbell zottman preacher curl

Biceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell reverse grip biceps curl

Biceps
None

lying biceps curl with towel

Biceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell alternate biceps curl

Biceps
Resistance Band

band alternating bicep curl

Biceps
Barbell

barbell curl

Biceps
Bench

dumbbell incline hammer curl

Biceps
Preacher Curl

dumbbell preacher curl

Biceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell bicep curl

Biceps
Resistance Band

band standing hammer curl

Biceps