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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:
- Barbell Placement: Position the loaded barbell on the floor.
- Stance: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly turned out.
- Grip: Grasp the barbell with an overhand grip (palms facing down), hands shoulder-width apart.
- Starting Position: Stand tall with the barbell in front of your thighs, arms straight, shoulders back and down, and core engaged.
The Lift:
- Curl Upwards: Keeping your upper arms stationary and elbows tucked in, curl the barbell towards your shoulders.
- Peak Contraction: Squeeze your biceps and forearms at the top of the movement, briefly holding the contraction.
- 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