Barbell Reverse Curl

Target your forearms and brachioradialis with the barbell reverse curl. This exercise builds grip strength and forearm mass using an overhand grip on a

Intermediate
Isolation
Pull
1 min per set2 min rest

Description

An exercise that targets the biceps and forearms by curling a barbell with an overhand grip.

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How to Do Barbell Reverse Curl

  1. 1
    Setup

    Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart and a slight bend in your knees. Hold a barbell with an overhand (pronated) grip, hands shoulder-width apart, letting it hang at arm's length in front of your thighs.

  2. 2
    Setup

    Keep your elbows tucked close to your torso and ensure your wrists are straight, maintaining a neutral position without bending them up or down.

  3. 3

    Exhale and slowly curl the barbell upwards by flexing only at your elbows, keeping your upper arms stationary against your sides. Continue until your forearms are nearly vertical.

  4. 4

    Squeeze your forearms at the peak of the movement, consciously engaging the brachioradialis muscle for maximum contraction.

  5. 5

    Inhale and slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position with controlled movement, fully extending your arms without locking your elbows at the bottom.

Tips

  • Focus on forearm contraction: Actively think about pulling the weight up using your forearms, rather than primarily relying on your biceps.
  • Maintain wrist alignment: Keep your wrists perfectly straight and rigid throughout the entire movement to prevent strain and maximize brachioradialis engagement.
  • Control the eccentric phase: Slowly lowering the barbell on the way down increases time under tension, which is crucial for muscle growth and strength development.
  • Avoid swinging: Use a weight that allows you to perform the exercise with strict form, preventing momentum from assisting the lift.

Common Mistakes

  • ×Using too much momentum: Do not swing the weight up using your back or shoulders; reduce the weight to perform controlled elbow flexion.
  • ×Flaring elbows out: Keep your elbows pinned to your sides throughout the movement to isolate the forearms and biceps effectively.
  • ×Bending wrists during the curl: Maintain a neutral wrist position to prevent wrist strain and ensure optimal targeting of the brachioradialis.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does Barbell Reverse Curl work?
Barbell Reverse Curl primarily targets Brachioradialis. Secondary muscles include Biceps Brachii, Brachialis.
Is Barbell Reverse Curl good for beginners?
Barbell Reverse Curl is rated intermediate. Beginners can still attempt it with lighter weight and careful form, but it's best to master easier variations first.
What equipment do I need for Barbell Reverse Curl?
You need Barbell to perform Barbell Reverse Curl. If you don't have this equipment, look for variations that target the same muscles with what you have available.
What are the best tips for Barbell Reverse Curl?
Focus on forearm contraction: Actively think about pulling the weight up using your forearms, rather than primarily relying on your biceps. Maintain wrist alignment: Keep your wrists perfectly straight and rigid throughout the entire movement to prevent strain and maximize brachioradialis engagement. Control the eccentric phase: Slowly lowering the barbell on the way down increases time under tension, which is crucial for muscle growth and strength development. Avoid swinging: Use a weight that allows you to perform the exercise with strict form, preventing momentum from assisting the lift.
What are common mistakes when doing Barbell Reverse Curl?
Using too much momentum: Do not swing the weight up using your back or shoulders; reduce the weight to perform controlled elbow flexion. Flaring elbows out: Keep your elbows pinned to your sides throughout the movement to isolate the forearms and biceps effectively. Bending wrists during the curl: Maintain a neutral wrist position to prevent wrist strain and ensure optimal targeting of the brachioradialis.

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Barbell Reverse Curl

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