All Exercises

Dumbbell Reverse Preacher Curl

Strengthen your forearms and brachioradialis with the Dumbbell Reverse Preacher Curl. This isolation exercise builds grip strength and arm definition.

Intermediate
Isolation
Pull
1 min per set2 min rest

Description

An isolation exercise that targets the brachialis muscle, accentuating the lower part of the biceps.

How to Do Dumbbell Reverse Preacher Curl

  1. 1
    Setup

    Sit on a preacher curl bench, positioning your upper arms flat against the pad with your armpits close to the top edge.

  2. 2
    Setup

    Grab a dumbbell with an overhand (pronated) grip, ensuring your palms face down and your wrists are straight.

  3. 3

    Begin with your arms fully extended, allowing the dumbbell to hang, creating a deep stretch in your forearms.

  4. 4

    Keeping your upper arms stationary against the pad, curl the dumbbell upwards towards your shoulders by contracting your brachioradialis and forearms.

  5. 5

    Squeeze your forearms at the peak of the contraction, then slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position with controlled resistance.

Tips

  • Maintain a strict form by keeping your upper arms and elbows firmly pressed against the preacher bench pad throughout the entire movement.
  • Focus on squeezing your forearms at the top of the curl, actively thinking about contracting the brachioradialis rather than just lifting the weight.
  • Control the eccentric (lowering) phase for at least 2-3 seconds to maximize time under tension and enhance muscle growth in the forearms.
  • Experiment with a thumbless or false grip to potentially increase the activation of your forearm muscles by removing the involvement of your thumb.

Common Mistakes

  • ×Swinging the weight by lifting your elbows off the pad reduces tension on the target muscles; instead, keep your upper arms glued to the pad for strict isolation.
  • ×Failing to achieve a full range of motion by not fully extending your arms at the bottom limits muscle stretch; ensure a complete extension to maximize forearm engagement.
  • ×Using excessive weight leads to poor form and potential injury; select a weight that allows you to perform the exercise with controlled movements and a strong mind-muscle connection.

Variations

Related Exercises

Track Dumbbell Reverse Preacher Curl in your workouts

Log sets, reps, and weight. See your progress over time.

Get Ellim — Free