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Reverse curl

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Muscles worked

High load
Brachialis and Forearms · Brachioradialis
Medium load
Biceps

Not shown on the map: Brachialis

How to do it

Hold the bar with a pronated grip, knuckles facing up, elbows pinned to the sides. Curl the bar up without letting the wrists break backward, then lower slowly. Expect to use noticeably less weight than a standard curl — that is normal, because the brachioradialis is doing the work rather than the biceps. Keep the wrists straight and stop the set if the elbows start to ache.

Form cues

  • Pronated grip, knuckles up
  • Lighter than a normal curl — expect that

Safety

Talk to a professional before this exercise if you have any of the following:

ElbowWrist

This is general exercise reference, not medical advice. Stop and consult a qualified professional if an exercise causes pain, and never work through joint pain.

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