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Last updated March 2, 2026
BicepsForearmsTriceps
Preacher Curl - Reverse (Dumbbell)
Grip dumbbells with palms facing down. Curl up slowly, focusing on the top of your forearms. Do not swing your body to get the weight up.
Quick facts
- Level
- Beginner
- Mechanic
- Isolation
- Force
- Pull
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Low
- Hypertrophy
- High
- Calorie Burn
- Low
Muscle focus
Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.
Primary
Forearm Extensors
Secondary
Outer Bicep / Brachialis
Equipment & setup
What you need and how to position yourself before starting.
Equipment
DumbbellBench
Movement pattern
Bilateral
Posture
Seated
Tracking parameters
repsweight
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.
- Step 1Setup
- Sit on a preacher curl bench with your upper arms resting on the pad.
- Hold a dumbbell in one hand with an overhand grip, allowing it to hang down at arm's length.
- Step 2Position Your Body
- Ensure your feet are flat on the ground and your back is pressed against the bench.
- Keep your core engaged and your elbows close to your body.
- Step 3Curl the Dumbbell
- Bend your elbow to curl the dumbbell upwards towards your shoulder.
- Focus on using your bicep to lift the weight, keeping your upper arm stationary on the pad.
- Step 4Squeeze at the Top
- At the top of the movement, squeeze your bicep for a moment to maximize contraction.
- Ensure that your wrist remains straight and aligned with your forearm.
- Step 5Lower the Dumbbell
- Slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position, fully extending your arm.
- Maintain control of the weight throughout the descent to avoid swinging.
- Step 6Repeat
- Repeat the curl for the desired number of repetitions, ensuring proper form with each rep.
- Switch arms after completing your set if using one dumbbell.
- Step 7Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully place the dumbbell down on the floor or the rack.
- Stand up from the bench, ensuring you maintain good posture as you do so.
Alternatives & variations
Explore similar movements targeting the same muscles.

Biceps Curl - Reverse (Barbell)
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Biceps Curl - Reverse (Dumbbell)
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Biceps Curl - Reverse Grip (Cable)
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Preacher Curl - Reverse (Cable)
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Preacher Curl - Reverse Grip (EZ Bar)
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Preacher Curl - Reverse Grip (Machine)
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