Lever Isolateral Reverse Curl
The Lever Isolateral Reverse Curl primarily works the Brachioradialis, with secondary activation of the Biceps Brachii (Long Head), Brachialis and stabilizer support from the Anterior Deltoid, Wrist Flexors. It is a machine isolation exercise at beginner difficulty.
The Lever Isolateral Reverse Curl is an beginner isolation exercise performed with machine, following a flexion movement pattern. It primarily targets the Brachioradialis, with secondary engagement of the Biceps Brachii (Long Head), Brachialis. This is a bilateral pulling movement, engaging both sides of the body simultaneously.
A machine isolation pull exercise targeting the Brachioradialis.
| Equipment | Machine |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Type | Isolation |
| Movement | Flexion |
| Force | Pull |
| Laterality | Bilateral |
| Primary | Brachioradialis |
| Secondary | Biceps Brachii (Long Head), Brachialis |
Muscles Worked
The Brachioradialis is the primary mover, taking on the bulk of the workload throughout the full range of motion. The Biceps Brachii (Long Head), and Brachialis act as secondary movers, assisting the primary muscles and contributing meaningfully to the overall output. The Anterior Deltoid, Wrist Flexors act as stabilizers, maintaining joint position and postural alignment throughout the movement.
Primary Muscles
- Primary Muscle Brachioradialis (biceps)
Secondary Muscles
- Secondary Muscle Biceps Brachii (Long Head) (biceps)
- Secondary Muscle Brachialis (biceps)
Stabilizer Muscles
- Stabilizer Muscle Anterior Deltoid (shoulders)
- Stabilizer Muscle Wrist Flexors (forearms)
How to Perform
Preparation
- Sit on seat and grasp handles with overhand grip.
- Position elbows to sides so they are in line with lever's fulcrum.
Execution
- Raise lever handles until elbows are fully flexed with back of upper arm remaining on pad.
- Lower handles until arm is fully extended.
- Repeat.
Comments
- The biceps may be exercised alternating or simultaneous.
- If machine does not provide support for back of arm, keep elbows from traveling back, particularly during initial flexion.
Tips & Common Mistakes
- Control the eccentric phase — the lowering portion drives significant muscle development.
- Avoid momentum; focus on feeling the target muscle work through the full range.
- Full range at both ends maximizes stretch at the bottom and contraction at the top.
Programming Suggestions
Adapt your sets and reps to your training goal. As a beginner-friendly exercise, start with lighter loads and focus on form before progressing weight.
| Strength | 3–4 sets × 6–8 reps at 75–85% 1RM with 90–120 seconds rest. |
|---|---|
| Hypertrophy | 3–4 sets × 10–15 reps at 60–75% 1RM with 60–90 seconds rest. |
| Endurance | 2–3 sets × 15–25 reps at 40–60% 1RM with 30–45 seconds rest. |
Alternative Exercises
These exercises target the same primary muscles (Brachioradialis) and can be substituted based on your equipment or variation preferences.
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