Wrist Curl
The Wrist Curl primarily works the Wrist Flexors, with secondary activation of the Pronator Teres and stabilizer support from the Wrist Flexors. It is a dumbbell isolation exercise at beginner difficulty.
The Wrist Curl is an beginner isolation exercise performed with dumbbell, following a flexion movement pattern. It primarily targets the Wrist Flexors, with secondary engagement of the Pronator Teres. This is a bilateral pushing movement, meaning both sides work together to generate force.
Rest your forearms on your thighs and curl dumbbells with your wrists.
| Equipment | Dumbbell |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Type | Isolation |
| Movement | Flexion |
| Force | Push |
| Laterality | Bilateral |
| Primary | Wrist Flexors |
| Secondary | Pronator Teres |
Muscles Worked
The Wrist Flexors is the primary mover, taking on the bulk of the workload throughout the full range of motion. The Pronator Teres assists as a secondary mover, contributing to force production without bearing the primary load. The Wrist Flexors act as stabilizers, maintaining joint position and postural alignment throughout the movement.
Primary Muscles
- Primary Muscle Wrist Flexors (forearms)
Secondary Muscles
- Secondary Muscle Pronator Teres (forearms)
Stabilizer Muscles
- Stabilizer Muscle Wrist Flexors (forearms)
How to Perform
Preparation
- Sit and grasp dumbbell with underhand grip.
- Rest forearm on thigh with wrist just beyond knee.
Execution
- Allow dumbbell to roll out of palm down to fingers.
- Raise dumbbell back up by gripping and pointing knuckles up as high as possible.
- Lower and repeat.
Comments
- Keep elbow approximately wrist height to maintain resistance through full range of motion.
- Hand may be placed under wrist to offer stability and to maintain horizontal orientation of forearm.
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 (Wrist Flexors) and can be substituted based on your equipment or variation preferences.
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