Exercise guide
Dumbbell One Arm Reverse Preacher Curl
- Intermediate
- Isolation
- Rep-based
- Upper arms
This unilateral isolation exercise targets the brachialis and brachioradialis, building thickness in the upper arm and strength in the forearm extensors. By using a preacher bench and a pronated grip, you eliminate momentum and shift the mechanical load away from the biceps brachii.
Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Adjust the preacher bench height so your armpit rests comfortably against the top of the pad while your chest is pressed against it.
- Grasp a dumbbell with a firm overhand (pronated) grip, so your palm is facing down.
- Position your working arm flat against the slanted pad, ensuring the back of your upper arm and elbow are in full contact.
- Place your non-working hand on the bench or your hip to stabilize your torso.
How to do it
- Inhale and slowly lower the dumbbell until your arm is fully extended, maintaining constant tension in the forearm.
- Exhale as you curl the weight upward toward your shoulder by flexing the elbow, keeping your wrist locked in a neutral position.
- Squeeze the forearm and the side of the upper arm at the peak of the contraction for one second.
- Lower the weight with a controlled 3-second tempo back to the starting position.
Form checklist
- Keep your wrist neutral and strong; do not let the weight pull your wrist into extension.
- Ensure your elbow and upper arm remain glued to the pad to prevent shoulder involvement.
- Avoid leaning your body backward or using momentum to 'swing' the weight up.
- Maintain a full range of motion, stopping just short of a hard elbow lockout at the bottom.
Pro tips
- Focus on driving the back of your knuckles toward the ceiling to maximize brachioradialis engagement.
- Maintain a very tight grip on the dumbbell throughout the set to increase neural drive to the forearm muscles.
Make it harder
- Add a 2-second pause at the midpoint of the eccentric (lowering) phase to increase time under tension.
- Use a 'fat grip' attachment or wrap a towel around the handle to further challenge your grip strength.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the dumbbell one arm reverse preacher curl work?
- The dumbbell one arm reverse preacher curl primarily targets the biceps.
- What equipment do you need for the dumbbell one arm reverse preacher curl?
- The dumbbell one arm reverse preacher curl uses dumbbell.
- Is the dumbbell one arm reverse preacher curl good for beginners?
- The dumbbell one arm reverse preacher curl is rated intermediate. Build a base with simpler variations first, then progress to it with light load and strict form.