Exercise guide
Dumbbell Over Bench One Arm Reverse Wrist Curl
- Intermediate
- Isolation
- Rep-based
- Lower arms
- Upper arms
This isolation exercise targets the wrist extensors on the top of the forearm, essential for balanced forearm development and grip stability. Using a bench provides a stable base to ensure the movement is strictly driven by the wrist without momentum.
Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Kneel or sit next to a flat bench, holding a dumbbell in one hand with an overhand (pronated) grip.
- Rest your forearm across the width of the bench so your wrist hangs just over the edge.
- Position your palm facing the floor and ensure your forearm is flat against the bench surface.
How to do it
- Exhale as you lift the dumbbell by extending your wrist upward as high as possible toward the ceiling.
- Squeeze the muscles on the top of your forearm at the peak of the movement for one second.
- Inhale as you slowly lower the weight back to the starting position using a controlled 2-second tempo.
- Complete the desired number of repetitions on one arm before switching to the other.
Form checklist
- Keep your forearm glued to the bench; do not let your elbow or arm lift during the movement.
- Ensure only the wrist is moving, keeping the rest of your body completely stationary.
- Use a full range of motion, allowing the weight to dip slightly below the bench level at the bottom.
- Maintain a firm, consistent grip on the dumbbell throughout the entire set.
Pro tips
- Focus on the mind-muscle connection by visualizing the muscles on the top of your forearm shortening as you lift.
- Avoid using a weight that is too heavy; the wrist extensors are smaller muscles that respond better to strict form and higher repetitions.
Make it harder
- Slow down the lowering (eccentric) phase to 4 seconds to increase time under tension.
- Add a 2-second isometric hold at the top of every repetition to maximize muscle fiber recruitment.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the dumbbell over bench one arm reverse wrist curl work?
- The dumbbell over bench one arm reverse wrist curl primarily targets the forearms.
- What equipment do you need for the dumbbell over bench one arm reverse wrist curl?
- The dumbbell over bench one arm reverse wrist curl uses dumbbell.
- Is the dumbbell over bench one arm reverse wrist curl good for beginners?
- The dumbbell over bench one arm reverse wrist curl is rated intermediate. Build a base with simpler variations first, then progress to it with light load and strict form.