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Barbell Palms Down Wrist Curl Over A Bench

The barbell palms down wrist curl over a bench is an isolation exercise targeting the forearms, specifically the wrist extensors. It is performed by sitting on a bench, resting the forearms on the thighs or a bench, and curling a barbell upward using only the wrists.

Quick Facts

Body PartsLower Arms
Target MusclesForearms
Secondary MusclesBiceps and Brachialis
EquipmentBarbell
DifficultyBeginner
Exercise TypeStrength
BilateralYes

How to Do Barbell Palms Down Wrist Curl Over A Bench

Follow these step-by-step instructions to perform Barbell Palms Down Wrist Curl Over A Bench with proper form and technique.

  1. Sit on a bench with your feet flat on the ground and your forearms resting on your thighs, palms facing down.
  2. Hold a barbell with an overhand grip, hands shoulder-width apart.
  3. Lower the barbell towards the ground by flexing your wrists, keeping your forearms stationary.
  4. Pause for a moment at the bottom, then slowly raise the barbell back up by extending your wrists.
  5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Muscles Worked

Understanding which muscles Barbell Palms Down Wrist Curl Over A Bench targets helps you integrate it effectively into your training program.

Target Muscles

These are the main muscles responsible for performing the movement and receive the greatest training stimulus.

Forearms

Secondary Muscles

These muscles assist in the movement and receive secondary training benefits.

BicepsBrachialis

Benefits of Barbell Palms Down Wrist Curl Over A Bench

Incorporating Barbell Palms Down Wrist Curl Over A Bench into your workout routine offers numerous advantages for strength, muscle development, and overall fitness.

  • Forearms Development: Barbell Palms Down Wrist Curl Over A Bench directly targets and strengthens the Forearms, promoting muscle growth and improved functional strength.
  • Secondary Muscle Engagement: This exercise also works the Biceps and Brachialis, providing additional training stimulus without extra exercises.
  • Progressive Overload Potential: Barbells allow for precise weight increments, making it easier to progressively overload the muscles over time for consistent strength gains.
  • Functional Strength: Strength exercises like Barbell Palms Down Wrist Curl Over A Bench build real-world strength that transfers to daily activities and athletic performance.
  • Beginner-Friendly: This exercise is accessible to those new to fitness, with a movement pattern that's relatively easy to learn with proper instruction.

Safety Tips and Precautions

Performing Barbell Palms Down Wrist Curl Over A Bench safely is essential for preventing injuries and ensuring long-term progress.

  • Warm Up Properly: Before performing Barbell Palms Down Wrist Curl Over A Bench, complete 5-10 minutes of light cardio followed by dynamic stretches targeting the Forearms and surrounding muscles.
  • Prioritize Form Over Weight: Never sacrifice proper technique for heavier weights. Poor form significantly increases injury risk and reduces the exercise's effectiveness.
  • Use Safety Equipment: When lifting heavy, always use a power rack with safety pins set at the appropriate height, and consider using a spotter for maximal attempts.
  • Respect Your Range of Motion: Work within your current mobility limits. Gradually improve flexibility over time rather than forcing deeper positions.
  • Don't Hold Your Breath: Maintain consistent breathing throughout the exercise. Exhale during the exertion phase and inhale during the easier phase.
  • Know When to Stop: End your set when you can no longer maintain proper form. Training to absolute failure on every set increases injury risk.
  • Allow Adequate Recovery: The Forearms typically need 48-72 hours to recover after intense training. Avoid training the same muscle group on consecutive days.

Tracking Your Progress

To make consistent gains with Barbell Palms Down Wrist Curl Over A Bench, track these metrics during your workouts:

Sets

Track the number of sets you complete. Most training programs recommend 3-5 sets per exercise.

Reps

Record your repetitions per set. Adjust rep ranges based on your goals: 1-5 for strength, 6-12 for hypertrophy, 12+ for endurance.

Weight

Log the weight used for progressive overload. Aim to gradually increase weight while maintaining proper form.

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