We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Wrist Curl?

Dan Cavallari
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,540
Share

A wrist curl is an exercise that strengthens the forearms as well as other wrist flexor muscles, and it can be performed several ways. It is a difficult exercise that should be performed with a spotter nearby if possible, especially if the person executing the wrist curl exercises is new to the exercise. Many professionals encourage lifters to perform the wrist curl in conjunction with reverse wrist curls to ensure equal development of the other muscles in the wrists and forearms. To do the exercises, a lifter will need either a barbell with variable weights or one or two dumbbells.

To do the exercise with a barbell, the lifter will need to sit on a weight lifting bench or other sturdy structure with the barbell at his feet. The appropriate amount of weight should already be on the bar; if the lifter is unsure of how much weight to use, he should start with a small amount of weight and work up from there, rather than risk injuring muscles when performing a wrist curl with too much weight. With his feet spread apart at about hip width, the lifter can reach down and grasp the barbell with his palms facing upward, then rest his forearms on his thighs with the wrists dangling off the knees.

Once in position, the lifter will allow the weight of the barbell to drop the wrists, then he will use the wrist flexor muscles to curl the bar upward until the palms are horizontal to the ground. Once the motion is complete, the lifter can allow the weight to drop again, thereby completing one wrist curl. Most lifters will do several repetitions, up to 15 or 20 at a time, before resting and then repeating the process. The exercise can be done as part of a larger workout that strengthens other muscles in the arms and upper body as well.

A variation of the wrist curl with a barbell can be done with dumbbells instead. Dumbbells are held one hand at a time rather than in both hands, but the exercise is performed in the same manner as the wrist curl using a barbell. The lifter can perform the curls with a dumbbell one hand at a time or two hands at a time; he may also choose to alternate curls in each hand, curling once with the left hand, then once with the right, and so on.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Dan Cavallari
By Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari, a talented writer, editor, and project manager, crafts high-quality, engaging, and informative content for various outlets and brands. With a degree in English and certifications in project management, he brings his passion for storytelling and project management expertise to his work, launching and growing successful media projects. His ability to understand and communicate complex topics effectively makes him a valuable asset to any content creation team.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari, a talented writer, editor, and project manager, crafts high-quality, engaging, and informative content for various outlets and brands. With a degree in English and certifications in project management, he brings his passion for storytelling and project management expertise to his work, launching and growing successful media projects. His ability to understand and communicate complex topics effectively makes him a valuable asset to any content creation team.
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-wrist-curl.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.