Wrist Curl (Dumbbell): how to do it and muscles worked

The wrist curl (dumbbell) mainly works your forearms. You need dumbbells.

Muscles worked

How to do the wrist curl (dumbbell)

  1. 1

    Sit on a bench holding a dumbbell with an underhand grip. Rest your forearm on your thigh with your wrist just past your knee, palm facing up.

  2. 2

    Curl the dumbbell up by bending only your wrist. Squeeze your forearm at the top, then lower back until your hand opens slightly.

  3. 3

    Move slowly over 3 seconds on the way down and breathe steadily. Do all reps on one arm before switching.

Form tip: Keep your forearm pinned to your thigh and use a light weight; heavy jerky reps can irritate the wrist.

Common questions

Which muscles does the wrist curl (dumbbell) work?
The wrist curl (dumbbell) mainly works your forearms.
What equipment do I need for the wrist curl (dumbbell)?
You need dumbbells.
How many sets and reps should I do?
A common starting point is 2 to 4 sets of 8 to 12 controlled reps, with a weight that leaves a couple of reps in reserve. Adjust it to your goal and experience, and stop if something hurts.
How do I track the wrist curl (dumbbell) in SweatByte?
Add it to a routine or a workout. Log the weight and reps for each set. SweatByte shows your last session's numbers on every set, so you know what to beat.

More forearms exercises

General information, not medical advice. Learn the movement with light weight first, and see a doctor or physiotherapist if you have an injury or pain. More guides in Learn.

Wrist Curl (Dumbbell): how to do it and muscles worked · SweatByte