Lower Arms Exercise · Dumbbell

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Dumbbell One Arm Wrist Curl

Working one wrist at a time isolates the forearm flexors fully on that side, letting the weight and range be tailored precisely to a weaker or less developed forearm. It's a small, targeted movement — the wrist has a short range of motion, so reps tend to be higher and the weight lower than most other dumbbell work. Grip strength built here carries over directly to pulling exercises elsewhere in a program.

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Also known as: Db One Arm Wrist Curl, Dumbell One Arm Wrist Curl

Category

Lower Arms

Equipment

Dumbbell

Target

Forearms

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Exercise reference published by PlanWorkouts; see our editorial standards.

How to Do the Dumbbell One Arm Wrist Curl

1. Sit on a bench or chair with your feet planted on the floor.
2. Hold a dumbbell in one hand with an underhand grip, resting your forearm on your thigh.
3. Let your wrist extend, allowing the dumbbell to roll down toward your fingers.
4. Curl your wrist back up under control, bringing the dumbbell toward your forearm.
5. Continue for the target number of reps, then switch hands.

Technique & Form Tips

Wrist flexion or extension moves the hand relative to the forearm. A palm-up curl uses flexion; a palm-down reverse curl uses extension. Keep the rest of the arm steady and match the grip and setup to the demonstration.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Moving the whole arm: Keep the upper arm steady and move at the wrist rather than swinging the elbow or shoulder. Use forearm support when the demonstrated setup calls for it.
• Using the wrong grip: Check whether the demonstration uses palm-up flexion or palm-down extension before starting.
• Forcing the range: Control the weight through a comfortable range without bouncing or letting the dumbbell roll out of your grip.

How to Breathe During This Exercise

Breathe steadily, exhaling as you raise the weight and inhaling as you lower it.

Comfort and Control

Use a light load and a comfortable range. Stop if the movement causes wrist or forearm pain. If discomfort persists, stop and ask a qualified professional about an appropriate exercise and range.

General guidance: Mayo Clinic on weight-training technique. Follow the specific movement steps above for this variation.

Muscles Worked

The Dumbbell One Arm Wrist Curl mainly targets your Forearms, with your Biceps helping support the movement, along with your Brachialis.

More Lower Arms Exercises

Band Reverse Wrist Curl Band · Forearms Band Wrist Curl Band · Forearms Barbell Palms Down Wrist Curl Over A Bench Barbell · Forearms Barbell Palms Up Wrist Curl Over A Bench Barbell · Forearms Barbell Revers Wrist Curl V. 2 Barbell · Forearms Barbell Reverse Wrist Curl Barbell · Forearms

More Forearms Exercises

Barbell Standing Back Wrist Curl Barbell · Forearms Barbell Wrist Curl Barbell · Forearms Cable Reverse Wrist Curl Cable · Forearms Cable Standing Back Wrist Curl Cable · Forearms Cable Wrist Curl Cable · Forearms Dumbbell Finger Curls Dumbbell · Forearms

Equipment Alternatives

Don't have dumbbell? These target the same forearms with different equipment.

Barbell Standing Back Wrist Curl Barbell · Forearms Cable Reverse Wrist Curl Cable · Forearms Smith Seated Wrist Curl Smith Machine · Forearms

FAQ

What muscles does the Dumbbell One Arm Wrist Curl work?

The Dumbbell One Arm Wrist Curl mainly works your forearms. It also helps strengthen your biceps and brachialis. Using good, smooth form makes sure you work the right muscles and avoid unnecessary strain on your joints.

What equipment do I need for the Dumbbell One Arm Wrist Curl?

You do the Dumbbell One Arm Wrist Curl with a dumbbell. Make sure your equipment is set up safely before starting. If you work out at home or have limited gear, check out our alternative exercises below.

What form mistake should I watch for on the Dumbbell One Arm Wrist Curl?

One mistake to watch for is moving the whole arm: Keep the upper arm steady and move at the wrist rather than swinging the elbow or shoulder. Use forearm support when the demonstrated setup calls for it.. Use a comfortable range and a controlled return; reduce the load if you cannot maintain the demonstrated setup.

How many sets and reps should I perform on the Dumbbell One Arm Wrist Curl?

To tone and grow muscle, do 3 to 4 sets of 10 to 15 smooth reps with 60 seconds of rest, focusing on a full stretch and squeezing the muscle at the top of each rep.

What's a good alternative to the Dumbbell One Arm Wrist Curl?

The Barbell Standing Back Wrist Curl trains your forearms with barbell and a similar movement pattern. Review its form guide before substituting it, since setup and range of motion can differ.