Lower Arms Exercise · Dumbbell
Dumbbell Over Bench One Arm Wrist Curl
This bench-supported wrist curl uses a palm-up grip and bends the wrist to lift the dumbbell. The reverse wrist curl uses a palm-down grip and extends the wrist. Match the grip to the demonstration rather than using the same instructions for both.
Go to the movement stepsAlso known as: Db Over Bench One Arm Wrist Curl, Dumbell Over Bench One Arm Wrist Curl
- Category
- Lower Arms
- Equipment
- Dumbbell
- Target
- Forearms
Exercise reference published by PlanWorkouts; see our editorial standards.
How to Do the Dumbbell Over Bench One Arm Wrist Curl
- Sit or kneel beside a stable bench and support your forearm on it, leaving the wrist just beyond the edge.
- Hold a light dumbbell with your palm facing upward and keep the forearm supported.
- Lower the hand slowly through a comfortable range while maintaining your grip.
- Bend the wrist to bring the palm toward the forearm, without lifting the elbow or swinging the weight.
- Return slowly and repeat under control, then change arms. Stop if the movement causes pain.
Quick Exercise Facts
Target Muscle Activation
Compare the support setup
Choose the guide that matches your equipment and support points.
- Palm-down reverse wrist curlCompare wrist extension with wrist flexion.
Recommended Sets & Reps by Goal
Moderate weight · 60s rest
Lighter weight · 30–45s rest
Lower slowly for 3 seconds · 60s rest
Technique & Form Tips
With the palm facing upward, wrist flexion raises the dumbbell while the forearm stays supported. The palm-down reverse version instead uses wrist extension.
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.
Add the Dumbbell Over Bench One Arm Wrist Curl to Your Custom Workout Routine
Build a personalized, science-backed workout plan matching your training goals, equipment access, and schedule.
Comfort and Control
Stop if the movement causes pain. If you have an existing condition, ask a qualified professional about an appropriate exercise and range. 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 Over Bench One Arm Wrist Curl mainly targets your Forearms, with your Biceps helping support the movement, along with your Shoulders.
More Lower Arms Exercises
Band Reverse Wrist Curl
Band Wrist Curl
Barbell Palms Down Wrist Curl Over A Bench
Barbell Palms Up Wrist Curl Over A Bench
Barbell Revers Wrist Curl V. 2
Barbell Reverse Wrist Curl
More Forearms Exercises
Barbell Standing Back Wrist Curl
Barbell Wrist Curl
Cable Reverse Wrist Curl
Cable Standing Back Wrist Curl
Cable Wrist Curl
Dumbbell Finger Curls
Equipment Alternatives
Don't have dumbbell? These target the same forearms with different equipment.
FAQ
- What muscles does the Dumbbell Over Bench One Arm Wrist Curl work?
- The Dumbbell Over Bench One Arm Wrist Curl mainly works your forearms. It also helps strengthen your biceps and shoulders. 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 Over Bench One Arm Wrist Curl?
- You do the Dumbbell Over Bench 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 Over Bench 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 Over Bench 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 Over Bench 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.