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Dumbbell Behind Back Forearm Curl

Beginner
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Dumbbell isolation movement performed behind the back that targets the forearm flexors to build grip strength and size; commonly used to minimize bicep involvement.

About Exercise

Equipment

Dumbbells

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Forearms

Secondary Muscles

Biceps

Popularity Score

5

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy

Training Style

Bodybuilding

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Forearms

10/10

Flexors

Biceps

3/10

Brachialis

Programming

Typical Rep Range

12-20 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Stand upright holding a dumbbell in each hand behind your glutes, palms facing backward away from your body, with arms fully extended.

  1. Allow the dumbbells to roll down to your fingertips by extending your wrists.
  2. Curl the weights upward by flexing your wrists as high as possible while keeping arms straight.
  3. Squeeze the forearms hard at the top contraction.
  4. Lower the weights under control back to the fingertips.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Roll to fingertips
  • Squeeze hard
  • Keep elbows straight
  • Isolate the wrists

Breathing

Exhale as you curl the wrists up, inhale as you lower the weights.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

From full extension at the fingertips to full flexion of the wrist.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Start with light weights to avoid wrist strain
  • Stop if you feel sharp pain in the wrists

Spotting

Not recommended; perform solo.

Common Mistakes

  • Bending elbows
  • Using momentum
  • Short range of motion
  • Shrugging shoulders

When to Avoid

  • Wrist injuries
  • Elbow tendonitis

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate wrist flexion and extension range

Build Up First

  • Basic grip strength
  • Ability to maintain upright posture

Also known as

Behind The Back Wrist Curl, Standing Dumbbell Wrist Curl, Rear Wrist Curl

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