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Kettlebell Forearm Curl

Beginner
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An isolation exercise using a kettlebell to target the forearm flexors, building grip strength and wrist stability; commonly used for hypertrophy and elbow health.

About Exercise

Equipment

Kettlebell

Difficulty

1/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Forearms

Secondary Muscles

Forearms

Popularity Score

5

Goals

Hypertrophy
Endurance
Stability

Training Style

Bodybuilding
Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

Yes

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Forearms

10/10

Flexors

Forearms

4/10

Extensors

Programming

Typical Rep Range

10-20 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Sit on a bench or chair with your feet flat. Rest your forearm on your thigh with the palm facing up, holding the kettlebell so the wrist hangs off the knee.

  1. Lower the kettlebell by extending the wrist fully.
  2. Allow the handle to roll down into your fingers for a deep stretch.
  3. Curl the wrist upward, flexing the forearm muscles.
  4. Squeeze hard at the top position.
  5. Return to the starting position under control.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Isolate the wrist
  • Keep forearm planted
  • Full stretch
  • Squeeze the handle

Breathing

Inhale as you lower the weight; exhale as you curl the wrist upward.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

From full wrist extension with fingers open to full flexion with the wrist curled in.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Stop if sharp wrist pain occurs
  • Maintain a secure grip throughout

Spotting

Not recommended; use your free hand to assist forced reps if needed.

Common Mistakes

  • Lifting the elbow
  • Using biceps to pull
  • Short range of motion
  • Using excessive momentum

When to Avoid

  • Wrist injuries
  • Forearm tendonitis

Flexibility Needed

  • Wrist flexion and extension mobility

Build Up First

  • Basic grip strength
  • Controlled wrist movement

Also known as

KB Wrist Curl, Seated Kettlebell Wrist Flexion, Single Arm Wrist Curl, Kettlebell Wrist Flexion

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