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Machine Forearm Curl

Beginner

Machine-based isolation movement targeting the forearm flexors to build grip strength and size; provides constant tension through a stable range of motion.

About Exercise

Equipment

Others

Difficulty

1/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Forearms

Popularity Score

5

Goals

Hypertrophy
Endurance
Strength

Training Style

Bodybuilding

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

Yes

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Forearms

10/10

Flexors

Programming

Typical Rep Range

12-20 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Sit at the machine with your forearms resting flat on the pad and wrists hanging off the edge. Grasp the handles with an underhand grip, palms facing up.

  1. Grip the handles firmly with palms facing up.
  2. Allow the weight to extend your wrists fully downward.
  3. Flex your wrists upward as high as possible, squeezing the forearms.
  4. Pause briefly at the top of the contraction.
  5. Slowly lower the handles back to the starting position.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Keep forearms flat
  • Isolate the wrists
  • Squeeze at the top
  • Control the descent

Breathing

Exhale as you curl the wrists upward; inhale as you lower the weight.

Tempo

2-1-2

Range of Motion

Full wrist extension at the bottom to full flexion at the top, keeping forearms flat.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid heavy weight if experiencing wrist pain
  • Keep elbows planted firmly

Spotting

Not recommended; use the machine's safety stops or lower the weight.

Common Mistakes

  • Lifting elbows off pad
  • Using momentum
  • Incomplete range of motion
  • Rushing the reps

When to Avoid

  • Wrist tendonitis
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Acute forearm injury

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate wrist flexion and extension range

Build Up First

  • Basic grip strength
  • Proper wrist warm-up

Also known as

Machine Wrist Curl, Seated Wrist Curl, Forearm Flexor Machine, Machine Wrist Flexion

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