How to do the Barbell Behind-the-back Wrist Curl
Start by standing straight and holding a barbell behind your glutes at arm's length while using a pronated grip (palms will be facing back away from the glutes) and having your hands shoulder width apart from each other.
You should be looking straight forward while your feet are shoulder width apart from each other. This is the starting position.
While exhaling, slowly elevate the barbell up by curling your wrist in a semi-circular motion towards the ceiling. Note: Your wrist should be the only body part moving for this exercise.
Hold the contraction for a second and lower the barbell back down to the starting position while inhaling.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
When finished, lower the barbell down to the squat rack or the floor by bending the knees. Tip: It is easiest to either pick it up from a squat rack or have a partner hand it to you.
Sets and reps
| Goal | Sets | Reps | Rest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muscle growth | 2–4 | 10–15 | 1 min |
| Muscular endurance | 2–3 | 15–25 | 45 s |
When you hit the top of the rep range on every set, add 2.5 kg (5 lb) next session and work back up.
Starting points from training research. Stop each set 1–3 reps short of failure.
Muscles worked
Primary
Grip strength limits every pull and carry. Wrist curls, reverse curls and loaded carries build forearms that hold on.
Train smarter
- 2 day workout plan: build muscle training twice a weekA 2 day workout plan that still builds muscle and strength: two full-body sessions, sets and reps, supersets to save time and what results to expect.
- 30 minute gym workout: templates that build muscleA 30 minute gym workout can build real muscle. Supersets, smart exercise choice and three ready-to-use templates for 30 to 45 minute sessions.
- 4 day workout split: best options and a full programWhich 4 day workout split is best? Upper/lower, full body, torso/limbs and bro splits compared in brief, then a complete 4-day program with sets and reps.
