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Instructions
- Adjust the preacher curl machine seat so your upper arms rest comfortably on the pad.
- Grip the bar with an overhand (pronated) grip, hands shoulder-width apart.
- Start with arms fully extended and wrists in neutral position.
- Curl the bar upwards by flexing your elbows while keeping your upper arms stationary.
- Pause briefly at the top of the movement, then lower the bar under control back to the starting position.
Technical Tips
- Keep wrists in a strong neutral position throughout the curl.
- Avoid using momentum or swinging your body.
- Control the eccentric phase to maximize forearm engagement.
Breathing Tips
- Exhale as you curl the weight up.
- Inhale as you slowly lower the weight down.
Medical restrictions
- Wrist tendinitis
- Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
- Forearm muscle strain
The Machine Preacher Reverse Curl is an isolation exercise designed to target the forearms, particularly the extensors and brachioradialis. Using a guided machine setup with a preacher bench, this movement emphasizes strict form and limits momentum, allowing for focused tension on the forearm muscles. Unlike standard preacher curls, the reverse grip activates muscles often undertrained in traditional arm routines, contributing to balanced forearm development and improved grip strength. This exercise is especially suitable for beginners and those looking to enhance forearm endurance and strength in a controlled, joint-friendly manner. The guided motion reduces risk of improper technique, making it an excellent choice for those with limited free weight experience or recovering from injuries that limit dynamic movement. It is commonly included in bodybuilding and general fitness routines aimed at aesthetic arm development and functional grip support. Regular inclusion of reverse curls on the preacher machine can also help prevent muscle imbalances between flexors and extensors of the forearm, which is critical for joint health and injury prevention. This makes it a practical addition to both strength and rehabilitation programs. Ideal for focused training days, this movement delivers both muscular and structural benefits in a safe and efficient format.
What muscles do Machine Preacher Reverse Curls work?
Machine Preacher Reverse Curls primarily target the forearm extensors and brachioradialis, helping build grip strength and overall forearm development.
Are Machine Preacher Reverse Curls better than standard curls?
Machine Preacher Reverse Curls complement standard curls by targeting the forearm extensors and reducing biceps dominance, promoting balanced arm development.
Is the Machine Preacher Reverse Curl good for beginners?
Yes, the machine-guided motion makes the reverse preacher curl ideal for beginners seeking to improve forearm strength with reduced injury risk.
Can I do Machine Preacher Reverse Curls if I have wrist pain?
If you have wrist pain or a history of tendinitis, it's best to consult a professional before performing reverse curls, as the pronated grip may aggravate symptoms.