Barbell Reverse Preacher Curl
Description
The barbell reverse preacher curl is a forearm and brachialis isolation exercise performed on a preacher bench with an overhand (pronated) grip. The overhand grip shifts emphasis from the biceps brachii to the brachialis (the muscle underneath) and the forearm extensors, building visible arm thickness and forearm size.
Equipment Required
Barbell Reverse Preacher Curl Instructions
- Adjust the preacher bench so the pad sits under your armpits when seated.
- Grip a straight or EZ bar with an overhand (pronated) grip, hands shoulder-width apart.
- Drape your upper arms over the pad. Start with arms nearly fully extended.
- Curl the bar up by bending at the elbows. Keep the overhand grip throughout.
- Continue until your forearms are roughly vertical. Squeeze hard at the top.
- Lower under control over two to three seconds. Stop just before full extension.
- The overhand grip makes this harder than standard preacher curls — use lighter weight.
- Repeat for the desired number of reps.
Barbell Reverse Preacher Curl Form & Visual
Barbell Reverse Preacher Curl Benefits
- Targets the brachialis and forearm extensors directly
- Builds arm thickness that bicep curls alone miss
- Strict preacher position eliminates all body english
- Develops the forearms for grip-dependent lifts
- Useful for fixing imbalances between biceps and forearms
- Easy to set up on any preacher bench
Barbell Reverse Preacher Curl Muscles Worked
- Brachialis
- Brachioradialis
- Forearm extensors
- Biceps brachii (reduced involvement)
Barbell Reverse Preacher Curl Variations & Alternatives
- Barbell Preacher Curl (underhand)
- Dumbbell Reverse Preacher Curl
- EZ-Bar Preacher Curl
- Dumbbell Reverse Wrist Curl
- EZ-Bar Reverse Preacher Curl
- Pause Reverse Preacher Curl
