Reverse Barbell Preacher Curls

Reverse Barbell Preacher Curls is a strength - pad-supported pronated elbow flexion exercise involving Brachialis, Brachioradialis. Use these steps to learn the movement and work with your coach to choose a suitable level.

Last updated: 2026-10-31 · DynPerformance

Primary muscles: Brachialis, Brachioradialis
Secondary muscles: Biceps brachii, Forearm gripping muscles
Exercise type: Strength - pad-supported pronated elbow flexion

Exercise technique

Pad
Adjust the preacher height so your upper arms are fully supported.
EZ bar
Grip the angled sections at shoulder width with your palms facing down.
Position
Keep your armpits comfortable at the edge of the pad.
Start
Extend your arms downward without locking your elbows.
Curl
Raise your forearms while your upper arms remain on the pad.
Top
Pause briefly at an angle you can control without bending your wrists.
Lower
Return especially slowly toward the extended elbow position.

Key technique points

Choose the EZ-bar angle according to wrist comfort.
Keep your upper arms on the pad.
Do not lock your elbows rigidly at the bottom.
Use a light load for the reverse grip.
Do not shrug your shoulders.
Seat the load fully in the rack.

Common mistakes

Jerking from the bottom

Do not initiate the bar with sudden force from an extended-elbow position.

Lifting the arm off the pad

Do not assist the curl with shoulder movement.

Dropping the wrist

Do not lose joint alignment in the overhand grip.

Extending too far

Do not force the elbow joint beyond the range you can control.

Lifting the torso

Do not hang over the pad and pull the weight with your whole body.

Releasing the bar

Do not loosen your grip before the bar is seated in the preacher rack.

Frequently asked questions