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Best Beginner Forearms Workouts

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For individuals starting their fitness journey with less than a year of experience, these exercises provide straightforward yet effective movements utilizing accessible equipment to minimize injury risks.

These workouts focus on the forearms, the region between the wrist and elbow, essential for wrist mobility and finger control.

Incorporating exercises like wrist curls effectively targets these muscles for development and strength enhancement.

The arms as a whole, comprising shoulders, biceps, triceps, and forearms, are synergistically activated, promoting balanced arm development.

Adjust weights on these exercises to match your comfort and capability level for optimal growth.

Exploring these beginner-friendly workouts offers a foundation for long-term fitness success.

The 6 Best Beginner Forearms Exercises

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Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More

  • 1. Handle Band Reverse Curl

    Handle Band Reverse Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    182,947
    Forearms Strength
    47 mScore
    Forearms
    Photo of Handle Bands
    Handle Bands

    The Handle Band Reverse Curl is a bicep exercise that also works your forearms due to the reverse grip. As you perform the movement, you use a resistance band to increase the challenge.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and place a resistance band under both feet, holding the handles with an overhand grip.
    2. Bend your elbows to lift the handles towards your shoulders, keeping your elbows close to your body.
    3. Lower the handles back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    9reps
    2
    9reps
    3
    9reps
  • 2. Palms-Down Barbell Wrist Curl

    Palms-Down Barbell Wrist Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    235,582
    Forearms Strength
    97 mScore
    Forearms
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells

    The Palms-Down Barbell Wrist Curl is a simple exercise for strengthening your forearms. By resting your forearms on a bench, you can focus on moving just your wrists with a barbell for added resistance.

    How to do it

    1. Get into a tall kneeling position next to a bench.
    2. Lower your forearms onto the bench with your wrists hanging off the edge.
    3. Have a partner hand you the barbell or hold it before you kneel down.
    4. Grip the barbell with your palms facing down.
    5. Keep your forearms on the bench and lift your wrists to raise the barbell.
    6. Lower the barbell back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs
  • 3. Palms-Down Dumbbell Wrist Curl

    Palms-Down Dumbbell Wrist Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    531,084
    Forearms Strength
    98 mScore
    Forearms
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    Palms-Down Dumbbell Wrist Curls are exercises that strengthen your forearms by focusing on wrist movement. This isolation exercise ensures that only your wrists work while your forearms stay secured on a bench.

    How to do it

    1. Start in a tall kneeling position beside a bench.
    2. Lower your forearms parallel to the bench, letting your wrists hang off the edge.
    3. Have a partner hand you the dumbbells or grab them before starting.
    4. Hold the dumbbells with palms facing down, keeping forearms on the bench.
    5. Raise the dumbbells by extending your wrists, then lower them back to the start.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    12.5lbs
  • 4. Palms-Up Barbell Wrist Curl

    Palms-Up Barbell Wrist Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    267,902
    Forearms Strength
    90 mScore
    Forearms
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells

    The Palms-Up Barbell Wrist Curl is an exercise that focuses on strengthening and building muscle in your forearms. It helps improve grip strength and is ideal for beginners looking to enhance their forearm muscles.

    How to do it

    1. Start in a tall kneeling position beside a bench.
    2. Place your forearms on the bench, wrists hanging off the edge.
    3. Have a partner pass you the barbell or hold it in your hands before getting into position.
    4. Grip the barbell with palms facing up as you keep your arms on the bench.
    5. Flex your wrists to lift the barbell, then lower it back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs
  • 5. Palms-Up Dumbbell Wrist Curl

    Palms-Up Dumbbell Wrist Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    624,350
    Forearms Strength
    94 mScore
    Forearms
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The Palms-Up Dumbbell Wrist Curl targets your forearms and helps improve grip strength. It's effective for building muscle mass in the forearms.

    How to do it

    1. Get into a tall kneeling position beside a bench.
    2. Place your forearms on the bench, keeping your wrists hanging off the edge.
    3. Have a partner hand you dumbbells or hold them before getting into position.
    4. Grip the dumbbells with your palms facing up.
    5. Flex your wrists to lift the dumbbells while keeping your forearms on the bench.
    6. Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    12.5lbs
  • 6. Cable Wrist Curl

    Cable Wrist Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    78,126
    Forearms Strength
    95 mScore
    Forearms
    Photo of Hi-Lo Pulley Cable
    Hi-Lo Pulley Cable
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench
    Photo of Rope Cable
    Rope Cable

    The Cable Wrist Curl strengthens your forearm muscles and improves grip strength. Using a cable machine helps provide steady resistance, making the exercise more effective than using free weights.

    How to do it

    1. Sit on a flat bench in front of the cable machine.
    2. Hold the handle with both hands, palms facing up.
    3. Rest your forearms on your legs, with wrists just past your knees.
    4. Let the weight drop slowly by relaxing your forearms.
    5. Curl your wrists up towards you, engaging your forearms to lift the weight.
    6. Pause briefly at the top of the movement, keeping good posture.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    20lbs
    2
    8reps
    20lbs
    3
    8reps
    20lbs

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