Best Beginner Forearms Workouts
About
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.
Workout 1
Forearms

Handle Band Reverse Curl
18reps28reps38reps
Palms-Down Barbell Wrist Curl
110reps17.5lbs210reps17.5lbs310reps17.5lbs
Palms-Down Dumbbell Wrist Curl
18reps12.5lbs28reps12.5lbs38reps12.5lbs
Palms-Up Barbell Wrist Curl
110reps30lbs210reps30lbs310reps30lbs
Palms-Up Dumbbell Wrist Curl
110reps17.5lbs210reps17.5lbs
Cable Wrist Curl
110reps30lbs210reps30lbs
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 LOGGED182,947Forearms Strength47 mScoreForearms
Handle BandsThe 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
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and place a resistance band under both feet, holding the handles with an overhand grip.
- Bend your elbows to lift the handles towards your shoulders, keeping your elbows close to your body.
- Lower the handles back to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight19reps29reps39reps2. Palms-Down Barbell Wrist Curl
Palms-Down Barbell Wrist Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED235,582Forearms Strength97 mScoreForearms
BarbellsThe 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
- Get into a tall kneeling position next to a bench.
- Lower your forearms onto the bench with your wrists hanging off the edge.
- Have a partner hand you the barbell or hold it before you kneel down.
- Grip the barbell with your palms facing down.
- Keep your forearms on the bench and lift your wrists to raise the barbell.
- Lower the barbell back to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps25lbs28reps25lbs38reps25lbs3. Palms-Down Dumbbell Wrist Curl
Palms-Down Dumbbell Wrist Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED531,084Forearms Strength98 mScoreForearms
DumbbellsPalms-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
- Start in a tall kneeling position beside a bench.
- Lower your forearms parallel to the bench, letting your wrists hang off the edge.
- Have a partner hand you the dumbbells or grab them before starting.
- Hold the dumbbells with palms facing down, keeping forearms on the bench.
- Raise the dumbbells by extending your wrists, then lower them back to the start.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps12.5lbs28reps12.5lbs38reps12.5lbs4. Palms-Up Barbell Wrist Curl
Palms-Up Barbell Wrist Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED267,902Forearms Strength90 mScoreForearms
BarbellsThe 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
- Start in a tall kneeling position beside a bench.
- Place your forearms on the bench, wrists hanging off the edge.
- Have a partner pass you the barbell or hold it in your hands before getting into position.
- Grip the barbell with palms facing up as you keep your arms on the bench.
- Flex your wrists to lift the barbell, then lower it back to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps25lbs28reps25lbs38reps25lbs5. Palms-Up Dumbbell Wrist Curl
Palms-Up Dumbbell Wrist Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED624,350Forearms Strength94 mScoreForearms
DumbbellsThe 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
- Get into a tall kneeling position beside a bench.
- Place your forearms on the bench, keeping your wrists hanging off the edge.
- Have a partner hand you dumbbells or hold them before getting into position.
- Grip the dumbbells with your palms facing up.
- Flex your wrists to lift the dumbbells while keeping your forearms on the bench.
- Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps12.5lbs28reps12.5lbs38reps12.5lbs6. Cable Wrist Curl
Cable Wrist Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED78,126Forearms Strength95 mScoreForearms
Hi-Lo Pulley Cable
Flat Bench
Rope CableThe 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
- Sit on a flat bench in front of the cable machine.
- Hold the handle with both hands, palms facing up.
- Rest your forearms on your legs, with wrists just past your knees.
- Let the weight drop slowly by relaxing your forearms.
- Curl your wrists up towards you, engaging your forearms to lift the weight.
- Pause briefly at the top of the movement, keeping good posture.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps20lbs28reps20lbs38reps20lbs
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