Best Forearms Workouts To Build Muscle Mass
About
This workout is designed to effectively target the forearms as a key focus for muscular development and growth.
By incorporating a blend of compound movements and isolation exercises, it ensures comprehensive stimulation while promoting hypertrophy.
The four primary arm muscle groups—Shoulders, Biceps, Triceps, and Forearms—are addressed with emphasis on the forearm region.
Specific exercises, such as wrist curls, are included to isolate and strengthen the muscles between the wrist and elbow.
To prioritize building size, the program utilizes moderate to higher repetitions with suitable weights, accommodating individual capabilities.
Whether aiming to build size or enhance forearm definition, this routine serves as a valuable part of any fitness regimen.
Workout 1
Forearms

Handle Band Reverse Curl
18reps28reps38reps
Palms-Down Barbell Wrist Curl
112reps30lbs212reps30lbs312reps30lbs
Palms-Down Dumbbell Wrist Curl
110reps10lbs210reps10lbs310reps10lbs
Palms-Up Barbell Wrist Curl
112reps30lbs212reps30lbs312reps30lbs
Palms-Up Dumbbell Wrist Curl
112reps17.5lbs212reps17.5lbs
Plate Pinch
10:3020lbs20:3020lbs30:3020lbs
Workout 2
Forearms

Plate Flips
14reps40lbs24reps40lbs34reps40lbs
Cable Wrist Curl
112reps30lbs212reps30lbs312reps30lbs
Single Arm Bottoms-up Kettlebell Clean
15reps40lbs25reps40lbs35reps40lbs
Handle Band Reverse Curl
18reps28reps38reps
Palms-Down Barbell Wrist Curl
112reps30lbs212reps30lbs
Palms-Down Dumbbell Wrist Curl
112reps10lbs212reps10lbs
The 9 Best Forearms Exercises to Build Muscle Mass
Ranked By
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, Weight19reps29reps39reps49reps2. 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, Weight18reps35lbs28reps35lbs38reps35lbs3. 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, Weight18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs4. 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, Weight18reps35lbs28reps35lbs38reps35lbs5. 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, Weight18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs6. Plate Pinch
Plate Pinch demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED58,092Forearms Strength59 mScoreForearms
BarbellsPlate Pinch is an exercise that strengthens your grip by holding weight plates with your fingers and thumb. It's effective for improving grip strength and works your forearms and shoulders.
How to do it
- Hold the edge of a weight plate with one hand using your thumb and fingers.
- Raise your arm to the side while keeping your shoulder engaged.
- Squeeze the plate tightly to keep it from slipping.
- Hold this position for the set time.
- Finish by slowly lowering the plate to the ground as you squat down.
7. Plate Flips
Plate Flips demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED20,088Forearms Strength40 mScoreForearms
BarbellsPlate Flips involve tossing a light plate into the air and catching it with the same hand. This exercise helps improve coordination and control as you catch the plate after it flips upside down.
How to do it
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.
- Hold the top of a bumper plate with one hand, palm facing you.
- Use your shoulders to explosively lift the plate, flipping it up and away.
- Let go of the plate and watch it flip in the air.
- Catch the top of the plate once it flips and squeeze it tightly.
- If you might drop the plate, squat down and place it on the floor safely.
- If you fumble the catch, step back and let it fall without trying to grab it again.
- Keep your core engaged and chest up for good posture.
- You should feel the work primarily in your forearms.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs8. 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, Weight18reps22.5lbs28reps22.5lbs38reps22.5lbs9. Single Arm Bottoms-up Kettlebell Clean
Single Arm Bottoms-up Kettlebell Clean demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED31,916Forearms Strength35 mScoreForearms
KettlebellsThe Single Arm Bottoms-up Kettlebell Clean is a strength exercise that works multiple muscle groups. It involves lifting a kettlebell held in one hand while keeping it upside down, adding a challenge to your grip and stability.
How to do it
- Hold a kettlebell in one hand at your side.
- Hinge at your hips and swing the kettlebell behind you.
- Drive your hips forward and swing the kettlebell up.
- Catch the kettlebell upside down, ensuring it's over your hand and elbow.
- Pause briefly and squeeze the kettlebell tightly.
- Let the kettlebell drop back down to start.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps17.5lbs28reps17.5lbs38reps17.5lbs
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