Finger Curls

A beginner strength exercise for the forearms, done with a barbell.

Movement guide

Finger Curls

Demand · source-assignedEasy (unreviewed)

Equipment requiredA barbell

Muscle focusForearms

Written instructions available. A verified 3D demonstration has not been built for this variation.

Make it easier or harder

Start where you can move well, then step up.

Easier option

This is already one of the gentlest options for these muscles.

This move

Finger CurlsBeginner · A barbell

Beginner grade (source-assigned).

Harder option

Dumbbell reverse curl demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoDumbbell reverse curlIntermediate · A dumbbell

Similar move, intermediate grade.

Imported reference · editorial review pending. Clinical review is pending.

This entry comes from an external exercise database. Its instructions and difficulty have not completed our editorial or qualified clinical review.

How to move

Hold a barbell with both hands and your palms facing up; hands spaced about shoulder width.
Place your feet flat on the floor, at a distance that is slightly wider than shoulder width apart. This will be your starting position.
Lower the bar as far as possible by extending the fingers. Allowing the bar to roll down the hands, catch the bar with the final joint in the fingers.
Now curl bar up as high as possible by closing your hands while exhaling. Hold the contraction at the top.

Practice and cautions

No dose has been assigned. Any timing or repetition examples in the imported instructions are source examples, not an individualized recommendation.

Imported community instructions and difficulty labels have not been independently reviewed for technique or individual suitability. Equipment labels may include additions inferred from the setup text; check the instructions for the exact support or alternatives. Stop for sharp or increasing pain, numbness or tingling; seek qualified guidance for symptoms, unfamiliar equipment or advanced skills.

Add to a routine Log a session

Sources and review status

Sources support the educational description; they do not establish that this exercise is suitable for you.

Free Exercise DB · community text ↗
Unlicense · Free Exercise DB contributors; derived from wrkout/exercises.json. Text import; no photographs or media. · Revision f00c92c7dcf1216a928a52c3706c7ce8e2f71ed5

No variation is labeled clinically validated.

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What it works

Muscles

Main: Forearms.

Equipment

A barbell

Level

Beginner (source-assigned, not yet reviewed). See the easier and harder options above.

Similar moves

Barbell wrist curl over a bench demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBarbell wrist curl over a benchBeginner · A barbell + A bench or box

Cable wrist curl demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoCable wrist curlBeginner · A cable machine + A bench or box

Dumbbell reverse wrist curl over a bench demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoDumbbell reverse wrist curl over a benchBeginner · A dumbbell + A bench or box

Dumbbell wrist curl over a bench demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoDumbbell wrist curl over a benchBeginner · A dumbbell + A bench or box

Hammer curl demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoHammer curlBeginner · A dumbbell

Reverse barbell curl demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoReverse barbell curlIntermediate · A barbell

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Questions people ask

What muscles does the Finger Curls work?

Mainly the forearms.

What equipment do I need for the Finger Curls?

A barbell.

Is the Finger Curls good for beginners?

It is graded beginner, so it suits most people starting out. The grade comes from the source database and has not been independently reviewed. When it feels easy, try the Dumbbell reverse curl.

How do I make the Finger Curls harder?

Progress to the Dumbbell reverse curl, or add load, range or slower lowering once your form is solid.