Reverse Curl - Bent Over Single Dumbbell

Recommendations: 2-3 Sets, 8-12 Reps, 80 Wght

Beginner Biceps Forearms Shoulders Strength Dumbbell Pull Gym

Purpose: This exercise works the biceps muscles but focuses also on the brachioradialis (a muscle that crosses the elbow joint and assists in rotating the forearm).

Benefits: This exercise is similar in effect to the Spider curl and does a good job of placing maximum tension on the biceps in the fully contracted position.

Stand, with your feet flat on the floor. Hold a dumbbell with your right hand with your palms facing down (overhand grip). Bend over with your feet about shoulder width apart. Let the dumbbell hang with your right arm straight down and supported by your left hand behind your tricep. This is the starting position. Curl the right dumbbell up to your chin. Your upper arm should remain stationary throughout the entire motion. Exhale during this movement. Slowly lower the right dumbbell to the starting position. Inhale during this movement. Hold a dumbbell with your right hand with your palms facing down (overhand grip). Bend over with your feet about shoulder width apart. Let the dumbbell hang with your right arm straight down and supported by your left hand behind your tricep. Repeat for the required number of repetitions. Stand, with your feet flat on the floor. Hold a dumbbell with your left hand with your palms facing down (overhand grip). Bend over with your feet about shoulder width apart. Let the dumbbell hang with your left arm straight down and supported by your right hand behind your tricep. This is the starting position. Curl the left dumbbell up to your chin. Your upper arm should remain stationary throughout the entire motion. Exhale during this movement. Slowly lower the left dumbbell to the starting position. Inhale during this movement. Hold a dumbbell with your left hand with your palms facing down (overhand grip). Bend over with your feet about shoulder width apart. Let the dumbbell hang with your left arm straight down and supported by your right hand behind your tricep. Repeat for the required number of repetitions.


The biceps is a straight muscle which has two heads. The long head crosses both the elbow and the shoulder joints. It bends the arm at the elbow and raises the arm forward at the shoulder. The short head crosses the elbow joint and, in conjunction with the brachioradialis, supinates the hand.

Step 1

Bend over, holding a dumbbell with your right hand.

reverse-curl-bent-over-single-dumbbell-step-0

Stand, with your feet flat on the floor. Hold a dumbbell with your right hand with your palms facing down (overhand grip). Bend over with your feet about shoulder width apart. Let the dumbbell hang with your right arm straight down and supported by your left hand behind your tricep. This is the starting position.

Step 2

Curl the right dumbbell to your chin, keeping your upper arms stationary.

reverse-curl-bent-over-single-dumbbell-step-1

Curl the right dumbbell up to your chin. Your upper arms should remain stationary throughout the entire motion. Exhale during this movement.

Step 3

Slowly lower the right dumbbell to the starting position.

reverse-curl-bent-over-single-dumbbell-step-2

Slowly lower the right dumbbell to the starting position. Inhale during this movement. Hold a dumbbell with your right hand with your palms facing down (overhand grip). Bend over with your feet about shoulder width apart. Let the dumbbell hang with your right arm straight down and supported by your left hand behind your tricep. Repeat as required.

Step 4

Bend over, holding a dumbbell with your left hand.

reverse-curl-bent-over-single-dumbbell-step-3

Stand, with your feet flat on the floor. Hold a dumbbell with your left hand with your palms facing down (overhand grip). Bend over with your feet about shoulder width apart. Let the dumbbell hang with your left arm straight down and supported by your right hand behind your tricep. This is the starting position.

Step 5

Curl the left dumbbell to your chin, keeping your upper arms stationary.

reverse-curl-bent-over-single-dumbbell-step-4

Curl the left dumbbell up to your chin. Your upper arms should remain stationary throughout the entire motion. Exhale during this movement.

Step 6

Slowly lower the left dumbbell to the starting position.

reverse-curl-bent-over-single-dumbbell-step-5

Slowly lower the left dumbbell to the starting position. Inhale during this movement. Hold a dumbbell with your left hand with your palms facing down (overhand grip). Bend over with your feet about shoulder width apart. Let the dumbbell hang with your left arm straight down and supported by your right hand behind your tricep. Repeat as required.