Finger Curls

An isolation exercise that targets the finger and wrist flexors by curling the barbell using only finger movement.
Instructions
- Hold a barbell with both hands, palms facing up, hands spaced about shoulder-width apart.
- Place your feet flat on the floor slightly wider than shoulder-width. Rest your forearms on your thighs with your wrists extended slightly over your knees.
- Lower the bar as far as possible by extending your fingers, allowing the bar to roll down to your fingertips.
- Curl the bar back up using only your fingers, closing your hands while exhaling and holding the contraction at the top.
- Repeat for the recommended number of repetitions.
Tips
- Keep your forearms firmly supported throughout the movement.
- Use controlled, deliberate movements to feel the forearm muscles working.
- Start with a light weight to develop proper form and muscle connection.
- The movement is small but effective for finger and wrist strength.
- Breathe normally throughout the exercise.
- This exercise can be performed with a light weight for high reps to build endurance.
Recommended starting values
Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.
| Goal | Sets | Reps | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | |||
| Gain strength | 3 | 15 reps | 22.5 kg | 15 kg |
| Build muscle | 3 | 18 reps | 20 kg | 12.5 kg |
| Build endurance | 3 | 25 reps | 15 kg | 10 kg |
Alternatives
Exercises that target the same muscles with the same force and mechanic.
intermediate strength
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Reverse Curl (Band)
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Seated One-Arm Dumbbell Palms-Down Wrist Curl
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Seated One-Arm Dumbbell Palms-Up Wrist Curl
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beginner strength
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Seated Two-Arm Palms-Up Low-Pulley Wrist Curl
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Standing Palms-Up Barbell Behind The Back Wrist Curl
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Wrist Supination (Band)
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