Finger Curls

Level
beginner
Force
pull
Mechanic
isolation
Equipment
barbell
Category
strength
Primary Muscles
Finger CurlsFinger Curls

An isolation exercise that targets the finger and wrist flexors by curling the barbell using only finger movement.

Instructions

  1. Hold a barbell with both hands, palms facing up, hands spaced about shoulder-width apart.
  2. 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.
  3. Lower the bar as far as possible by extending your fingers, allowing the bar to roll down to your fingertips.
  4. Curl the bar back up using only your fingers, closing your hands while exhaling and holding the contraction at the top.
  5. 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
intermediate strength
beginner strength
Seated One-Arm Dumbbell Palms-Down Wrist Curl

Seated One-Arm Dumbbell Palms-Down Wrist Curl

Learn more about seated one-arm dumbbell palms-down wrist curl
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Seated One-Arm Dumbbell Palms-Up Wrist Curl

Seated One-Arm Dumbbell Palms-Up Wrist Curl

Learn more about seated one-arm dumbbell palms-up wrist curl
beginner strength
beginner strength
Seated Palms-Down Barbell Wrist Curl

Seated Palms-Down Barbell Wrist Curl

Learn more about seated palms-down barbell wrist curl
beginner strength
Seated Two-Arm Palms-Up Low-Pulley Wrist Curl

Seated Two-Arm Palms-Up Low-Pulley Wrist Curl

Learn more about seated two-arm palms-up low-pulley wrist curl
beginner strength
Standing Palms-Up Barbell Behind The Back Wrist Curl

Standing Palms-Up Barbell Behind The Back Wrist Curl

Learn more about standing palms-up barbell behind the back wrist curl
beginner strength
beginner strength