Reverse curl alternatives

Dumbbell and cable hammer curls retain elbow flexion with a neutral grip. A standard EZ-bar curl provides a palm-up alternative.

The original uses an overhand EZ-bar grip while standing. Turning the palms inward or upward changes the grip and loading; none of these choices preserves the original overhand wrist position.

Anatomical front-view illustration of a man curling an EZ-bar with an overhand grip in two frames, with the front of the upper arms and outer forearms highlighted.
What equipment can you use?

Choose everything you have. Some exercises need two items, such as dumbbells and a flat bench. Choose floor space for options without equipment.

Your replacements

Choose your equipment above to see replacements.

Compare all alternatives

These options need different equipment. Use the finder above to show only the setups you can use.

  • Anatomical illustration of a standing dumbbell hammer curl, shown at the bottom and top of the rep with the elbow flexors highlighted.

    Similar movement

    Hammer curl

    You need: Dumbbells

    Why it fits
    Keeps standing elbow flexion with free weights.
    What changes
    Hold the dumbbells with palms facing each other instead of down. Independent weights replace one shared EZ bar; if alternating, count the planned work on each side.
    See exercise guide
  • Anatomical illustration of a standing rope cable hammer curl shown with straight and bent elbows, with the elbow flexors highlighted.

    Similar movement

    Cable hammer curl

    You need: Adjustable cable pulley set low + Cable rope attachment

    Why it fits
    Keeps standing elbow flexion with quiet upper arms.
    What changes
    Curl both ends of a low-cable rope with a neutral grip. The cable direction, shared rope and inward-facing palms replace the overhand free bar.
    See exercise guide
  • Anatomical illustration of a standing EZ bar curl shown with straight and bent elbows, with the front upper arms highlighted.

    Similar movement

    EZ bar curl

    You need: EZ bar and plates

    Why it fits
    Keeps a standing two-arm curl on an angled bar.
    What changes
    Use an underhand section instead of an overhand grip. The upper arms remain beside the torso, but the hand position changes; start with a separately chosen load.
    See exercise guide
See the original exercise guide

How we choose replacements

These are curated alternatives, chosen for the movement and the job the exercise does in a workout. A shared muscle group is not enough. Read what changes before choosing: support, range of motion, balance and resistance can all differ. If your goal is to improve a specific lift, alternatives do not replace practice of that lift.

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