Exercise guide
Band Reverse Spider Curl
- Intermediate
- Isolation
- Rep-based
- Upper arms
The Band Reverse Spider Curl targets the brachialis and brachioradialis (outer biceps and forearms) by using a pronated grip and a chest-supported position to eliminate momentum.
Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Primary
Equipment
Setup
- Set an incline bench to a 45-degree angle.
- Anchor a resistance band securely under the base of the bench or a heavy object directly in front of it.
- Lie chest-down on the bench with your collarbones aligned with the top edge and feet firmly on the floor for stability.
- Grasp the band with an overhand (pronated) grip, shoulder-width apart, letting your arms hang straight down toward the floor.
How to do it
- Exhale and curl the band toward your forehead by flexing the elbows while keeping your upper arms perfectly vertical.
- Squeeze the contraction at the top for one second, focusing on the tension in your forearms and outer biceps.
- Inhale and slowly lower the band back to the starting position using a controlled 3-second eccentric phase.
- Maintain a slight bend in the elbows at the bottom to keep constant tension on the muscles.
Form checklist
- Keep your elbows pinned in space; do not let them swing forward or backward.
- Maintain a neutral wrist position to avoid excessive strain on the wrist joints.
- Keep your chest in constant contact with the bench to prevent using torso momentum.
- Ensure your neck remains neutral, looking slightly down or forward rather than straining upward.
Pro tips
- Focus on driving the back of your hands toward your shoulders to maximize brachioradialis engagement.
- Think about 'pulling the band apart' slightly as you curl to increase the intensity of the forearm contraction.
Make it harder
- Incorporate a 3-second isometric hold at the peak of the contraction on every rep.
- Use a thicker resistance band or move the bench further from the anchor point to increase the tension at the top of the movement.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the band reverse spider curl work?
- The band reverse spider curl primarily targets the biceps.
- What equipment do you need for the band reverse spider curl?
- The band reverse spider curl uses resistance band.
- Is the band reverse spider curl good for beginners?
- The band reverse spider curl is rated intermediate. Build a base with simpler variations first, then progress to it with light load and strict form.