TETSUBarbell Wrist Curl vs Smith Standing Back Wrist Curl
The Barbell Wrist Curl and the Smith Standing Back Wrist Curl both train the forearms as their primary muscle. The Barbell Wrist Curl uses a barbell while the Smith Standing Back Wrist Curl uses a smith machine. Here is how they compare and when to pick each.
Side-by-side comparison
| Barbell Wrist Curl | Smith Standing Back Wrist Curl | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary muscle | forearms | forearms |
| Body part | lower arms | lower arms |
| Supporting muscles | biceps and brachialis | biceps and triceps |
| Equipment | barbell | smith machine |
| Steps in our guide | 5 | 6 |
How each one starts
Barbell Wrist Curl — first steps
- Sit on a bench with your feet flat on the ground and your forearms resting on your thighs, holding a barbell with an underhand grip.
- Allow the barbell to roll down to your fingertips, keeping your wrists straight.
Smith Standing Back Wrist Curl — first steps
- Stand facing the smith machine with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Grasp the barbell with an overhand grip, hands shoulder-width apart.
Full step-by-step guides are linked below.
Which should you choose?
The Barbell Wrist Curl lets you load the heaviest weights and progress in small, steady jumps. The Smith Standing Back Wrist Curl fixes the bar path so you can push close to failure with less balance demand. If your gym has both options, neither is a wrong choice: pick the one that feels strongest through a full range, and swap after 6 to 8 weeks to keep the forearms adapting.
Full form guides
Common questions
Is the Barbell Wrist Curl better than the Smith Standing Back Wrist Curl?
Neither is universally better — both train the forearms as the primary mover. The Barbell Wrist Curl lets you load the heaviest weights and progress in small, steady jumps, while the Smith Standing Back Wrist Curl fixes the bar path so you can push close to failure with less balance demand. Choose based on your equipment and which movement you can progress consistently.
Can I do both the Barbell Wrist Curl and the Smith Standing Back Wrist Curl in the same program?
Yes, but usually not in the same session — they overlap heavily on the forearms. A common setup is one as your main movement and the other on a second training day, or alternating them block by block.
Do the Barbell Wrist Curl and the Smith Standing Back Wrist Curl work the same muscles?
The primary muscle is the same: the forearms. Supporting muscles differ slightly — biceps and brachialis for the Barbell Wrist Curl versus biceps and triceps for the Smith Standing Back Wrist Curl.
Track it in Tetsu
Tetsu tracks both movements separately, keeps your PRs per exercise, and tells you which one is actually progressing. Free to start.