Dumbbell Cross-Body Curl
The cross-body curl, also called the pinwheel curl, curls the dumbbell across the body toward the opposite shoulder. This angle targets the brachialis and long head of the biceps for added arm thickness.
How to Perform
Stand with dumbbells at your sides in a neutral (hammer) grip.
Curl one dumbbell across your body toward the opposite shoulder.
Keep your elbow pinned to your side — only the forearm moves.
Squeeze at the top, lower under control, then repeat on the other side.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Swinging the torso to drive the dumbbell across — the body should stay completely still.
Raising the elbow forward, which recruits the front delt and reduces brachialis work.
Curling too far across, past the opposite shoulder, which can strain the wrist.
Muscle Activation
Variations
Track your Dumbbell Cross-Body Curl progress with Revy
Log your sets, see your strength gains over time, and get AI-powered recommendations to break through plateaus.