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Exercise Guide

How to do band alternating bicep curl

Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.

Band alternating bicep curls are a versatile upper body exercise that utilizes resistance bands to build arm strength. Unlike free weights, bands provide constant tension throughout the entire range of motion, which can lead to better muscle fiber recruitment. By alternating arms, you can focus on the peak contraction of each bicep individually, making it an excellent finishing movement for arm day.

Stats

DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Beginner
EQUIPMENT
Resistance Band
TARGET MUSCLES
Biceps

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Position: Stand on the middle of a resistance band with both feet, about shoulder-width apart.
  2. Grip: Hold one end of the band in each hand with an underhand (palms facing up) grip.
  3. Stance: Stand tall with your arms extended at your sides, feeling slight tension in the band.

The Movement:

  1. Curl (One Arm): Keeping one arm stationary, exhale and curl the other arm's hand up towards your shoulder. Keep your elbow pinned to your side.
  2. Squeeze: Squeeze your bicep at the top of the movement.
  3. Lower & Alternate: Inhale and slowly lower the band back to the starting position. As you do, begin curling the opposite arm up.
  4. Continue: Continue alternating between arms for the desired number of reps.

Tips:

  • To increase resistance, stand with a wider stance or use a heavier band.
  • Avoid leaning back or using momentum to lift the band.
  • Maintain constant tension in the band throughout the exercise.

Common mistakes: Using momentum to swing the bands, not maintaining tension throughout the rep, and failing to keep elbows pinned to the sides.

Alternatives

Bench

dumbbell seated curl

Biceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell standing curl

Biceps
Cable

cable curl

Biceps
Preacher Curl Machine

machine preacher curl

Biceps
Preacher Curl

ez-barbell close grip preacher curl

Biceps
Bench

dumbbell concentration curl

Biceps
Cable

cable one arm curl

Biceps
Crossover Cable

cable overhead curl

Biceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell prone incline curl

Biceps
Bench

dumbbell incline biceps curl

Biceps
Cable

cable biceps curl (sz bar)

Biceps
Ez Barbell

ez-barbell standing preacher curl

Biceps
Cable

cable hammer curl(rope)

Biceps
Barbell

barbell wide grip curl

Biceps
Bench

ez-barbell seated curl

Biceps
Barbell

barbell reverse curl

Biceps
Barbell

barbell preacher curl

Biceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell seated alternate biceps curl

Biceps
Bench

ez-barbell spider curl

Biceps
Cable

cable reverse curl

Biceps
Preacher Curl

dumbbell zottman preacher curl

Biceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell reverse grip biceps curl

Biceps
None

lying biceps curl with towel

Biceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell alternate biceps curl

Biceps
Resistance Band

band alternating bicep curl

Biceps
Barbell

barbell curl

Biceps
Bench

dumbbell incline hammer curl

Biceps
Preacher Curl

dumbbell preacher curl

Biceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell bicep curl

Biceps
Resistance Band

band standing hammer curl

Biceps