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Exercise Guide
How to do dumbbell bicep curl
Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.
The dumbbell bicep curl is a versatile isolation exercise used to build strength and size in the front of the upper arms. Using dumbbells allows for a greater range of motion and the ability to train each arm independently, which helps correct muscle imbalances. This exercise is highly effective for isolating the biceps and improving grip strength through controlled, rhythmic curling movements.
Stats
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Dumbbell
TARGET MUSCLES
Biceps
Instructions for Proper Form
Setup:
- Position: Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart, or sit on a bench with your back straight.
- Grip: Hold a dumbbell in each hand at your sides with an underhand grip (palms facing forward).
The Movement:
- Curl: Keeping your upper arms stationary, exhale and curl the weights up towards your shoulders. Keep your elbows pinned to your sides.
- Squeeze: Continue until your biceps are fully contracted and the dumbbells are at shoulder level. Squeeze your biceps at the top.
- Lower: Inhale and slowly lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
Tips:
- Avoid swinging your body or using momentum to lift the weights. The movement should be strict and controlled.
- You can perform this exercise with both arms at the same time or by alternating arms.
- Keep your wrists straight or slightly flexed; don't let them bend backward.
Common mistakes: Using momentum/swinging, rotating the wrists too late, and not maintaining a neutral spine.
Alternatives
Bench
dumbbell seated curl
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Dumbbell
dumbbell standing curl
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Cable
cable curl
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Preacher Curl Machine
machine preacher curl
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Preacher Curl
ez-barbell close grip preacher curl
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Bench
dumbbell concentration curl
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Cable
cable one arm curl
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Crossover Cable
cable overhead curl
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Dumbbell
dumbbell prone incline curl
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Bench
dumbbell incline biceps curl
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Cable
cable biceps curl (sz bar)
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Ez Barbell
ez-barbell standing preacher curl
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Cable
cable hammer curl(rope)
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Barbell
barbell wide grip curl
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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
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Dumbbell
dumbbell reverse grip biceps curl
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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