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Exercise Guide

How to do dumbbell concentration curl

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

The dumbbell concentration curl is a legendary isolation exercise famous for its ability to build the bicep peak. By bracing your elbow against your inner thigh, you isolate the muscle and prevent any swinging or assistance from other body parts. This focused approach allows for an intense contraction at the top of the movement, making it a staple for anyone looking to refine their arm aesthetics.

Stats

TIER
1
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Bench, Dumbbell
TARGET MUSCLES
Biceps

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Seated position: Sit on the edge of a bench with your legs comfortably spaced apart.
  2. Arm position: Lean forward slightly and rest the back of your upper arm against the inside of your thigh, allowing your arm to hang down.
  3. Dumbbell grip: Grab a dumbbell with an underhand grip (palm facing up), and let it hang between your legs.

The Lift:

  1. Initiate the curl: Keep your upper arm fixed against your thigh. Curl the weight upwards towards your shoulder, focusing on using only your bicep.
  2. Squeeze at the top: At the top of the movement, contract your biceps forcefully and hold for a brief moment.
  3. Controlled descent: Slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position in a controlled manner. Don't let the weight drop quickly.
  4. Repeat: Perform the desired number of repetitions, then switch arms.

Tips:

  • Focus on the bicep: Concentrate on the feeling of your bicep contracting throughout the movement for maximum activation.
  • Full range of motion: Fully extend your arm at the bottom of each rep for maximum bicep stretch.
  • Supination: Throughout the curl, slightly twist your wrist and pinky finger outward to emphasize the peak of the bicep.

Common mistakes: Moving the elbow away from the inner thigh and swinging the weight using the shoulder.

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