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Exercise Guide

How to do dumbbell incline biceps curl

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

The dumbbell incline biceps curl is a classic isolation exercise that places the biceps in an extended position due to the angle of the incline bench. This stretch emphasizes the long head of the biceps, helping to create a more peaked appearance. It is a staple movement for anyone looking to maximize arm growth and improve bicep shape and definition.

Stats

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

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Incline Bench: Adjust a bench to an incline of approximately 45-60 degrees.
  2. Dumbbell Placement: Sit back on the bench and hold a dumbbell in each hand with a supinated grip (palms facing up). Let your arms hang straight down, keeping your shoulders relaxed.

The Lift:

  1. Curl Upward: Exhale and slowly curl the dumbbells towards your shoulders, keeping your elbows stationary and slightly behind your body. Focus on using your biceps to lift the weight.
  2. Peak Contraction: Squeeze your biceps at the top of the movement, holding the contraction for a moment.
  3. Controlled Lowering: Inhale and slowly lower the dumbbells back to the starting position, resisting the urge to drop or relax at the bottom.

Tips:

  • Elbow Position: Keep your elbows fixed throughout the movement. Avoid bringing them forward as you curl.
  • Slow and Controlled: Avoid swinging or using momentum to lift the dumbbells. Focus on the contraction of your biceps.
  • Full Range of Motion: Extend your arms fully at the bottom, feeling a good stretch in your biceps.
  • Supination: As you curl the dumbbells, rotate your wrists so that your palms face your shoulders at the top of the movement. This increases biceps engagement.

Common mistakes: Swinging the elbows forward to assist the curl, arching the back, and not fully extending the arms at the bottom.

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

Biceps
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

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Barbell

barbell reverse curl

Biceps
Barbell

barbell preacher curl

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Dumbbell

dumbbell seated alternate biceps curl

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Bench

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Cable

cable reverse curl

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Preacher Curl

dumbbell zottman preacher curl

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Dumbbell

dumbbell reverse grip biceps curl

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None

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Dumbbell

dumbbell alternate biceps curl

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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