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Exercise Guide
How to do dumbbell preacher curl
Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.
The dumbbell preacher curl is an isolation movement that focuses on the peak of the bicep by eliminating momentum. Resting the arm on a preacher bench ensures that the shoulder stays fixed, forcing the bicep to do all the work. Using a dumbbell allows for unilateral training, helping to fix size or strength differences between arms while providing an intense muscle pump.
Stats
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Preacher Curl
TARGET MUSCLES
Biceps
Instructions for Proper Form
Setup:
- Position: Sit at a preacher curl bench. Adjust the seat height so that the back of your upper arm (triceps) rests flat on the pad when you're seated.
- Grip: Hold a dumbbell in one hand with an underhand grip (palm facing up).
- Starting Position: Fully extend your arm, with the back of your arm pressed firmly against the pad.
The Movement:
- Curl: Exhale and curl the dumbbell up towards your shoulder. Focus on using only your bicep to move the weight.
- Squeeze: Squeeze your bicep hard at the top of the movement.
- Lower: Inhale and slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position until your arm is fully extended.
- Repeat: Complete all reps on one arm before switching to the other.
Tips:
- The preacher bench helps to isolate the bicep by preventing you from using your shoulders or back to swing the weight.
- Do not lift your elbow or upper arm off the pad during the curl.
- Control the eccentric (lowering) phase to maximize muscle growth.
Common mistakes: Lifting the elbows off the pad, leaning back to finish the rep, and not extending the arm fully at the bottom.
Alternatives
Bench
dumbbell seated curl
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Dumbbell
dumbbell standing curl
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Cable
cable curl
Biceps
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
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Barbell
barbell reverse curl
Biceps
Barbell
barbell preacher curl
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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
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Resistance Band
band alternating bicep curl
Biceps
Barbell
barbell curl
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Bench
dumbbell incline hammer curl
Biceps
Preacher Curl
dumbbell preacher curl
Biceps
Dumbbell
dumbbell bicep curl
Biceps
Resistance Band
band standing hammer curl
Biceps