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Exercise Guide

How to do dumbbell prone incline curl

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

The dumbbell prone incline curl is a highly effective bicep isolation exercise performed while lying chest-down on an incline bench. This position prevents the use of momentum and keeps the focus entirely on the biceps brachii. By allowing the arms to hang vertically, you achieve a unique stretch and peak contraction that helps develop the height and thickness of the upper arms.

Stats

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

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Incline Bench: Adjust a bench to an incline of approximately 30-45 degrees.
  2. Starting Position: Lie face down on the incline bench, resting your chest on the pad. Ensure your feet are securely planted on the ground for stability.
  3. Dumbbell Grip: Grasp a dumbbell in each hand with a supinated (underhand) grip, arms hanging straight down towards the floor.

The Lift:

  1. Initiate the Curl: Keeping your elbows fixed and upper arms stationary, slowly curl the dumbbells up towards your shoulders. Focus on using your biceps to lift the weight.
  2. Peak Contraction: Squeeze your biceps hard at the top of the movement.
  3. Controlled Lowering: 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 tucked in throughout the entire movement. Avoid letting them flare out to the sides.
  • Focus on the Biceps: Concentrate on the feeling of your biceps contracting and shortening as you curl the dumbbells upwards.
  • Range of Motion: Curl the dumbbells up as far as possible without your upper arms lifting off the bench.

Variations:

  • Single-Arm Prone Incline Curl: Perform the curl one arm at a time for greater focus and isolation.

Common mistakes: Swinging the elbows back to help lift the weight, lifting the chest off the bench, and not fully extending the arms at the bottom of the movement.

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