Back to Library
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:
- Incline Bench: Adjust a bench to an incline of approximately 30-45 degrees.
- 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.
- Dumbbell Grip: Grasp a dumbbell in each hand with a supinated (underhand) grip, arms hanging straight down towards the floor.
The Lift:
- 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.
- Peak Contraction: Squeeze your biceps hard at the top of the movement.
- 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