Back to Library

Exercise Guide

How to do dumbbell seated alternate biceps curl

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

The dumbbell seated alternate biceps curl is a classic isolation exercise that allows for individual focus on each arm. Performing this seated minimizes the use of momentum, ensuring the biceps are the primary movers. Alternating arms allows for a brief rest between repetitions, which can help maintain form and intensity throughout the set, leading to better muscle engagement and growth in the upper arms.

Stats

TIER
2
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Dumbbell, Bench
TARGET MUSCLES
Biceps

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Seated Position: Sit on a bench with your feet flat on the floor, shoulder-width apart, back straight, and core engaged.
  2. Dumbbell Grip: Grab a dumbbell in each hand with a supinated grip (palms facing up). Let your arms hang naturally by your sides, elbows slightly bent.

The Lift:

  1. Initiate the Curl: Keeping your upper arms stationary, curl one dumbbell up towards your shoulder. Focus on squeezing your biceps and rotating your wrist slightly as you lift.
  2. Peak Contraction: Hold the contraction at the top for a brief moment, feeling the tension in your bicep.
  3. Controlled Lowering: Slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position, resisting the urge to drop or relax.
  4. Alternate Arms: As soon as one arm is fully extended, initiate the curl with the opposite arm.
  5. Repeat: Continue alternating arms for the desired number of repetitions.

Tips:

  • Focus on the Biceps: Concentrate on the feeling of your biceps contracting throughout the movement for maximum activation.
  • Minimize Torso Movement: Keep your upper body stable and avoid swinging or using momentum to lift the weight.
  • Breathing: Exhale as you curl the weight up, inhale as you lower it down.
  • Elbow Position: Keep your elbows tucked close to your body throughout the movement.

Common mistakes: Rocking the torso side-to-side and not fully supinating the wrist at the top of the curl.

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