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Exercise Guide
How to do dumbbell seated curl
Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.
The dumbbell seated curl is a classic isolation movement that targets the biceps brachii. Sitting down eliminates the use of momentum from the legs and hips, forcing the biceps to perform the work in a more controlled manner. This exercise allows for a full range of motion and the ability to rotate the wrists, maximizing muscle peak and ensuring balanced development between both arms for better aesthetics.
Stats
TIER
1
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Bench, Dumbbell
TARGET MUSCLES
Biceps
Instructions for Proper Form
Setup:
- Seated position: Sit on a bench with your feet flat on the floor, shoulder-width apart.
- Dumbbell grip: Grab a dumbbell in each hand with an underhand grip (palms facing up), and let your arms hang by your sides.
The Lift:
- Initiate the curl: Keep your elbows close to your sides, then curl both dumbbells upwards towards your shoulders simultaneously.
- Squeeze at the top: At the top of the movement, contract your biceps forcefully and hold for a brief moment.
- Controlled descent: Slowly lower the dumbbells back to the starting position in a controlled manner. Don't let the weights drop quickly.
- Repeat: Perform the desired number of repetitions.
Tips:
- Focus on the bicep: Concentrate on the feeling of your biceps contracting throughout the movement for maximum activation.
- Full range of motion: Fully extend your arms at the bottom of each rep for maximum bicep stretch.
- Minimize torso movement: Keep your upper body stable and core engaged to truly isolate the biceps.
Variations:
- Alternating dumbbell curls: Alternate the curl on each arm for continuous tension on the biceps.
- Hammer curls: Use a neutral grip (palms facing each other) for a slightly different emphasis on the biceps and forearms.
Common mistakes: Using momentum or swinging the torso to lift the weight, failing to fully extend the arms at the bottom, and moving the elbows forward during the curl.
Alternatives
Bench
dumbbell seated curl
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Cable
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Preacher Curl Machine
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Preacher Curl
ez-barbell close grip preacher curl
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Bench
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Cable
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Crossover Cable
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Dumbbell
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Bench
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Cable
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Ez Barbell
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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
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Barbell
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Dumbbell
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Bench
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Cable
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Preacher Curl
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Dumbbell
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None
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Dumbbell
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Resistance Band
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Barbell
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Bench
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Preacher Curl
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Dumbbell
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Resistance Band
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Biceps