Dumbbell Bicep Curl

The dumbbell biceps curl is a single-joint exercise for building bigger and stronger biceps. Popular among gym goers of all experience levels, this move can be done seated or standing. It is generally performed for moderate to high reps, such as 8-12 reps or higher, as part of the arm-focused portion of a workout.

Benefits

Permits wrist supination, unlike the barbell version
Allows you to target the biceps
More time efficient than the alternating dumbbell curl
Simple way to build biceps size and strength

Type: Strength
Main Muscle Worked: Biceps
Equipment: Dumbbell
Level: Intermediate

8.9

Average

Dumbbell Bicep Curl Images

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Dumbbell Bicep Curl Instructions

Stand up straight with a dumbbell in each hand at arm's length. Keep your elbows close to your torso and rotate the palms of your hands until they are facing forward. This will be your starting position.
Now, keeping the upper arms stationary, exhale and curl the weights while contracting your biceps. Continue to raise the weights until your biceps are fully contracted and the dumbbells are at shoulder level. Hold the contracted position for a brief pause as you squeeze your biceps.
Then, inhale and slowly begin to lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Variations: There are many possible variations for this movement. For instance, you can perform the exercise sitting down on a bench with or without back support and you can also perform it by alternating arms; first lift the right arm for one repetition, then the left, then the right, etc.

You can also do the exercise starting with both palms of the hands facing the torso and then rotating forward as the movement is performed. At the top of the movement the palms should face forward and the small finger should be higher than the thumb for a peak contraction.