Concentration curl

The concentration curl is a classic exercise for building the biceps one arm at a time. It can be performed bent over or kneeling, but is more often performed seated on a bench. It's great for emphasizing the biceps peak and is often used to finish a biceps workout. Like most curl variations, these are usually performed for moderate to high reps, such as 8-12 reps per set or more.

Benefits

Emphasizes strict form and tempo
Great movement to feel the mind-muscle connection
Effective arm training even with relatively light weight

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

9

Average

Concentration curl Images

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Concentration curl Instructions

Sit down on a flat bench with one dumbbell in front of you between your legs. Your legs should be spread with your knees bent and feet on the floor.
Use your right arm to pick the dumbbell up. Place the back of your right upper arm on the top of your inner right thigh. Rotate the palm of your hand until it is facing forward away from your thigh. Tip: Your arm should be extended and the dumbbell should be above the floor. This will be your starting position.
While holding the upper arm stationary, curl the weights forward while contracting the biceps as you breathe out. Only the forearms should move. Continue the movement until your biceps are fully contracted and the dumbbells are at shoulder level. Tip: At the top of the movement make sure that the little finger of your arm is higher than your thumb. This guarantees a good contraction. Hold the contracted position for a second as you squeeze the biceps.
Slowly begin to bring the dumbbells back to starting position as your breathe in. Caution: Avoid swinging motions at any time.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions. Then repeat the movement with the left arm.

Variations: This exercise can be performed standing with the torso bent forward and the arm in front of you. In this case, no leg support is used for the back of your arm so you will need to make extra effort to ensure no movement of the upper arm. This is a more challenging version of the exercise and is not recommended for people with lower back issues.