Dumbbell Bicep Curl
Dumbbell Bicep Curl is a beginner-level isolation in the strength category that primarily works the biceps. It also recruits the forearms. It is performed with dumbbells.
How to do it
- 1Stand 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.
- 2Now, 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.
- 3Then, inhale and slowly begin to lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
- 4Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Muscles worked
Primary muscles in filled badges, secondary in grey. Tap for more exercises per muscle.
Tips and common mistakes
- •Focus on the muscle contraction and control the eccentric (lowering) phase.
- •Add load only once you complete all reps with good form — progressive overload.
- •Initiate the pull from the target muscle rather than jerking with body momentum.
- •Prioritize full range of motion over heavy weight with partial reps.
Sets and reps
For hypertrophy: 3–4 sets × 8–12 reps with 1–2 reps in reserve (RPE 7–9) and 1–2 minutes rest. For strength: 3–5 × 4–6 with longer rest.