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Dumbbell Curl

PullIsolationHaltèresBeginner
Dumbbell Curl — Starting positionDumbbell Curl — End position

Muscles worked

Front
BicepsForearms

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 3Then, inhale and slowly begin to lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
  4. 4Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

About Dumbbell Curl

The dumbbell curl is a fundamental biceps isolation exercise performed with a dumbbell in each hand. It allows each arm to work independently, correcting imbalances, and permits full wrist supination for maximal contraction. It's an essential staple of arm training.

check_circleBenefits

  • check_circleCorrects strength imbalances between the two arms
  • check_circleAllows full supination for a stronger contraction
  • check_circleScales to any load and any experience level

lightbulbExecution tips

  • lightbulbRotate the palms upward as you raise the dumbbell
  • lightbulbKeep the elbows fixed along your torso
  • lightbulbAlternate arms or curl both together depending on your goal
  • lightbulbControl the descent to full extension

warningCommon mistakes

  • warningSwinging the body to throw the dumbbells up
  • warningLetting the elbows drift forward instead of staying fixed
  • warningFailing to fully rotate the wrist into supination
  • warningCutting the descent short by dropping the weight

helpFrequently asked questions

Should I do dumbbell curls alternating or together?expand_more

Alternating aids focus and allows heavier loads; simultaneous is more time-efficient; use both depending on your goals.

Standing or seated for dumbbell curls?expand_more

Seated reduces momentum and isolates the biceps better; standing lets you load slightly heavier.

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