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Incline Dumbbell Curl

PullIsolationHaltèresBeginner
Incline Dumbbell Curl — Starting positionIncline Dumbbell Curl — End position

Muscles worked

Front
Biceps

Instructions

  1. 1Sit back on an incline bench with a dumbbell in each hand held at arms 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. 2While 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. Hold the contracted position for a second.
  3. 3Slowly begin to bring the dumbbells back to starting position as your breathe in.
  4. 4Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

About Incline Dumbbell Curl

The incline dumbbell curl is performed seated on an incline bench, with the arms hanging behind the body. This position stretches the biceps at the start of the movement and emphasizes the long head, which contributes to the peak. The extended range of motion makes it a potent exercise for biceps hypertrophy.

check_circleBenefits

  • check_circleStrongly stretches the biceps at the start of the rep
  • check_circleEmphasizes the long head of the biceps
  • check_circlePrevents cheating thanks to the reclined position

lightbulbExecution tips

  • lightbulbSet the bench to around 45 to 60 degrees
  • lightbulbLet the arms hang naturally behind you
  • lightbulbKeep your back and head pressed against the bench
  • lightbulbControl the descent to benefit from the stretch

warningCommon mistakes

  • warningPulling the elbows forward to shorten the range
  • warningLifting the back off the bench to cheat
  • warningUsing too heavy a load and losing the stretch
  • warningShrugging the shoulders instead of keeping the arms back

helpFrequently asked questions

What bench angle for the incline curl?expand_more

A 45 to 60 degree angle offers a good balance between biceps stretch and shoulder comfort.

Is the incline curl better for the biceps peak?expand_more

It targets the long head, often linked to the peak, thanks to the stretch achieved with the arms held back.

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