Exercise
Dumbbell Bicep Curl
Also known as: dumbbell curl, db curl, standing dumbbell curl, biceps curl, dumbbell standing biceps curl


Dumbbell Bicep Curl is a isolation exercise for the biceps. Main target: biceps long head and biceps short head. Also works: brachialis and forearm flexors. Equipment: dumbbell.
Muscles worked
How to do it
- 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.
Common mistakes
- Not lowering all the way — the biceps never stretch.
Tips
- Turn your palm up (supinate) as you lift.
Used in these programs
Dumbbell-Only Full Body Workout
A pair of dumbbells and a mat: three full-body sessions a week — squats, presses, rows and Romanian deadlifts.
Beginner · 3 times a week · HomeDumbbell Upper/Lower Split, 4 DaysA four-day split with just dumbbells and a bench: two upper-body days, two leg-and-glute days. Muscle growth at home.
Intermediate · 4 times a week · HomeDumbbell Arm Workout: Biceps & TricepsAn arm workout with dumbbells in supersets: biceps curls, hammer curls, extensions and close-grip push-ups.
Beginner · once a week · HomeSimilar exercises

Incline Dumbbell Curl
Dumbbell
Biceps long head

Concentration Curls
Dumbbell
Biceps short head

Alternate Incline Dumbbell Curl
Dumbbell
Biceps long head

Dumbbell Alternate Bicep Curl
Dumbbell
Biceps short head

Dumbbell Prone Incline Curl
Dumbbell
Biceps short head

Flexor Incline Dumbbell Curls
Dumbbell
Biceps long head
Alternatives with other equipment

Barbell Curl
Barbell
Biceps short headBiceps long head

EZ-Bar Curl
EZ curl bar
Biceps short headBiceps long head

Standing Biceps Cable Curl
Cable
Biceps short headBiceps long head

Machine Bicep Curl
Machine
Biceps short head
Arm Blaster Curl
Other
Biceps short head
Band Overhead Biceps Curl
Bands
Biceps short head
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