Exercises · upper arms

Dumbbell Biceps Curl

A standing arm exercise where you curl dumbbells from your sides to your shoulders to train the biceps.

upper armsbicepsdumbbellbeginnerisolation

Secondary muscles

forearms

How to do it

  1. Stand tall with a dumbbell in each hand, arms at your sides, and palms facing forward.
  2. Brace your torso and keep your elbows close to your ribs.
  3. Curl both dumbbells up toward your shoulders without letting your upper arms swing forward.
  4. Pause briefly at the top and squeeze your biceps.
  5. Lower the dumbbells back down under control until your arms are straight.

Form cues

  • Elbows pinned to sides
  • Curl, don't swing
  • Squeeze at the top
  • Lower with control

Common mistakes

  • Swinging the torso to start the curl
  • Letting the elbows drift forward as the weights rise
  • Using partial range and not lowering fully
  • Bending the wrists back instead of keeping them neutral

Breathing

Exhale as you curl the dumbbells up, and inhale as you lower them back down.

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