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Biceps Exercises: Dumbbell, Barbell and Cable Curls

Explore biceps exercises with dumbbells, barbells, cables, and machines. Learn about grips, technique, and practical tips for controlled training.

Biceps exercises train the muscles at the front of the upper arm. This category includes curls using dumbbells, barbells, cables, and machines, with different grips and movement paths.

About biceps exercises

Many biceps movements involve elbow flexion, including curls with a barbell, dumbbells, or a cable handle. A supinated, neutral, or fixed machine grip changes the setup and feel of the exercise. Select a load that lets you keep your torso steady and move through the exercise with control.

Practical technique

Keep your shoulders relaxed, move from the elbows, and avoid swinging your torso to create momentum. Adjust the bench, cable, or machine to suit your body and follow the equipment instructions. Stop if you feel sharp pain and seek guidance from a qualified trainer when needed.

Simultaneous Dumbbell Hammer Curl

Simultaneous Dumbbell Hammer Curl

The dumbbell hammer curl is an effective exercise for strengthening the biceps and forearm muscles. This variation of the traditional bicep curl emphasizes the brachialis, a muscle that contributes to arm thickness, and the brachioradialis, a forearm muscle. The unique feature of this exercise is th

Biceps Strength Training
Simultaneous Dumbbell Preacher Curl

Simultaneous Dumbbell Preacher Curl

The dumbbell preacher curl, performed with both arms simultaneously, is an effective exercise for isolating and strengthening the biceps. This variation offers a unique combination of stability and focus on the biceps, providing an intense workout with an emphasis on muscle growth and definition. E

Biceps Strength Training
Simultaneous Dumbbell Spider Curl

Simultaneous Dumbbell Spider Curl

The dumbbell Spider Curl is an effective exercise for isolating and strengthening your biceps. This exercise is unique because your body position keeps tension on your biceps throughout the entire movement, leading to more intense muscle activation and growth. Execution Find an incline bench and

Biceps Strength Training
Simultaneous Dumbbell Zottman Curls

Simultaneous Dumbbell Zottman Curls

The Zottman Curl is a unique exercise that builds the strength and size of your biceps and forearms through a combination of a traditional curl and a rotating movement. This exercise provides a comprehensive workout for the entire arm by using both the concentric and eccentric phases of the curl. E

Biceps Strength Training
Simultaneous Preacher Hammer Curl

Simultaneous Preacher Hammer Curl

The Simultaneous Preacher Hammer Curl is an effective exercise for strengthening and building the biceps and forearm muscles. This variation combines the stability of the preacher bench with the intensity of the hammer grip, providing a unique challenge and stimulation for the muscles. Execution

Biceps Strength Training
Simultaneous Resistance Band Hammer Curl

Simultaneous Resistance Band Hammer Curl

The resistance band hammer curl is an effective exercise for strengthening the biceps and forearms. The unique advantage of this variation is that the band's constant tension not only builds muscle but also improves grip strength. Execution Step onto the middle of the resistance band with both f

Biceps Strength Training
Simultaneous Reverse Dumbbell Curl

Simultaneous Reverse Dumbbell Curl

The Simultaneous Reverse Dumbbell Curl is an effective exercise that targets the forearms and biceps. This exercise is unique because it not only improves the strength and size of your biceps, but also significantly increases grip strength and wrist stability. Execution Begin standing in a neutr

Biceps Strength Training
Simultaneous-Arm Dumbbell Hammer Preacher Curl

Simultaneous-Arm Dumbbell Hammer Preacher Curl

Want to train your biceps effectively? The simultaneous-arm Dumbbell Hammer Preacher Curl is an excellent exercise for increasing the strength and size of your biceps. This variation emphasizes the long head of the biceps and the brachialis, contributing to complete upper-arm development. Execution

Biceps Strength Training
Single Arm Standing Low Cable Row

Single Arm Standing Low Cable Row

The Single Arm Standing Low Cable Row is an effective exercise that targets the strengthening of your back muscles, with a unique focus on asymmetrical training that helps improve muscle balance and coordination. Execution Set the cable machine to the lowest position and attach a single handle.

Back Strength Training
Single Dumbbell Biceps Curl

Single Dumbbell Biceps Curl

The Single Dumbbell Biceps Curl is an effective exercise for strengthening and toning your biceps using just one dumbbell. This exercise is ideal if you train at home or have limited access to fitness equipment, and offers a unique way to challenge your muscles by focusing on one arm at a time. Exe

Biceps Strength Training
Single-Arm Cable Row

Single-Arm Cable Row

Introduction: The Single-Arm Cable Row is an effective exercise for improving back strength and stability. Using one arm at a time helps address asymmetries in muscular strength and improves overall balance. Execution: Set the cable machine to a low position and attach a single handle. Stand w

Lats Strength Training
Single-Arm Dumbbell Bent-Over Row

Single-Arm Dumbbell Bent-Over Row

The dumbbell row is one of the most popular ‘row’ exercises. All so-called row exercises are primarily focused on pulling the upper arms backward. This is one of the main functions of the latissimus dorsi, the large back muscle. To perform this function with free weights, the upper body must be brou

Back Strength Training
Single-Arm Dumbbell Preacher Curl

Single-Arm Dumbbell Preacher Curl

The Single-Arm Dumbbell Preacher Curl is an effective exercise for isolating and strengthening the biceps. Using one arm at a time allows you to focus on the muscle contraction and correct any strength imbalances between your arms. Execution Find a preacher bench and pick up a dumbbell with a we

Biceps Strength Training
Single-Arm Dumbbell Preacher Curl

Single-Arm Dumbbell Preacher Curl

The Single-Arm Dumbbell Preacher Curl is an effective exercise for isolating the biceps. Using one arm at a time allows you to focus on muscle contraction and correct asymmetries in strength and shape. Execution Find a preacher bench and hold a dumbbell in one hand. Place the back of your uppe

Biceps Strength Training
Single-Arm Dumbbell Reverse Wrist Curl

Single-Arm Dumbbell Reverse Wrist Curl

The Single-Arm Dumbbell Reverse Wrist Curl is an effective exercise for strengthening the forearms and improving grip strength. This exercise targets the extensor muscles of the forearm, which are essential for daily activities and various sports. Execution Sit on a bench with a dumbbell in one

Forearms Strength Training
Single-Arm Preacher Hammer Curl

Single-Arm Preacher Hammer Curl

The Single-Arm Preacher Hammer Curl is an effective exercise that targets the development of the biceps and forearm muscles. This exercise offers a unique way to train each arm individually, promoting balanced muscle growth and allowing strength imbalances between the arms to be corrected. Executio

Biceps Strength Training
Single-Arm Rear Delt Dumbbell Row With Bench

Single-Arm Rear Delt Dumbbell Row With Bench

Introduction: The single-arm rear delt dumbbell row with a bench is an effective exercise for strengthening the rear shoulders and upper back. This exercise also helps develop better posture and improve the balance between the muscle groups around your shoulders. Execution: Begin by placing a dumbb

Shoulders Strength Training
Single-Arm Rotating Dumbbell Curl

Single-Arm Rotating Dumbbell Curl

Introduction: The Single-Arm Rotating Dumbbell Curl is an effective exercise for strengthening and toning your biceps. The rotational movement also engages your forearms and grip strength, making this exercise unique. Execution: Begin with a dumbbell in one hand, with your arm at your side. Positio

Biceps Strength Training
Sit Up (Arms Crossed)

Sit Up (Arms Crossed)

The Sit Up is a 'classic' exercise for the abdominal muscles (see notes). The exercise contains two important elements: Rounding the back and lifting the upper body. The rectus abdominis (the basis of the 'six-pack') pulls the sternum toward the pelvis by rounding the back. The rectus femoris brings

Abs Strength Training
Smith Machine Wide-Grip Upright Row

Smith Machine Wide-Grip Upright Row

The barbell upright row is an exercise targeting all heads of the deltoid (shoulder muscle). Although it is mainly performed for the rear head of the shoulder, studies show that the middle and front heads work approximately equally hard as well. Still, it is not surprising that this exercise is aime

Shoulders Strength Training
Smith Upright Row

Smith Upright Row

The barbell upright row is an exercise targeting all heads of the deltoid (shoulder muscle). Although it is primarily performed for the rear head of the shoulder, studies show that the middle and front heads work approximately equally hard as well. Nevertheless, it is not surprising that this exerci

Shoulders Strength Training
Spider Bicep Cable Curls

Spider Bicep Cable Curls

Introduction: Spider Bicep Cable Curls are an excellent exercise for isolating and strengthening your biceps. This exercise uses a cable machine, providing constant resistance throughout the entire movement, resulting in better muscle activation. Execution: Begin by setting the cable machine with a

Biceps Strength Training
Spider Curl with Barbell

Spider Curl with Barbell

The barbell Spider Curl is an excellent exercise for isolating and strengthening your biceps. Its unique benefit is that it helps you maintain a strict position, allowing your biceps to be trained more effectively without other muscles taking over the work. Execution Start by setting an incline

Biceps Strength Training
Spider Curl with EZ Bar

Spider Curl with EZ Bar

If you are looking for an effective way to train your biceps, the Spider Curl with an EZ bar is an excellent choice. This exercise is unique because your body position during execution keeps constant tension on your biceps, leading to more intense muscle activation and growth. Execution Begin by

Biceps Strength Training