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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.

Barbell Drag Curl

Barbell Drag Curl

Drag curls are a variation of barbell curls. The barbell remains in contact with your torso throughout the movement (hence the name). To do this, the elbows are brought backward while raising the barbell. This creates a greater stretch on the long head of the biceps, which crosses the shoulder joint

Biceps Strength Training
Barbell Drag Curl

Barbell Drag Curl

The Barbell Drag Curl is a variation of the traditional biceps curl that targets the biceps in a unique way. By 'dragging' the barbell upward along your body, you place more emphasis on the long head of the biceps, which may lead to greater definition and strength. Execution Stand upright with y

Biceps Strength Training
Barbell Lap Curl

Barbell Lap Curl

The Barbell Lap Curl is an effective exercise for building strength and mass in your biceps. This exercise stands out because of its unique position and the way it isolates the biceps, providing an intense workout. Execution Sit at the end of a bench with your feet flat on the floor and your kne

Biceps Strength Training
Barbell Pendlay Rows

Barbell Pendlay Rows

Introduction: The Barbell Pendlay Row is a powerful compound exercise that targets your back muscles. What makes this exercise unique is that each repetition starts from the floor, allowing for a complete reset and maximum strength development in the upper back and lats. Execution: Place a barbe

Back Strength Training
Barbell Preacher Curl

Barbell Preacher Curl

Barbell preacher curls are an isolation exercise for the biceps. The exercise was devised by bodybuilders in the 1960s as a way to isolate the biceps. Placing the upper arms on the sloped bench prevents you from cheating by bringing the shoulders forward. It also prevents you from using your upper b

Biceps Strength Training
Barbell Preacher Curl

Barbell Preacher Curl

The Barbell Preacher Curl is a popular exercise for developing strong and well-defined biceps. The support of the preacher bench isolates your arm, allowing you to train the biceps more effectively without other muscles taking over. Execution Set up the preacher bench and choose a suitable weigh

Biceps Strength Training
Barbell Pull

Barbell Pull

The Barbell Pull is a powerful compound exercise that targets multiple muscle groups at once. It is an excellent way to strengthen your back, shoulders, and arms while also improving your grip strength. Execution Begin by placing the barbell on the floor in front of your feet. Stand with your fe

Back Strength Training
Barbell Reverse Biceps Curl

Barbell Reverse Biceps Curl

The Barbell Reverse Biceps Curl is an effective exercise that targets the forearms and biceps, but with a unique twist. Unlike the traditional biceps curl, you grip the barbell with an overhand grip, providing a more intense workout for the forearm muscles and a new challenge for the biceps. Execut

Biceps Strength Training
Barbell Reverse Curl

Barbell Reverse Curl

The barbell wrist curl targets the so-called wrist extensors: the muscles on the outside of the forearm that move the knuckles toward the outside. Barbell reverse wrist curl Muscles involved: Forearms: Wrist extensors Barbell reverse wrist curl setup Grip a (relatively light) barbell with your pa

Forearms Strength Training
Barbell Reverse Spider Curl

Barbell Reverse Spider Curl

The Barbell Reverse Spider Curl is a unique exercise that targets the biceps in a way not often seen in traditional training programs. This exercise offers a new challenge and stimulus for your muscles, which can lead to improved muscle growth and strength. Execution Begin by setting an incline

Biceps Strength Training
Barbell Reverse-Grip Bent-Over Row

Barbell Reverse-Grip Bent-Over Row

If you're looking for an effective way to strengthen your back and biceps, the Barbell Reverse-Grip Bent-Over Row is an excellent choice. This variation of the traditional bent-over row places more emphasis on the forearms and biceps through the reverse grip, while also providing a powerful workout

Lats Strength Training
Barbell Row

Barbell Row

The Barbell Row is a powerful compound exercise that targets multiple muscle groups in your upper body. This exercise is ideal for developing a strong back, shoulders, and arms. Execution Place your feet shoulder-width apart and slightly bend your knees. Hinge forward from your hips, keep

Traps Strength Training
Barbell Seated Concentration Biceps Curl

Barbell Seated Concentration Biceps Curl

The Barbell Seated Concentration Biceps Curl is a powerful exercise focused on isolating and strengthening the biceps. This exercise offers a unique way to train your biceps with an emphasis on concentration and control, leading to effective muscle building and definition. Execution Find a comfo

Biceps Strength Training
Barbell Single-Arm Biceps Curl

Barbell Single-Arm Biceps Curl

The Barbell Single-Arm Biceps Curl is a powerful exercise focused on isolating and strengthening the biceps. Using one arm at a time allows you to focus on muscle balance and symmetry, which is often overlooked in traditional biceps exercises. Execution Begin by holding a barbell in one hand, wi

Biceps Strength Training
Barbell Standing Back Wrist Curl

Barbell Standing Back Wrist Curl

If you're looking for an effective way to strengthen your forearms, the Barbell Standing Back Wrist Curl is an excellent choice. This exercise specifically targets the wrist flexors and offers a unique way to develop grip strength and forearm mass. Execution Begin by placing a barbell behind you

Forearms Strength Training
Barbell Standing Close-Grip Curl

Barbell Standing Close-Grip Curl

The Barbell Standing Close-Grip Curl is an effective exercise for strengthening and building the biceps. The close grip challenges your muscles in a unique way, which may contribute to better muscle definition and growth. Execution Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart and grasp the

Biceps Strength Training
Barbell Standing Concentration Curl

Barbell Standing Concentration Curl

The Barbell Standing Concentration Curl is an effective exercise for building strength and mass in your biceps. This exercise is distinguished by the concentrated tension it requires, providing optimal stimulation for your biceps. Execution Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart and h

Biceps Strength Training
Barbell Standing Reverse Preacher Curl

Barbell Standing Reverse Preacher Curl

Introduction: The Barbell Standing Reverse Preacher Curl is a variation of the traditional biceps curl that targets the forearms and upper biceps. This exercise is unique because it improves grip strength and emphasizes the brachialis, a muscle that is often overlooked. Execution: Stand upright

Biceps Strength Training
Barbell Standing Wide-Grip Biceps Curl

Barbell Standing Wide-Grip Biceps Curl

If you're looking for an effective way to train your biceps, the barbell standing wide-grip biceps curl is an excellent choice. This variation of the traditional biceps curl emphasizes the outer part of the biceps, helping you achieve fuller and more defined arm development. Execution Stand upri

Biceps Strength Training
Barbell Sumo Deadlift

Barbell Sumo Deadlift

The deadlift is also known as the king of all exercises. Looking at the list of muscles involved above, you can infer why. The calf muscles bring the lower legs, which extend forward, back into alignment above the ankles when you stand up and also provide stabilization throughout the entire moveme

Quads Strength Training
Barbell Underhand Bent-Over Row

Barbell Underhand Bent-Over Row

If you are looking for an effective way to strengthen your back and biceps, the Barbell Underhand Bent-Over Row is an excellent choice. This exercise offers a unique combination of strength training and stabilization, helping you build muscle mass while also improving your posture and functional str

Traps Strength Training
Barbell Upright Row

Barbell 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 lateral and anterior heads work about equally hard as well. Nevertheless, it is not strange to focus this exercise

Shoulders Strength Training
Barbell Upright Row

Barbell Upright Row

The Barbell Upright Row exercise is an effective way to strengthen your shoulders, upper back, and trapezius. This exercise offers a unique combination of muscle activation that not only helps you build muscle mass but also improves your posture. Execution Stand with your feet shoulder-width apa

Shoulders Strength Training
Barbell Wide-Grip Biceps Curl

Barbell Wide-Grip Biceps Curl

The Barbell Wide-Grip Biceps Curl is an effective exercise for strengthening and enlarging your biceps. The wide grip challenges your muscles in a unique way, which may lead to better muscle growth and definition. Execution Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart and grasp the barbell

Biceps Strength Training