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Last updated February 2, 2026
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bicepsforearmstriceps

Biceps Curl (Dumbbell)

Stand tall. Curl the weights towards your shoulders, rotating your palms up. Squeeze the bicep hard at the top and lower slowly.

Quick facts

Difficulty
Easy
Mechanic
Isolation
Force
Pull
Type
Strength
Injury Risk
Low
Hypertrophy
High
Calorie Burn
Low

Muscle focus

Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.

Primary

biceps

Secondary

forearm flexors

Equipment & setup

What you need and how to position yourself before starting.

Equipment

dumbbell

Movement pattern

Bilateral

Posture

Standing

Tracking parameters

repsweight

Step-by-step instructions

Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.

  1. Step 1Setup
    • Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand with your arms at your sides.
    • Keep your elbows close to your torso and palms facing forward.
  2. Step 2Position Your Body
    • Engage your core and maintain a straight posture throughout the exercise.
    • Ensure your shoulders are relaxed and not hunched.
  3. Step 3Curl the Dumbbells
    • Slowly curl the dumbbells upward by bending your elbows, keeping your upper arms stationary.
    • Focus on contracting your biceps as you lift the weights towards your shoulders.
  4. Step 4Squeeze at the Top
    • At the top of the movement, pause and squeeze your biceps for a moment.
    • Ensure that your wrists remain straight and do not bend during the curl.
  5. Step 5Lower the Dumbbells
    • Gradually lower the dumbbells back to the starting position, fully extending your arms.
    • Control the movement to maintain tension in your biceps.
  6. Step 6Repeat
    • Repeat the curl for the desired number of repetitions, maintaining proper form throughout.
  7. Step 7Finish the Exercise
    • After completing your reps, carefully place the dumbbells down on the floor.
    • Stand upright and take a moment to stretch your arms and shoulders.
Version 1 · Created November 12, 2025