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Last updated February 2, 2026
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bicepsforearmstriceps
Biceps Curl (Machine)
Adjust the seat so your armpits fit snugly over the pad. Curl the handles towards you, squeezing the biceps hard. Lower slowly to resist the machine's pull.
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
weight machines / selectorized
Movement pattern
Bilateral
Posture
Seated
Tracking parameters
repsweight
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.
- Step 1Setup
- Adjust the seat height of the bicep curl machine so that the handles are at about shoulder level.
- Sit down on the machine with your back against the pad and your feet flat on the floor.
- Step 2Position Your Arms
- Place your arms on the padded handles with your palms facing upward.
- Ensure that your elbows are positioned against the pad and your upper arms remain stationary throughout the movement.
- Step 3Grip the Handles
- Grip the handles firmly with your hands, ensuring your wrists are straight and aligned with your forearms.
- Your arms should be fully extended at the start of the movement.
- Step 4Curl the Weight
- Begin the movement by curling the handles towards your shoulders by bending your elbows.
- Keep your upper arms stationary and focus on contracting your biceps as you lift.
- Step 5Squeeze at the Top
- At the top of the movement, squeeze your biceps for a moment to maximize contraction.
- Ensure that you do not lift your shoulders or lean back during this phase.
- Step 6Lower the Weight
- Slowly lower the handles back to the starting position, fully extending your arms.
- Maintain control of the weight as you lower it to avoid any sudden drops.
- Step 7Repeat
- Repeat the curl for the desired number of repetitions, ensuring that your form remains consistent throughout.
- Step 8Finish the Exercise
- After completing your repetitions, carefully place the handles back to the starting position.
- Stand up from the machine, ensuring to maintain good posture as you exit.