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Last updated March 30, 2026
BicepsForearmsTriceps
Biceps Curl - Standing (Dumbbell)
Stand with dumbbells at your sides. Curl them up towards your shoulders, rotating your palms to face up. Keep your torso still; don't swing to lift the weights.
Quick facts
- Level
- Beginner
- 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.
- Step 1Setup
- Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand with your arms fully extended at your sides.
- Keep your elbows close to your torso and your palms facing forward.
- Step 2Position Your Body
- Engage your core and maintain a straight posture throughout the exercise.
- Ensure that your shoulders are relaxed and not hunched.
- Step 3Curl the Dumbbells
- Slowly bend your elbows to lift the dumbbells towards your shoulders.
- Keep your upper arms stationary and focus on using your biceps to lift the weights.
- Step 4Squeeze at the Top
- At the top of the movement, squeeze your biceps for a moment.
- Ensure that your wrists remain straight and aligned with your forearms.
- Step 5Lower the Dumbbells
- Gradually lower the dumbbells back to the starting position with your arms fully extended.
- Control the movement to avoid swinging the weights.
- Step 6Repeat
- Repeat the curl for the desired number of repetitions, maintaining proper form throughout.
- Step 7Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully place the dumbbells down at your sides.
- Take a moment to stretch your arms and relax your muscles.
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