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Last updated February 2, 2026
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bicepsforearmstriceps
Concentration Curl (Dumbbell)
Sit on bench. Rest elbow against inner thigh. Curl weight up. Focus entirely on the bicep peak.
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
bicep (short head)
Secondary
outer bicep / brachialis
Equipment & setup
What you need and how to position yourself before starting.
Equipment
dumbbellbench
Movement pattern
Unilateral
Posture
Seated
Tracking parameters
repsweight
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.
- Step 1Setup
- Sit on a bench with your feet flat on the ground, shoulder-width apart.
- Hold a dumbbell in one hand and rest your elbow against the inside of your thigh.
- Step 2Position Your Arm
- Ensure your arm is fully extended towards the floor, with your palm facing upward.
- Keep your upper arm stationary against your thigh throughout the movement.
- Step 3Curl the Dumbbell
- Exhale and curl the dumbbell towards your shoulder by bending your elbow.
- Focus on contracting your bicep as you lift the weight, keeping your upper arm still.
- Step 4Pause at the Top
- Once the dumbbell reaches shoulder level, pause for a moment to maximize the contraction.
- Avoid swinging the dumbbell; maintain control throughout the movement.
- Step 5Lower the Dumbbell
- Inhale and slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position, fully extending your arm.
- Keep your movements controlled to engage the muscle effectively.
- Step 6Repeat
- Complete the desired number of repetitions on one arm before switching to the other arm.
- Maintain proper form and control throughout each repetition.
- Step 7Finish the Exercise
- After completing your sets, carefully place the dumbbell down on the floor or bench.
- Stand up slowly and ensure you maintain good posture as you finish.