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Last updated February 2, 2026
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bicepsforearmstriceps
Hammer Curl - Seated, Alternate (Dumbbell)
Sit on bench. Alternating arms, curl dumbbell with thumb facing up. Control the swing.
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
outer bicep / brachialis
Secondary
forearm flexors
Equipment & setup
What you need and how to position yourself before starting.
Equipment
dumbbellbench
Movement pattern
Alternate
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 back supported, feet flat on the floor.
- Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your arms hanging down at your sides, palms facing each other.
- Step 2Position Your Arms
- Keep your elbows close to your torso and ensure your wrists are straight.
- Your arms should be fully extended, and your palms should be facing each other.
- Step 3Curl the Dumbbells
- Exhale as you curl one dumbbell towards your shoulder by bending your elbow.
- Keep your upper arm stationary and focus on using your bicep to lift the weight.
- Step 4Lower the Dumbbell
- Inhale as you slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position.
- Maintain control of the weight and avoid swinging your arm.
- Step 5Alternate Arms
- After lowering the first dumbbell, repeat the curl with the opposite arm.
- Continue alternating arms for the desired number of repetitions.
- Step 6Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, lower the dumbbells to your sides.
- Carefully stand up from the bench, keeping your back straight.