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Last updated February 2, 2026
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bicepsforearmstriceps
Incline Hammer Curl - Alternate (Dumbbell)
Lie back on an incline bench. Curl one dumbbell at a time with a neutral grip (thumb up). The incline stretches the bicep at the start.
Quick facts
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- 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
dumbbelladjustable bench
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 an incline bench with your back against the pad, ensuring it's set at a 30 to 45-degree angle.
- Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your arms fully extended down at your sides, palms facing each other.
- Step 2Position Your Body
- Keep your feet flat on the floor and your back pressed against the bench.
- Engage your core to maintain stability throughout the exercise.
- Step 3Curl the Dumbbell
- Start with one dumbbell and curl it towards your shoulder by bending your elbow while keeping your upper arm stationary.
- Focus on squeezing your bicep at the top of the movement.
- Step 4Lower the Dumbbell
- Slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position with your arm fully extended.
- Maintain control throughout the movement to avoid swinging.
- Step 5Alternate Arms
- After completing the curl with one arm, switch to the other arm and repeat the curling motion.
- Continue alternating arms for the desired number of repetitions.
- Step 6Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully place the dumbbells down on your thighs or the floor.
- Sit up straight and take a moment to recover before moving on to your next exercise.