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Standing Dumbbell Curl Video Exercise Guide

By Trainest Team

Exercise Profile

Target Muscle
Exercise Type
Experience Level
Equipment Required:
Secondary Muscles:

Standing Dumbbell Curl Overview

The standing dumbbell curl, commonly known as the Dumbbell Bicep Curl, is an effective strength exercise that strengthens the biceps and forearms. It is a great addition to different workout routines, whether your goal is to build muscle, gain strength, or improve endurance. This exercise is fundamental for developing arm definition and overall upper-body strength.

For beginners, the standing dumbbell bicep curl is a great exercise for building arm strength and improving curling technique with minimal equipment. As you grow, you may challenge yourself and work your biceps more thoroughly by adding variations like alternate curls or increasing the weight.

This standing dumbbell curl guide explains how this versatile exercise may be effectively integrated into various workout programs, whether your goal is to build muscle, gain strength, or improve endurance. It can be used as part of an arm-focused workout to build bicep strength, included in a full-body routine to enhance upper-body endurance, or added to a strength training regimen.

Biceps

Standing Dumbbell Curl Instructions

Standing Dumbbell Curl

Step 1: Grab a pair of dumbbells you can manage using a supinated grip. Bend your knees slightly as you keep your feet hip-width apart.

Step 2: With your palms facing forward, extend your arms. Hold your elbows tight against your sides. Maintain a neutral spine position.

Step 3: Then, pre-tension your biceps. Exhale as you bend your elbows until your lower arms reach shoulder level.

Step 4: Inhaling, slowly drop your arms. Engage your core for the whole exercise.

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Common Standing Dumbbell Curl Variations

Standing Dumbbell Curls are a fantastic way to build and tone your biceps while engaging your forearms. This basic yet versatile exercise can be modified to target your muscles in different ways. It’s ideal for newbie and expert lifters alike, and you can experiment with different curls to improve your training. Here are five popular Standing Dumbbell Curl variations to elevate your routine:

Alternating Dumbbell Hammer Curls
A targeted exercise designed to enhance both strength and muscle endurance in the arms. Isolate your forearms and biceps by holding a dumbbell with your palms facing each other. With this version, you can concentrate more on each arm separately because you're curling one dumbbell at a time. It's an excellent workout for strengthening your biceps and enhancing your grip stability.
Single-Arm Incline Dumbbell Curls
Single-Arm Incline Dumbbell Curls are great for isolating the biceps. Curl a dumbbell upward while seated on an inclined bench with one arm hanging down, keeping your upper arm still. This workout helps the biceps become stronger and more defined.
Dumbbell Preacher Hammer Curls
It is a focused exercise for building bicep strength and definition. With a preacher bench, you can curl dumbbells with your palms facing each other, which helps keep your upper arms stable. This position isolates the biceps and forearms, making it an effective move for enhancing muscle engagement and stability.
Dumbbell Spider Curl
A focused workout to improve the definition and strength of your biceps. You curl the dumbbells upward while keeping your upper arms immobile by lying face down on an inclined bench and letting your arms hang straight down. This posture is good for peak bicep strength because it isolates the biceps, maximizing its engagement.
Overhead Cable Curl
or a slightly different approach to bicep curls, try Overhead Cable Curls. Set the cable machine’s pulley high and use the handle or bar with your arms extended overhead. Compared to regular curls, this posture somewhat lessens resistance, so you can concentrate on isolating the biceps while still using proper form.

Standing Dumbbell Curl Tips

  • Keep your movement slow and controlled while bracing your biceps.
  • Maintain a straight back while standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. Avoid leaning or swinging your body to lift the weights.
  • Keep your elbows tucked beside your torso. This guarantees that most of the work is being done by the biceps.
  • Choose a weight that is hard enough to make the final few reps difficult but yet allows you to finish your sets with proper form.
  • Exhale as you raise the dumbbells, and inhale as you lower them.

Standing Dumbbell Curl Common Mistakes

  1. Using Excessive Weight: Lifting weights that are too heavy can lead to swinging or jerking movements, reducing the effectiveness of the curl and increasing the risk of injury. Select a weight that enables precise, smooth movements.
  2. Allowing Elbows to Drift: Letting your elbows move away from your torso during the curl can shift the work away from the biceps and reduce the effectiveness of the exercise. Keep your elbows near your sides during the exercise.
  3. Incomplete Range of Motion: You can reduce the advantages and muscle engagement by not curling the weights all the way up or not completely extending your arms at the bottom. Make sure you curl the weights up to shoulder level and stretch your arms fully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Must I Curl My Arms One at a Time?
There’s no definitive right or wrong way to perform dumbbell bicep curls. Single-arm curls can be more effective for developing a strong mind-muscle connection, while double-arm curls might be faster and easier to perform. Experiment with both variations to see which one suits you best.

How Much Should I Curl with One Arm?
There’s no one-size-fits-all weight; it depends on your experience. Pick a weight that will test you but still allow you to maintain proper form. When choosing a weight, you should not be able to complete 15–16 repetitions if your goal is 12 reps. Aim to fail when you hit your goal reps or within 1-2 repetitions of your target.

Are standing dumbbell biceps curls good?
Yes, Standing Dumbbell Bicep Curls are a great exercise for developing bicep strength and definition. The standing position strengthens your core for increased stability and targets the forearms and biceps. They can be a useful supplement to any strength training program, enhancing the general tone and endurance of the arm muscles.

Can you grow biceps with just curls?
Curls alone won’t fully develop your biceps; mixing up your routine and incorporating additional exercises can lead to better results and help prevent plateaus.

What is the ideal grip for dumbbell curls?
The best grip for dumbbell curls depends on your goals. A supinated grip (palms up) targets the biceps, while a neutral grip (palms facing each other) also works the forearms. Using both grips in your routine can help you develop your biceps more effectively.

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