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Hammer Curl

Hammer Curl is a beginner isolation dumbbell exercise that mainly works your biceps, with help from your forearms.

💪 Biceps🏋️ Dumbbell📈 Beginner🔗 Isolation🎯 3 sets of 10-15 reps
Hammer Curl: starting position
Starting position
Hammer Curl: end position
End position

How to do the hammer curl

  1. Stand up with your torso upright and a dumbbell in each hand being held at arms length. The elbows should be close to the torso.
  2. The palms of the hands should be facing your torso. This will be your starting position.
  3. While holding the upper arm stationary, curl the right weight forward while contracting the biceps as you breathe out. Continue the movement until your biceps is fully contracted and the dumbbells are at shoulder level. Hold the contracted position for a second as you squeeze the biceps. Tip: Only the forearms should move.
  4. Slowly begin to bring the dumbbells back to starting position as your breathe in.
  5. Repeat the movement with the left hand. This equals one repetition.
  6. Continue alternating in this manner for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Muscles worked

Primary: BicepsSecondary: Forearms

Sets and reps

Do 3 sets of 10-15 reps with 60-90 seconds of rest, using a weight you can control through the full range. Add reps first, then weight.

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Hammer Curl alternatives

Exercises that train the same main muscle, including options with other equipment.

Barbell CurlBarbell · BeginnerDumbbell CurlDumbbell · BeginnerPreacher CurlMachine · BeginnerCable CurlCable · BeginnerReverse Plate CurlsOther · BeginnerConcentration CurlsDumbbell · Beginner

FAQ

What muscles does the hammer curl work?

It mainly works your biceps; your forearms assist.

How many sets and reps of hammer curl should I do?

Do 3 sets of 10-15 reps with 60-90 seconds of rest, using a weight you can control through the full range. Add reps first, then weight.

Is the hammer curl good for beginners?

Yes. It is a beginner-friendly movement: start light and focus on the form steps above.

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