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Seated Dumbbell Curl

Seated Dumbbell Curl is a beginner isolation dumbbell exercise that mainly works your biceps.

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

How to do the seated dumbbell curl

  1. Sit on a flat bench with a dumbbell on each hand being held at arms length. The elbows should be close to the torso.
  2. Rotate the palms of the hands so that they are facing your torso. This will be your starting position.
  3. While holding the upper arm stationary, curl the weights and start twisting the wrists once the dumbbells pass your thighs so that the palms of your hands face forward at the end of the movement. Make sure that you contract the biceps as you breathe out and make sure that only the forearms move. Continue the movement until your biceps are fully contracted and the dumbbells are at shoulder level. Hold the contracted position for a second as you squeeze the biceps.
  4. Slowly begin to bring the dumbbells back to the starting position as your breathe in and as you rotate the wrists back to a neutral grip.
  5. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Muscles worked

Primary: Biceps

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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Seated Dumbbell 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 · BeginnerHammer CurlDumbbell · Beginner

FAQ

What muscles does the seated dumbbell curl work?

It mainly works your biceps.

How many sets and reps of seated dumbbell 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 seated dumbbell curl good for beginners?

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

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