GymPlan AI
Exercises › Biceps › Zottman Curl

Zottman Curl

Zottman Curl is an intermediate isolation dumbbell exercise that mainly works your biceps, with help from your forearms.

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

How to do the zottman 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. Make sure the palms of the hands are facing each other. This will be your starting position.
  3. While holding the upper arm stationary, curl the weights while contracting the biceps as you breathe out. Only the forearms should move. Your wrist should rotate so that you have a supinated (palms up) grip. Continue the movement until your biceps are fully contracted and the dumbbells are at shoulder level.
  4. Hold the contracted position for a second as you squeeze the biceps.
  5. Now during the contracted position, rotate your wrist until you now have a pronated (palms facing down) grip with the thumb at a higher position than the pinky.
  6. Slowly begin to bring the dumbbells back down using the pronated grip.
  7. As the dumbbells close your thighs, start rotating the wrist so that you go back to a neutral (palms facing your body) grip.
  8. Repeat 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.

Track your zottman curl with GymPlan AI

Log every set in seconds, see your progress on charts, and ask the AI coach to build a plan around your goals and equipment. 7 days free, no card needed.

Start your free trial

Zottman 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 zottman curl work?

It mainly works your biceps; your forearms assist.

How many sets and reps of zottman 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 zottman curl good for beginners?

It suits lifters with some experience. Beginners can start with a lighter weight or one of the alternatives below.

More biceps exercises →