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


How to do the zottman preacher curl
- Grab a dumbbell in each hand and place your upper arms on top of the preacher bench or the incline bench. The dumbbells should be held at shoulder height and the elbows should be flexed. Hold the dumbbells with the palms of your hands facing down. This will be your starting position.
- As you breathe in, slowly lower the dumbbells keeping the palms down until your upper arm is extended and your biceps are fully stretched.
- Now rotate your wrists once you are at the bottom of the movement so that the palms of the hands are facing up.
- As you exhale, use your biceps to curl the weights up until they are fully contracted and the dumbbells are at shoulder height. Again, remember that to ensure full contraction you need to bring that small finger higher than the thumb.
- Squeeze the biceps hard for a second at the contracted position and rotate your wrists so that the palms are facing down again.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Muscles worked
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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Start your free trialZottman Preacher Curl alternatives
Exercises that train the same main muscle, including options with other equipment.
Barbell CurlBarbell · Beginner
Dumbbell CurlDumbbell · Beginner
Preacher CurlMachine · Beginner
Cable CurlCable · Beginner
Reverse Plate CurlsOther · Beginner
Hammer CurlDumbbell · BeginnerFAQ
What muscles does the zottman preacher curl work?
It mainly works your biceps; your forearms assist.
How many sets and reps of zottman preacher 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 preacher curl good for beginners?
It suits lifters with some experience. Beginners can start with a lighter weight or one of the alternatives below.