Biceps · Dumbbell

Alternate Hammer Curl

An isolation movement that trains your biceps, done with a dumbbell. Your forearms help out.

Alternate Hammer Curl, starting positionAlternate Hammer Curl, end position

Muscles you'll work

Alternate Hammer Curl muscles worked, front viewAlternate Hammer Curl muscles worked, back view
BicepsPrimaryForearmsSecondary

How to do it

  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.

More biceps exercises

Cross Body Hammer CurlHammer CurlsIncline Hammer Curls21s Bicep Curl
EquipmentDumbbell
TypeIsolation
Push or pullPull
LevelBeginner

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