Dumbbell Concentration Curl

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Beginner
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A seated isolation curl using a dumbbell, stabilizing the upper arm against the inner thigh. This movement maximally targets the biceps for strength and hypertrophy.

About Exercise

Equipment

Dumbbells, Flat Bench

Difficulty

1/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Biceps

Secondary Muscles

Forearms

Accessory Muscles

Shoulders

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Hypertrophy
Strength

Training Style

Bodybuilding

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

Yes

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Biceps

10/10

Long Head, Short Head, Brachialis

Forearms

3/10

Flexors

Shoulders

2/10

Anterior Delts

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds • Rest long enough to maintain strict form on both sides.

How to Perform

Sit on a flat bench with feet flat and wide apart. Hold a dumbbell with an underhand grip, lean forward, and rest the back of the working elbow firmly against the inner thigh.

  1. Fully extend the arm, letting the dumbbell hang straight down toward the floor.
  2. Curl the dumbbell slowly toward your shoulder, contracting the bicep hard at the peak.
  3. Maintain contact between your elbow and your inner thigh throughout the lift.
  4. Squeeze the bicep fully, then slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position.
  5. Complete all required reps on one side before switching arms.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Lock your elbow down
  • Squeeze the peak
  • Full stretch at bottom
  • Lift with strict form

Breathing

Inhale as you lower the weight during the eccentric phase and exhale forcefully as you curl the weight up.

Tempo

3-0-1

Range of Motion

Move from a position of full elbow extension (straight arm) to maximum elbow flexion, contracting the bicep near the shoulder.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Use moderate weight to ensure strict isolation and proper form.
  • If leaning forward causes lower back strain, use a lighter weight.

Spotting

Not recommended due to isolation nature; use lighter weight if form begins to break down.

Common Mistakes

  • Rocking the torso to generate momentum.
  • Lifting the elbow off the thigh support.
  • Stopping short of full arm extension.

When to Avoid

  • Acute elbow or wrist pain.

Also known as

Concentration Curl, Seated Dumbbell Curl

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