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Dumbbell Concentration Curl on Stability Ball

Intermediate
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An isolation curl using a dumbbell while seated on a stability ball, targeting the biceps for hypertrophy while engaging core stabilizers for balance and control.

About Exercise

Equipment

Dumbbells, Stability Ball

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Biceps

Secondary Muscles

Forearms, Abs, Obliques

Accessory Muscles

Shoulders, Traps

Popularity Score

5

Goals

Hypertrophy
Strength
Stability

Training Style

Bodybuilding
Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Biceps

10/10

Short Head, Brachialis

Forearms

5/10

Flexors

Abs

4/10

Transverse Abdominis

Obliques

3/10

External Obliques

Shoulders

2/10

Anterior Delts

Traps

2/10

Upper Traps

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

45-90 seconds • Shorter rests for higher reps in hypertrophy sets

How to Perform

Sit on a stability ball with feet wide and flat on the floor for stability. Hold a dumbbell with an underhand grip and brace your working elbow against your inner thigh above the knee.

  1. Keep your upper arm stationary and curl the dumbbell toward your shoulder.
  2. Squeeze your bicep at the top for one second.
  3. Slowly lower the dumbbell to full arm extension without locking the elbow.
  4. Switch arms after completing reps on one side.
  5. Maintain core engagement to stay balanced on the ball.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Elbow fixed on thigh
  • Squeeze bicep hard
  • Body still, no momentum
  • Core tight for balance
  • Slow controlled descent

Breathing

Inhale as you lower the dumbbell and exhale as you curl it up, bracing your core throughout.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

Lower until arm is fully extended toward the floor, then curl until dumbbell reaches shoulder height without swinging.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Use a properly inflated, size-appropriate stability ball to avoid bursting.
  • Start with light weight to master balance before progressing.
  • Keep workspace clear of obstacles to prevent falls.
  • Avoid if you have acute wrist or elbow issues.
  • Inspect ball for damage before use.
  • Consult a professional if new to unstable surface training.

Spotting

Spotting not required; focus on self-control with light weights. Use safeties like a stable chair nearby if balance is a concern for beginners.

Common Mistakes

  • Swinging the weight with torso
  • Rounding the back on the ball
  • Using free hand for support
  • Locking elbows at bottom
  • Poor ball stability from narrow feet

When to Avoid

  • Acute elbow or wrist injuries
  • Lower back pain
  • Balance impairments
  • Recent abdominal surgery

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate shoulder flexion for arm positioning
  • Wrist mobility for supinated grip

Build Up First

  • Mastery of standard dumbbell curls
  • Familiarity with stability ball sitting for balance
  • Basic core bracing technique

Also known as

Stability Ball Concentration Curl, Swiss Ball Bicep Curl, Ball Dumbbell Concentration Curl, Physioball Concentration Curl

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