Dumbbell Hammer Curl

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Beginner
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Dumbbell hammer curl with neutral grip that targets brachialis and brachioradialis to build arm thickness and grip strength; a standing isolation exercise for upper arm development.

About Exercise

Equipment

Dumbbells

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Biceps

Secondary Muscles

Biceps

Popularity Score

9

Goals

Hypertrophy
Strength

Training Style

Bodybuilding

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Biceps

8/10

Brachialis, Long Head

Forearms

7/10

Flexors

Biceps

5/10

Short Head

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-12 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand at your sides with palms facing inward and elbows extended.

  1. Keep upper arms stationary and elbows tucked to sides.
  2. Flex elbows to curl dumbbells toward shoulders.
  3. Squeeze forearms and brachialis at top for one second.
  4. Slowly extend elbows to lower dumbbells to starting position.
  5. Maintain neutral grip throughout movement.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Elbows pinned to sides
  • Palms face each other
  • Control the descent
  • Squeeze at top
  • No body swing

Breathing

Inhale as you lower the weights, exhale as you curl upward while bracing your core.

Tempo

2-1-2

Range of Motion

From full elbow extension at sides to flexion where dumbbells reach shoulder level without shoulder elevation.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid heavy weights if elbow pain exists
  • Use lighter loads to prevent wrist strain
  • Keep shoulders relaxed to avoid traps dominance

Spotting

Not required; perform in front of mirror for form check or use lighter weights for self-regulation.

Common Mistakes

  • Swinging torso for momentum
  • Flaring elbows outward
  • Partial range of motion
  • Gripping too tightly at bottom

When to Avoid

  • Acute elbow tendonitis
  • Wrist instability

Flexibility Needed

  • Full elbow flexion and extension

Build Up First

  • Basic grip strength
  • Proper standing posture

Also known as

Hammer Curl, Neutral Grip Curl, DB Hammer Curl

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