Dumbbell Incline Bicep Curl

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Beginner

An isolation curl on an incline bench that stretches and targets the biceps long head for hypertrophy and strength; uses dumbbells for controlled elbow flexion.

About Exercise

Equipment

Dumbbells, Incline Bench

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Biceps

Secondary Muscles

Forearms, Shoulders

Popularity Score

8

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

Forearms

5/10

Flexors

Shoulders

3/10

Anterior Delts

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Sit on a 45-60 degree incline bench with back supported, feet flat on floor. Hold dumbbells with supinated grip, arms fully extended hanging at sides.

  1. Keep upper arms stationary against bench.
  2. Exhale and curl dumbbells toward shoulders, rotating palms up.
  3. Squeeze biceps at top.
  4. Inhale and slowly lower dumbbells to full extension.
  5. Maintain control throughout.
  6. Repeat for reps.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Elbows fixed to sides.
  • Squeeze at peak.
  • Control the descent.
  • Palms face up.

Breathing

Inhale during eccentric lowering; exhale during concentric curl while bracing core.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

From full elbow extension at bottom to near full flexion at top, with dumbbells beside shoulders without touching.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Use weight allowing full control.
  • Avoid if elbow or shoulder pain present.
  • Keep wrists neutral.
  • Consult physician for pre-existing conditions.

Spotting

Not typically needed; self-spot with lighter weights or use safety pins if heavy.

Common Mistakes

  • Swinging weights with momentum.
  • Flaring elbows outward.
  • Incomplete stretch at bottom.
  • Arching back off bench.

When to Avoid

  • Acute elbow tendonitis
  • Shoulder impingement
  • Wrist instability

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion to 150 degrees
  • Elbow extension full range

Build Up First

  • Master basic standing dumbbell curl form
  • Proper grip strength

Also known as

Incline Dumbbell Curl, Incline Bicep Curl, Seated Incline Curl

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