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Dumbbell Twisted Hammer Curl

Intermediate
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A dumbbell curl variation starting in hammer grip and twisting to supinated position, targeting biceps and forearms to build arm strength and hypertrophy.

About Exercise

Equipment

Dumbbells

Difficulty

2/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Biceps

Popularity Score

5

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

9/10

Long Head, Short Head, Brachialis

Forearms

7/10

Flexors

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-12 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding dumbbells at sides with neutral grip, elbows close to torso and core engaged.

  1. Curl dumbbells upward while rotating wrists to supinated grip.
  2. Squeeze biceps at top with palms facing up.
  3. Slowly lower dumbbells while rotating back to neutral grip.
  4. Fully extend arms at bottom.
  5. Repeat for reps.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Elbows tucked tight.
  • Twist wrists smoothly.
  • Squeeze at top.
  • Control the descent.

Breathing

Exhale during the curl up; inhale as you lower.

Tempo

2-1-1

Range of Motion

From full arm extension at sides to dumbbells near shoulders with full biceps contraction.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid heavy weights causing form breakdown.
  • Stop if wrist or elbow pain occurs.
  • Engage core to protect back.

Spotting

Not typically needed; self-spot with lighter weights if necessary.

Common Mistakes

  • Swinging body for momentum.
  • Flaring elbows outward.
  • Incomplete wrist rotation.
  • Dropping weights quickly.

When to Avoid

  • Wrist injuries
  • Elbow tendonitis

Flexibility Needed

  • Wrist mobility for rotation

Build Up First

  • Basic curl form competency

Also known as

Twisting Dumbbell Curl, Rotational Hammer Curl

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