ActiveWorkouts5 types of bicep curls and their unique benefitsIt’s time to blow up your biceps!When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
ActiveWorkouts5 types of bicep curls and their unique benefitsIt’s time to blow up your biceps!When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
It’s time to blow up your biceps!
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Operation big arms often means one thing – bicep curls! After all, this isolation exercise is pretty easy to execute, making it ideal for lifters of all levels, and it delivers the goods when it comes to sizeandstrength.
But, no matter how effective, constant curling can get boring. Not to mention, if your goal is to build dimensional biceps, it’s best to incorporate other variations in your training so you’re hitting both the short head (inner portion of the bicep) and the long head (outer portion). Here’s five variations of the bicep curl to help you build stronger arms.
1. Hammer curls
(Image credit: Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)
When biceps curls aren’t in someone’s programme, you can bet hammer curls are instead. With hammer curls, thedumbbellsare curled with a neutral grip (palms facing inward) so, not only do they hit the long head of bicep, but they work your forearms too. They also target the brachialis muscle (which sits below the long head) and, although it isn’t technically part of the biceps, it contributes to its overall thickness. If you therefore want to increase the overall size of your arms whilst boosting your grip strength, hammer curls are a good go-to.
2. Barbell curls
(Image credit: Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)
If you’re looking for size, strength, and definition, the barbell curl is your ticket. Using a barbell allows you to lift more weight as you’re using both arms at the same time, helping you to overload the biceps and drive more muscle growth. To really reap the benefits though, you need to focus on the eccentric portion of the lift, as this is the part of the exercise where the muscle damage occurs, helping them grow back bigger and stronger. So, slowly lower the barbell, don’t just drop it! Also, if your wrists hurt with a regularOlympic barbell, opt for an EZ bar instead.
3. Zottman curls
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
You may not be familiar withZottman curls, but it’s a nice variation to mix things up a bit (not to mention they leave a very impressive pump too). Zottman curls use an underhand and overhand grip during different portions of the lift, so as well as hitting both bicep heads, they also work your forearms too. Is it the most effective bicep exercise out there? Possibly not, as the eccentric portion of the lift places more focus on the forearm. That being said, it’s still a great one to include for some diversity.
4. Spider curls
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
We’re still unsure where spider curls got their name from, but it’s a dumbbell curl performed with your chest resting against an inclinedweight bench. This isolates the biceps and prevents other muscles from helping you move the weight, so your biceps are forced to work harder. However, this does mean you’re most likely not going to be able to lift as much weight as you would with other bicep exercises, so don’t be disheartened if you go down a couple of dumbbells.
5. Incline dumbbell curl
(Image credit: Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)
The incline dumbbell curl is quite self-explanatory, where you perform a bicep curl sitting on an incline weight bench. However, it’s the incline position that adds a little extra magic to this move, as it positions your hands behind your body. What this does is place extra emphasis on the long head of the bicep and extends the range of motion that the dumbbell has to travel, putting more tension on the muscles. This also makes it a great choice if you’re really looking to achieve that all-important mind-muscle connection, which studies have shown drive hypertrophy.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 review: sensational sound, ordinary ANCBowers & Wilkins' step-down true wireless earbuds sound amazing and are well-priced – so what’s the catch, if anything?
Bowers & Wilkins' step-down true wireless earbuds sound amazing and are well-priced – so what’s the catch, if anything?
Try this 4-week core workout plan to build strength, stability, and definitionUnlock full-body power with this simple yet effective core routine – no endless crunches, just real results
Unlock full-body power with this simple yet effective core routine – no endless crunches, just real results
