Hammer Curl - Resistance Tube Alternate

Recommendations: 2-3 Sets, 10-15 Reps

Beginner Biceps Forearms Shoulders Strength Resistance Tube Pull Gym

Purpose: The Alternate Hammer Curl focuses on the biceps but also involves the brachioradialis.

Benefits: The Alternative Hammer Curl places greater relative intensity on the biceps muscle. Using a hammer grip keeps the hands in a very strong position.

Obtain two resistance tubes of equal resistance. Stand upright, with your knees slightly bent and your feet shoulder-width apart, standing on one end of each resistance tube. Hold the resistance tube handles in each hand, with the palms of the hands facing inward (hammer grip), and let them hang at your side. Your elbows should be close to your body. This is your starting position. While holding the upper arms stationary, curl the right handle forward and upward while contracting the biceps. Exhale during this movement. Continue the movement until your biceps is fully contracted and the handle is at shoulder level. Continue by moving the elbows slightly forward (about 1 inch) to ensure the long head of the biceps is fully involved (the long head of the biceps crosses the shoulder joint) while you squeeze the biceps. Slowly bring the handle back to the starting position. Inhale during this movement. Hold the resistance tube handles in each hand, with the palms of the hands facing inward (hammer grip), and let them hang at your side. Your elbows should be close to your body. While holding the upper arms stationary, curl the left handle forward and upward while contracting the biceps. Exhale during this movement. Continue the movement until your biceps is fully contracted and the handle is at shoulder level. Continue by moving the elbows slightly forward (about 1 inch) to ensure the long head of the biceps is fully involved (the long head of the biceps crosses the shoulder joint) while you squeeze the biceps. Slowly bring the handle back to the starting position. Inhale during this movement. Hold the resistance tube handles in each hand, with the palms of the hands facing inward (hammer grip), and let them hang at your side. Your elbows should be close to your body. Repeat for the recommended number of repetitions.

The biceps is a straight muscle with two heads. The long head of the biceps crosses both the elbow and the shoulder joints. It bends the elbow and raises the arm forward at the shoulder. The short head crosses the elbow joint and, in conjunction with the brachioradialis muscle, supinates the hand.