Hammer Curl - Seated Dumbbell Alternate

Recommendations: 2-3 Sets, 8-12 Reps, 80 Wght

Beginner Biceps Forearms Shoulders Traps Strength Dumbbell Flat Bench Pull Gym

Purpose: This exercise strengthens the biceps.

Benefits: This exercise isolates the biceps so that momentum does not come into play. Using a hammer grip keeps the hands in a very strong position.

Sit on a bench, with your feet flat on the floor. Hold two dumbbells at your sides and your palms facing inward (hammer grip). This is the starting position. Curl the right dumbbell up to your chin while maintaining the hammer grip. Your upper arm should stationary throughout the entire motion. Exhale during this movement. Squeeze the biceps and move the elbow out about 1-2 inches. This movement will work the long head of the biceps where it crosses the shoulder joint. Slowly lower the dumbbell to the starting position. Inhale during this movement. Curl the left dumbbell up to your chin while maintaining the hammer grip. Your upper arm should stationary throughout the entire motion. Exhale during this movement. Squeeze the biceps and move the elbow out about 1-2 inches. This movement will work the long head of the biceps where it crosses the shoulder joint. Slowly lower the dumbbell to the starting position. Inhale during this movement. Repeat for the required number of repetitions.


The biceps muscle is a straight muscle with 2 heads. The long head crosses both the elbow and shoulder joints and bends the elbow and raises the arm forward at the shoulder. The short head of the biceps crosses the elbow joint and, in conjunction with the brachioradialis, supinates the hand..

Step 1

Sit on a bench holding dumbbells at your sides with palms facing inward.

hammer-curl-seated-dumbbell-alternate-step-0

Sit on a bench, with your feet flat on the floor. Hold dumbbells at your sides with your hands facing inward (hammer grip). This is the starting position.

Step 2

Curl the right dumbbell to your chin. Move the elbow out to work the long bicep head.

hammer-curl-seated-dumbbell-alternate-step-1

Curl the right dumbbell up to your chin while maintaining a hammer grip. Your upper arm should stationary throughout the entire motion. Exhale during this movement. Squeeze the biceps and move the elbow out about 1-2 inches. This movement will work the long head of the biceps where it crosses the shoulder joint.

Step 3

Slowly lower the dumbbell until your arms are straight.

hammer-curl-seated-dumbbell-alternate-step-2

Slowly lower the dumbbell to the starting position. Inhale during this movement. Hold two dumbbells at your sides and your palms facing inward.

Step 4

Curl the left dumbbell to your chin. Move the elbow out to work the long bicep head.

hammer-curl-seated-dumbbell-alternate-step-3

Curl the left dumbbell up to your chin while maintaining a hammer grip. Your upper arm should stationary throughout the entire motion. Exhale during this movement. Squeeze the biceps and move the elbow out about 1-2 inches. This movement will work the long head of the biceps where it crosses the shoulder joint.

Step 5

Slowly lower the dumbbell until your arms are straight.

hammer-curl-seated-dumbbell-alternate-step-4

Slowly lower the dumbbell to the starting position. Inhale during this movement. Hold two dumbbells at your sides and your palms facing inward.