Hammer Curl - Basic

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

Beginner Biceps Forearms Shoulders Strength Dumbbell Pull Gym

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

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

Stand upright, with your knees slightly bent and your feet shoulder-width apart. Grasp a dumbbell in each hand, with the palms of the hands facing inward, 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 dumbbells forward and upward while contracting the biceps. Exhale during this movement. Continue the movement until your biceps is fully contracted and the dumbbells are 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 dumbbells back to the starting position. Inhale during this movement. 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.