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Incline dumbbell curl

A curl seated against an incline bench with the arms hanging slightly behind the torso. Use a bench angle and depth that do not pull uncomfortably on the front shoulders.

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At a glance

EquipmentDumbbell
Experience levelBeginner
Movement patternElbow flexion
Primary muscleBiceps
Also worksBrachialis, Forearm Flexors
Incline dumbbell curl: Exercise illustration (start) Incline dumbbell curl: Exercise illustration (peak)
Exercise data by RepDB (repdb.co).

The movement, step by step.

  1. Sit back on a moderately inclined bench with feet planted and dumbbells hanging at your sides.
  2. Turn the palms forward and keep your upper arms hanging naturally rather than forcing them backward.
  3. Bend the elbows to curl toward the shoulders while the upper arms remain mostly still.
  4. Lower slowly to a comfortable straight-arm position, keeping shoulders against the pad.

Technique cues

  • Keep the head supported and neck relaxed.
  • Let the elbows straighten without forcing a stretch.
  • Use less load than a standing curl if needed.

Common mistakes

  • Sliding the elbows forward to lift heavier weights.
  • Dropping into a painful stretch at the bottom.

Watch & learn

Professional demonstrations, opened on YouTube.

Alternatives

Log it in One Fitness Hub

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Educational guidance, not an individual training prescription. Start with a manageable load, work within a comfortable range, and stop if a movement causes pain. Ask a qualified coach for help with an unfamiliar setup. Practice the technique before increasing load. Repetitions and working weight depend on your goals, experience, and individual needs.

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