Dumbbell Hammer Curl: Video Tutorial & Exercise Guide

Author Ether Brown

Written By: Ether Brown

Updated: Oct 13, 2024

Workout Dumbbell Hammer Curl
Primary Muscle Group Biceps
Secondary Muscle Group Forearms
Equipment Required Dumbbell
Force Type Pull
Mechanics Isolation
Exercise Type Strength
Difficulty Beginner

Dumbbell Hammer Curl: Video Tutorial & Exercise Guide

Muscle Groups

Primary Muscle Group

Biceps Muscle Exercises

Secondary Muscles Group

Dumbbell Hammer Curl: Step-by-Step Guide

  • Step 1: Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand with a neutral grip (palms facing each other). Keep your arms fully extended by your sides.
  • Step 2: Engage your core and keep your shoulders back. Begin curling the dumbbells up toward your shoulders, keeping your elbows close to your body and avoiding any movement from your shoulders.
  • Step 3: Squeeze your biceps at the top of the movement, making sure to maintain a neutral grip throughout.
  • Step 4: Slowly lower the dumbbells back to the starting position in a controlled manner, keeping tension on your biceps as you lower the weights.
  • Step 5: Repeat for the desired number of repetitions, ensuring control throughout each rep.

Dumbbell Hammer Curl: Overview

The Dumbbell Hammer Curl is a highly effective exercise for building the biceps, brachialis, and forearms. The neutral grip used in this exercise reduces strain on the wrists and elbows, while targeting the biceps and brachioradialis muscles, helping to build stronger, more defined arms.

This exercise is suitable for all fitness levels and is a great alternative to traditional bicep curls for those looking to add variety to their arm workout while improving arm thickness and forearm strength.

Dumbbell Hammer Curls: Benefits

Dumbbell Hammer Curls target the brachialis and brachioradialis muscles in addition to the biceps, helping to improve both arm size and strength. This exercise is especially beneficial for building the thickness of the upper arm by targeting the brachialis, which lies underneath the biceps.

The neutral grip used in hammer curls reduces strain on the wrists and elbows, making it a good option for those who experience discomfort with traditional curls. Regularly performing hammer curls can also enhance grip strength and forearm development, improving overall arm function and appearance.

Dumbbell Hammer Curl: Pro Tips & Advanced Techniques

Focus on slow, controlled movements to fully engage the biceps and brachialis. Avoid swinging your body or using momentum to lift the dumbbells. For an added challenge, you can increase time under tension by slowing down the eccentric (lowering) phase, or try alternating curls to focus on one arm at a time. Another advanced technique is to hold the contraction at the top of the curl for 1-2 seconds before lowering the weight.

Dumbbell Hammer Curls: Progression Plan

Beginner

Sets: 2-3
Reps: 10-12
Progression Tips: Start with light dumbbells to master form and avoid swinging. Gradually increase the weight as you build strength and control.

Intermediate

Sets: 3-4
Reps: 12-15
Progression Tips: Increase the weight while focusing on a strong contraction at the top of each rep. Add slow negatives to challenge the muscles further.

Advanced

Sets: 4-5
Reps: 15-20
Progression Tips: Use heavier dumbbells, or perform alternating hammer curls to increase the load on each arm. Incorporate a pause at the top of the movement to maximize tension on the muscles.

Dumbbell Hammer Curl: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What muscles do Dumbbell Hammer Curls target?

+

Dumbbell Hammer Curls primarily target the brachialis and brachioradialis muscles, but they also engage the biceps and forearms.

Are Dumbbell Hammer Curls suitable for beginners?

+

Yes, Dumbbell Hammer Curls are beginner-friendly. Start with lighter dumbbells and focus on proper form before progressing to heavier weights.

How often should I perform Dumbbell Hammer Curls?

+

Incorporate Dumbbell Hammer Curls into your arm routine 1-2 times per week, allowing adequate recovery time between sessions for optimal muscle growth.

What common mistakes should I avoid?

+

Avoid swinging your body or using momentum to lift the dumbbells. Focus on slow, controlled reps and keep your elbows close to your sides throughout the movement.

Can I perform Dumbbell Hammer Curls with different variations?

+

Yes, you can perform alternating hammer curls, seated hammer curls, or use a rope attachment on a cable machine to add variety to your arm workout while targeting the same muscles.

Releted Exercises