The main muscle group listed for this exercise.
Dumbbell Alternate Bicep Curl
Dumbbell Alternate Bicep Curl is a beginner-friendly arm exercise performed with dumbbells.
The equipment listed for this variation.
The recorded setup and movement complexity.
Arms
No secondary muscle group is listed for this variation.
Strength
Movement pattern: elbow flexion. This is an isolation exercise.
Beginner
This level reflects the setup and movement complexity recorded for this exercise.
How to do Dumbbell Alternate Bicep Curl
- Stand (torso upright) with a dumbbell in each hand held at arms length. The elbows should be close to the torso and the palms of your hand should be facing your thighs.
- While holding the upper arm stationary, curl the right weight as you rotate the palm of the hands until they are facing forward. At this point continue contracting the biceps as you breathe out until your biceps is fully contracted and the dumbbells are at shoulder level. Hold the contracted position for a second as you squeeze the biceps. Tip: Only the forearms should move.
- Slowly begin to bring the dumbbell back to the starting position as your breathe in. Tip: Remember to twist the palms back to the starting position (facing your thighs) as you come down.
- Repeat the movement with the left hand. This equals one repetition.
- Continue alternating in this manner for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Workout templates that use this exercise.
If you want to see this movement inside a more complete training session, start here.
3-Day Full Body Split
A three-day split that spreads total weekly work across three full-body sessions.
View workout4-Day Upper Lower Split
A simple four-day split that gives each half of the body two quality sessions each week.
View workout5-Day Bodybuilding Split
A traditional five-day bodybuilding split for lifters who enjoy focusing on one or two regions per session.
View workoutMore exercises in the same lane.
Use these when you want a similar movement pattern, a different setup, or more exercise options for the same target area.
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Alternate Hammer Curl is a beginner-friendly arm exercise performed with dumbbells.
View exerciseAlternate Incline Dumbbell Curl
Alternate Incline Dumbbell Curl is a beginner-friendly arm exercise performed with dumbbells.
View exerciseConcentration Curls
Concentration Curls is a beginner-friendly arm exercise performed with dumbbells.
View exerciseDumbbell Bicep Curl
Dumbbell Bicep Curl is a beginner-friendly arm exercise performed with dumbbells.
View exerciseRelated calculators for this exercise.
Use these calculators when you want to connect the exercise itself to calories, protein, strength targets, or training volume.
Common questions about Dumbbell Alternate Bicep Curl.
What muscles does Dumbbell Alternate Bicep Curl work?
Dumbbell Alternate Bicep Curl primarily trains the arms.
Is Dumbbell Alternate Bicep Curl beginner-friendly?
Yes. It is listed as beginner-friendly.
What equipment do I need for Dumbbell Alternate Bicep Curl?
This variation uses dumbbells.
Track this exercise for free in Logbook.
Once the movement is in your plan, use Logbook to record sets, reps, load, and progress without guessing what happened last week.