Illustration of Concentration Curl (Dumbbell) exercise

Concentration Curl (Dumbbell)

An isolation exercise that targets the biceps brachii, focusing on the peak contraction. It emphasizes mind-muscle connection for optimal bicep growth.

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biceps Muscles
Full Body
biceps Muscles
biceps Muscles

Primary Muscle

Long head (Biceps)

Secondary Muscles

Short head (Biceps)
Brachialis
Brachioradialis

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Concentration Curl (Dumbbell)

Average of all records in a cycle

74%
216.7 lbs
79%
219 lbs
Est. 1RM (lbs)Current: 219Average: 216.7

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Seated Position

Sit on a bench with your feet flat on the floor. Choose a dumbbell weight appropriate for your strength level.

  • Maintain good posture
  • Keep your back straight

2. Grip and Rest

Hold the dumbbell with an underhand grip. Rest your upper arm on the inside of your thigh, keeping your elbow close to your body.

  • Ensure a secure grip
  • Maintain contact between your elbow and thigh

3. Curl Upward

Slowly curl the dumbbell upwards, focusing on contracting your biceps. Avoid swinging or using momentum.

  • Maintain controlled movement
  • Focus on the bicep contraction

4. Peak Contraction

At the top of the movement, hold for a moment to feel the full bicep contraction.

  • Squeeze your biceps hard
  • Maintain the posture

5. Controlled Lowering

Slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position, keeping your elbow close to your body and maintaining control.

  • Avoid dropping the weight
  • Control the movement throughout

Form Tips

Controlled Movement

Focus on slow, controlled movements to maximize bicep activation and minimize risk of injury.

Elbow Position

Keep your elbows tucked in throughout the exercise to isolate the biceps.

Mind-Muscle Connection

Concentrate on feeling your biceps work. Visualize the muscle contracting as you lift the weight.

Full Range of Motion

Ensure a complete range of motion, fully extending your arm at the bottom and fully contracting your biceps at the top.

Common Mistakes

Using momentum

Focus on controlled movements; use a lighter weight if you find yourself swinging.

Arching the back

Maintain a straight back and engage your core throughout the exercise.

Incompletely extending the arm

Ensure a full range of motion, completely extending the arm at the bottom of the movement.

Not focusing on the bicep contraction

Concentrate on squeezing your biceps at the top of the movement.

Using too much weight

Reduce the weight to maintain proper form and avoid injury.

Alternative Exercises

  • Hammer Curl
  • Incline Dumbbell Curl

Complementary Exercises

  • Overhead Triceps Extension
  • Bicep Cable Curls