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Dumbbell Alternate Biceps Curl (With Arm Blaster)

An alternating dumbbell curl performed with an arm blaster locking the upper arms against the torso, removing elbow drift for stricter biceps isolation.

ArmsDumbbellElbow flexion
GoLightWeight mediadumbbell-alternate-biceps-curl-with-arm-blaster

Demonstration coming soon

Primary

Biceps brachii

Secondary

BrachialisForearm flexors

Equipment

Dumbbell

Pattern

Elbow flexion

Setup

  1. 01Strap the arm blaster around the neck and rest it flat against the torso.
  2. 02Seat the backs of both upper arms against the blaster pads.
  3. 03Hold a dumbbell in each hand with arms extended.
  4. 04Stand tall with the core braced against the forward pull.

Execution

  1. 01Curl one dumbbell up while the upper arm stays pressed into the pad.
  2. 02Squeeze the biceps at the top, then lower to full extension.
  3. 03Curl the opposite arm as the first returns.
  4. 04Alternate strictly, keeping both elbows on the pads throughout.

Checkpoints

  • -Upper arms never leave the arm blaster pads.
  • -Each rep travels from full extension to full flexion.
  • -The neck stays relaxed; the strap carries the blaster, not a shrug.

Common mistakes

  • -Letting the elbow lift off the pad at the top of the curl.
  • -Leaning back to finish reps the pads will not allow to be cheated.
  • -Loading as heavy as free-standing curls and losing range.
  • -Letting the resting arm bend instead of hanging fully extended.

Programming notes

  • -Use 2 to 4 sets of 8 to 12 reps per arm with roughly 10 to 20 percent less load than free curls.
  • -The enforced strictness makes it a good hypertrophy finisher.
  • -Pair with hammer or reverse curls for complete elbow flexor coverage.

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