Back to library

Exercise Library

Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl V. 2

A neutral-grip curl brought across the torso toward the opposite shoulder, biasing the brachialis and brachioradialis for arm thickness and forearm strength.

ArmsDumbbellElbow flexion
GoLightWeight mediadumbbell-cross-body-hammer-curl-v-2

Demonstration coming soon

Primary

BrachialisBrachioradialis

Secondary

Biceps brachiiForearm flexors

Equipment

Dumbbell

Pattern

Elbow flexion

Setup

  1. 01Stand tall with feet hip width apart and a dumbbell in each hand.
  2. 02Hold the dumbbells at the sides with palms facing the thighs.
  3. 03Pull the shoulders back and brace the trunk.
  4. 04Keep a soft bend in the knees.

Execution

  1. 01Curl one dumbbell across the body toward the opposite shoulder, keeping the palm facing in.
  2. 02Keep the working elbow close to the torso as the forearm travels diagonally.
  3. 03Squeeze at the top near the opposite pec, then lower along the same diagonal path.
  4. 04Complete the rep to full extension, then curl with the other arm.

Checkpoints

  • -The palm stays neutral for the entire rep; no wrist rotation.
  • -The torso does not twist toward the working arm.
  • -The dumbbell travels a consistent diagonal line each rep.
  • -Full elbow extension at the bottom before the next rep.

Common mistakes

  • -Rotating the torso to bring the shoulder to the dumbbell.
  • -Swinging the weight up with hip drive.
  • -Letting the elbow wing away from the body at the top.
  • -Rushing the lowering phase down the diagonal.

Programming notes

  • -Use 3 to 4 sets of 8 to 12 reps per arm.
  • -Hammer-grip work tolerates slightly heavier loads than supinated curls; keep the path strict anyway.
  • -Slot it after a supinated curl to round out elbow flexor volume.

Related exercises

Almost there

Coming soon to iOS & Android

GoLightWeight is in the final stretch. Free to download, no account required to start.

Coming soonApp Store
Coming soonGoogle Play