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Dumbbell Seated Biceps Curl (On Stability Ball)

A standard supinated dumbbell curl performed seated on a stability ball, adding a trunk stability demand while removing the leg drive and torso sway available when standing.

ArmsDumbbellElbow flexion
GoLightWeight mediadumbbell-seated-biceps-curl-on-stability-ball

Demonstration coming soon

Primary

Biceps brachii

Secondary

BrachialisForearmsCore

Equipment

Dumbbell

Pattern

Elbow flexion

Setup

  1. 01Sit tall on a stability ball with feet flat and about hip width apart.
  2. 02Hold a dumbbell in each hand at your sides with palms facing forward.
  3. 03Brace the core and set the shoulder blades down and back.
  4. 04Find a stable base before starting; the ball should not roll during the set.

Execution

  1. 01Curl both dumbbells up by bending the elbows, keeping the upper arms vertical.
  2. 02Squeeze the biceps at the top without letting the elbows drift forward.
  3. 03Lower the dumbbells under control to a full elbow extension.
  4. 04Maintain an upright, still torso on the ball throughout.

Checkpoints

  • -Hips and the ball stay motionless from rep to rep.
  • -Elbows stay at the sides rather than drifting forward.
  • -Wrists stay neutral, not curled back under load.
  • -Each rep travels from full extension to full flexion.

Common mistakes

  • -Bouncing on the ball to generate momentum.
  • -Leaning back at the top of the curl.
  • -Cutting the range short at the bottom.
  • -Letting the feet slide and the ball drift.

Programming notes

  • -Use 2 to 4 sets of 8 to 15 reps with slightly lighter loads than a bench-seated curl.
  • -Good option when you want a curl plus low-grade core work in one slot.
  • -Slow the lowering to 2 to 3 seconds to make light dumbbells productive.

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