Back to library
Exercise Library
Dumbbell Seated Curl
A strict supinated dumbbell curl performed seated on a bench, removing leg drive and torso sway so the biceps do all the work.
ArmsDumbbellElbow flexion
GoLightWeight mediadumbbell-seated-curl
Demonstration coming soon
Primary
Biceps brachii
Secondary
BrachialisBrachioradialisForearms
Equipment
Dumbbell
Pattern
Elbow flexion
Setup
- 01Sit on a flat bench or upright-seat bench with a dumbbell in each hand.
- 02Let the arms hang at your sides with palms facing forward.
- 03Plant both feet and sit tall with the chest up.
- 04Pin the elbows lightly against the sides of the torso.
Execution
- 01Curl both dumbbells up by flexing the elbows, keeping the upper arms still.
- 02Squeeze the biceps hard as the dumbbells approach the front of the shoulders.
- 03Lower under control through the full range until the elbows are straight.
- 04Repeat without letting the torso rock forward or back.
Checkpoints
- -Elbows stay under the shoulders, not drifting forward.
- -Torso remains upright and still for every rep.
- -Palms stay supinated through the top of the curl.
- -The bottom position reaches a genuine full extension.
Common mistakes
- -Leaning back to finish heavy reps.
- -Shortening the bottom of the range to keep constant momentum.
- -Shrugging the shoulders up as the weight rises.
- -Letting the wrists break backward under load.
Programming notes
- -Use 3 to 4 sets of 8 to 12 reps as a primary biceps movement.
- -Expect roughly 10 to 20 percent less load than a standing curl due to the stricter position.
- -Add a slow 3 second lowering phase when loads are limited.
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