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Dumbbell Seated Hammer Curl
A neutral-grip curl performed seated to isolate the brachialis and brachioradialis alongside the biceps, with the seat removing body English.
ArmsDumbbellElbow flexion
GoLightWeight mediadumbbell-seated-hammer-curl
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Primary
BrachialisBiceps brachii
Secondary
BrachioradialisForearms
Equipment
Dumbbell
Pattern
Elbow flexion
Setup
- 01Sit tall on a flat or upright bench with a dumbbell in each hand.
- 02Hold the dumbbells at your sides with palms facing your body.
- 03Plant the feet and brace the trunk lightly.
- 04Keep the elbows close to the ribs.
Execution
- 01Curl both dumbbells up while keeping the thumbs-up neutral grip.
- 02Bring the dumbbells toward the front of the shoulders without rotating the wrists.
- 03Squeeze at the top, then lower under control to full extension.
- 04Keep the upper arms vertical the entire set.
Checkpoints
- -Palms face each other from start to finish.
- -Elbows do not travel forward as the weight rises.
- -Torso stays upright with no rocking.
- -Dumbbells move in a clean arc, not a swing.
Common mistakes
- -Swinging the dumbbells with shoulder momentum.
- -Rotating to a supinated grip mid-rep.
- -Stopping short of full elbow extension at the bottom.
- -Leaning back as fatigue builds.
Programming notes
- -Use 3 to 4 sets of 8 to 12 reps; neutral grip usually allows slightly more load than a supinated seated curl.
- -Rotate with supinated curls across a training block to cover all elbow flexors.
- -Useful for lifters with wrist discomfort during supinated curling.
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