Back to library
Exercise Library
Dumbbell Seated Preacher Curl
A dumbbell curl performed seated at a preacher bench, using the angled pad to eliminate cheating and load the biceps hard in the stretched position.
ArmsDumbbellElbow flexion
GoLightWeight mediadumbbell-seated-preacher-curl
Demonstration coming soon
Primary
Biceps brachii
Secondary
BrachialisBrachioradialisForearms
Equipment
Dumbbell
Pattern
Elbow flexion
Setup
- 01Adjust the preacher seat so the top of the pad sits in your armpits.
- 02Sit down and place the backs of both upper arms flat on the angled pad.
- 03Hold a dumbbell in each hand with palms facing up.
- 04Start with the elbows almost fully extended down the pad.
Execution
- 01Curl the dumbbells up until the forearms are just short of vertical.
- 02Squeeze the biceps at the top without lifting the arms off the pad.
- 03Lower slowly through the full range until the elbows are nearly straight.
- 04Keep constant contact between the upper arms and the pad.
Checkpoints
- -Armpits stay snug against the top of the pad.
- -Elbows stay planted; they never lift or slide during the rep.
- -The lowering phase is slow and never dropped into a slam.
- -The bottom stretch is deep but not a violent hyperextension.
Common mistakes
- -Bouncing out of the stretched bottom position.
- -Rising off the seat to help heavy reps.
- -Stopping the lowering phase halfway down.
- -Letting the elbows flare off the edges of the pad.
Programming notes
- -Use 2 to 4 sets of 8 to 12 reps with lighter loads than free-standing curls.
- -The stretched-position tension makes it a strong hypertrophy pick; control the eccentric.
- -Alternate with single-arm preacher work to address side-to-side gaps.
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