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Dumbbell Standing Preacher Curl
A strict single-arm curl performed standing behind a preacher bench, using the pad to eliminate cheating and load the biceps hard in the stretched position.
ArmsDumbbellElbow flexion
GoLightWeight mediadumbbell-standing-preacher-curl
Demonstration coming soon
Primary
Biceps brachii
Secondary
BrachialisForearm flexors
Equipment
Dumbbell
Pattern
Elbow flexion
Setup
- 01Stand behind a preacher bench so the pad angles down away from you.
- 02Drape the back of the working upper arm over the pad.
- 03Hold a dumbbell with an underhand grip and the arm nearly extended.
- 04Set the feet in a stable split and lean lightly into the pad.
Execution
- 01Curl the dumbbell up in an arc until the forearm is just short of vertical.
- 02Squeeze the biceps at the top without lifting the arm off the pad.
- 03Lower slowly until the elbow is almost fully extended.
- 04Finish the set and repeat on the other arm.
Checkpoints
- -The triceps stays in full contact with the pad on every rep.
- -The lowering phase stops just short of a hard elbow lockout.
- -The shoulder stays down instead of rolling over the pad.
- -The torso stays quiet; the pad does the stabilizing.
Common mistakes
- -Lifting the elbow off the pad at the top of the rep.
- -Slamming into full extension at the bottom.
- -Standing too tall so the armpit loses pad contact.
- -Loading too heavy for a controlled stretch.
Programming notes
- -Use 3 sets of 8 to 12 reps per arm with a 2 to 3 second lowering phase.
- -The stretched position carries most of the stimulus; do not rush it.
- -Pair with a standing curl to cover the full strength curve.
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