During this exercise, the wrists, forearms and shoulders work as stabilizers, indirectly providing strengthening and joint support.
Bicep curls can be performed using free weights, elastic bands or machines designed specifically to train this muscle. You can also do this exercise while seated or standing. If standing, the postural muscles, particularly the abdominals and low back, are worked to a greater degree than if seated.
Technique: Hold weights in each hand, arms straight and next to your sides and palms facing forward. Gently squeeze the shoulder blades together and down, to help keep the shoulders from hunching or rounding forward. This position is the beginning, or lengthening, phase of the exercise. (See photo 1.)
Next, bend your elbows and slowly bring the weights toward your shoulders. Try to keep your elbows from traveling forward or away from your sides, and avoid letting the wrists bend when lifting. This is the muscle contracting/strengthening phase of the exercise. (See photo 2.)
Return to starting position, lowering the weights in a slow and controlled fashion.
Variations
Hammer curls: Instead of palms facing front, turn your palms inward, so that they face your sides.
Preacher curls: With this variation, a preacher curl machine is used, or the arms are draped over a surface so that the elbows are in front of the body as the weight is lifted. If attempting this version, avoid overextending the arms, which can put needless strain on the elbow joint.
Concentration curls: This variation is performed seated, holding a dumbbell in one hand. The upper body leans forward slightly, with the elbow placed on the inside of the same side knee, arm straight. Lift the dumbbell upwards toward your shoulder while keeping your upper arm still. Pause briefly and then slowly lower.
21's: Within one continual set, the weights are lifted only halfway up for seven repetitions, then lowered halfway down for seven repetitions, finishing with seven full bicep curls.
Safety tips
If you are unaccustomed to exercise, it is advisable to get clearance from your doctor beforehand. Begin with light weights and two to three sets of eight to 12 repetitions, and increase resistance as you become stronger.
The biceps work in tandem with other muscle groups, such as when performing exercises for the back, so take this into consideration when planning a strength-training routine to avoid overtraining.
Recovery of the muscles is important. The more intense the workout, the longer period of time should elapse before doing the same exercise again. Generally speaking, allow two to three days of rest before working the same muscle group again.
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