Female model ex_SB7IYD

Watermarked 360p preview. Through the API this animation plays without the watermark at 600 × 720, 30 fps. See plans

Upper Arms · Barbell

Barbell Alternate Biceps Curl

intermediatestrengthOne side at a time

Barbell Alternate Biceps Curl is an intermediate isolation strength exercise that works the biceps (upper arms), with the forearms assisting. It needs a barbell. A typical prescription is 3 sets of 10-15 reps per side, and it burns about 5.5 calories per minute.

Target
Biceps
Body part
Upper Arms
Equipment
Barbell
Category
Strength
Mechanic
Isolation
Force
Pull
Sets × reps
3 × 10-15
Calories / min
≈ 5.5 kcal

Primary muscles

  • Biceps · Biceps Brachii

Secondary muscles

  • Forearms · Brachioradialis

How to do Barbell Alternate Biceps Curl

  1. Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a barbell with one hand, your palm facing forward (supinated grip). Keep your arm fully extended by your side.
  2. Keep your elbow close to your torso. Slowly curl the barbell up towards your shoulder, maintaining the supinated grip with your palm facing upward.
  3. Squeeze your bicep at the top of the movement, ensuring your elbow stays stationary and close to your body.
  4. Slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position with control. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions, then switch to the other arm.

Form tips

  • Keep your back straight and shoulders back to maintain proper posture.
  • Visualize the bicep contraction to enhance the mind-muscle connection for better results.
  • Ensure your movements are symmetrical to avoid muscle imbalances; focus equally on both arms.

Barbell Alternate Biceps Curl alternatives

More biceps exercises

Barbell Alternate Biceps Curl FAQ

What muscles does Barbell Alternate Biceps Curl work?

Barbell Alternate Biceps Curl mainly works the biceps in the upper arms (Biceps Brachii). The forearms work as secondary muscles.

What equipment do you need for Barbell Alternate Biceps Curl?

You need a barbell.

How many sets and reps of Barbell Alternate Biceps Curl should I do?

Start with 3 sets of 10-15 reps per side. Pick a load or variation where the last one or two reps are hard but your form stays clean.

Is Barbell Alternate Biceps Curl good for beginners?

It's rated intermediate. Beginners can work up to it once they control simpler upper arms exercises.

How many calories does Barbell Alternate Biceps Curl burn?

About 5.5 calories per minute for a person of around 70 kg, based on a MET value of 4.5. Ten minutes of work is roughly 55 calories; heavier people burn more.

What is a good alternative to Barbell Alternate Biceps Curl?

Other exercises for the biceps include Alternate Biceps Curl Resistance Band, Dumbbell Alternate Biceps Curl, Alternate Biceps Curl Standing Dumbbells and Biceps Curl Resistance Band.

For developers

Use Barbell Alternate Biceps Curl in your app

Get this exercise and 1,900+ others from the WorkoutX API: 720p MP4 animations at 30 fps without the watermark, male and female models, muscles, instructions and form tips in 7 languages.

# One request returns the exercise and its 720p media links
curl "https://api.workoutxapp.com/v2/exercises/ex_SB7IYD" \
  -H "X-WorkoutX-Key: YOUR_API_KEY"

{
  "id": "ex_SB7IYD",
  "name": "Barbell Alternate Biceps Curl",
  "model": "female",
  "target": "Biceps",
  "equipment": "Barbell",
  "media": {
    "mp4": "https://…/ex_SB7IYD/mp4-720.mp4?…",
    "poster": "https://…/ex_SB7IYD/poster.jpg?…"
  }
}