Male model ex_TMYV5C

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Upper Arms · Dumbbell

Dumbbell Alternate Biceps Curl

intermediatestrengthOne side at a time

Dumbbell Alternate Biceps Curl is an intermediate isolation strength exercise that works the biceps (upper arms), with the forearms assisting. It needs a dumbbell. 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
Dumbbell
Category
Strength
Mechanic
Isolation
Force
Pull
Sets × reps
3 × 10-15
Calories / min
≈ 5.5 kcal

Primary muscles

  • Biceps · Biceps Brachii

Secondary muscles

  • Forearms · Brachialis, Brachioradialis

How to do Dumbbell Alternate Biceps Curl

  1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand with your arms fully extended by your sides and palms facing inwards.
  2. Keep your elbows close to your torso and curl the right dumbbell towards your shoulder by contracting your biceps. Rotate your forearm as you lift the dumbbell so that your palm faces your shoulder at the top of the movement.
  3. Squeeze your biceps at the top of the movement, then slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position.
  4. Repeat the movement with your left arm while keeping the right arm extended. Continue alternating arms for the desired number of repetitions.

Form tips

  • Keep your elbows stationary and close to your torso to isolate the biceps.
  • Avoid using momentum or swinging your body to lift the dumbbells.
  • Breathe out as you curl the dumbbell up and breathe in as you lower it.

Dumbbell Alternate Biceps Curl alternatives

More biceps exercises

Dumbbell Alternate Biceps Curl FAQ

What muscles does Dumbbell Alternate Biceps Curl work?

Dumbbell 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 Dumbbell Alternate Biceps Curl?

You need a dumbbell.

How many sets and reps of Dumbbell 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 Dumbbell 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 Dumbbell 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 Dumbbell Alternate Biceps Curl?

Other exercises for the biceps include Barbell Alternate Biceps Curl, Alternate Biceps Curl Resistance Band, Cable Biceps Curl (Ez-Bar) and Biceps Curl Cable.

For developers

Use Dumbbell 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_TMYV5C" \
  -H "X-WorkoutX-Key: YOUR_API_KEY"

{
  "id": "ex_TMYV5C",
  "name": "Dumbbell Alternate Biceps Curl",
  "model": "male",
  "target": "Biceps",
  "equipment": "Dumbbell",
  "media": {
    "mp4": "https://…/ex_TMYV5C/mp4-720.mp4?…",
    "poster": "https://…/ex_TMYV5C/poster.jpg?…"
  }
}