Alternating Dumbbell Curl

Standing with palms up, curl one dumbbell at a time through the full range from the thigh to the shoulder; elbows stay pinned to your sides.

Alternating Dumbbell Curl, illustrated

How to do it

Setup

Stand tall, bells hanging at the thighs, palms up, elbows pinned.

Steps

  1. Curl one bell through the full range to the shoulder.
  2. Lower it fully before the other starts.
  3. Alternate arms, torso quiet.

Common mistakes

Both bells drifting up together: one works, one RESTS fully. Leaning away from the working arm: stand square. Short bottoms: full straight arm each rep.

Breathing

Exhale on each curl, inhale lowering.