Exercise of the Week: Standing Alternating Bicep Curl

Emphasis

The primary muscles stressed in this movement are the muscles in the front of your upper arm (biceps brachii and brachialis). The secondary muscles stressed are the muscles in your forearms and the front of your shoulder.

Starting Position

With a dumbbell in each hand (wrist straight), extend your arms down at your sides with your palms facing toward your body and elbows at your sides. Stand straight up and down with your feet shoulder width apart and knees slightly bent.

Movement

Turn your right hand out until your palm is facing forward. Raise the dumbbell up as far as you can without moving your elbows. At this point, turn your little finger toward your shoulder and contract your bicep hard for peak contraction. Take two to three seconds to lower the dumbbell down to the extended position. Do not turn your palm back in toward your body until you have reached the extended position. Repeat with the left arm, performing the same amount of reps as you alternate each side.

Training Tips

Keep your elbow in at your side as you raise the dumbbell. If you allow your elbow to move up as you raise the dumbbell you will be using your shoulder to move the dumbbell. If you see that your forearm is straight up and down in the top position, your elbow is too far forward.

Options

• This movement can also be performed in a seated position.

Warning Tips

• Do not arch your back when raising the dumbbell up. Failure to so can result in serious injury to your back.
• Do not lower the dumbbell any faster than two to three seconds. You must stay in control at all times during this movement. The faster you perform this movement, the less control you will have, which in turn will increase your risk of injury.

Robert Bovee Certified Master PPT, RTS, ETS, FTS

As one of the most successful Professional Personal Trainers and Exercise/Fitness Therapists in the United States, Robert continues to remain at the forefront of the industry by providing his clients with a thorough education and the tools to implement that education. By improving his client’s physical health, strength, endurance, cardiovascular fitness and nutritional habits, he is able to motivate them to lead longer, happier and more productive lives. Find out more about Robert and his personal training career and services, here.