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Bicep Curl Variations

This video is a combination of three bicep curl variations.

 

EZ Bar Bicep Curls

1. Stand up with your torso upright while holding an E-Z Curl Bar at the closer inner handle. The palm of your hands should be facing forward and they should be slightly tilted inwards due to the shape of the bar. The elbows should be close to the torso. This will be your starting position.
2. While holding the upper arms stationary, curl the weights forward while contracting the biceps as you breathe out. Tip: Only the forearms should move.
3. Continue the movement until your biceps are fully contracted and the bar is at shoulder level. Hold the contracted position for a second and squeeze the biceps hard.
4. Slowly begin to bring the bar back to starting position as your breathe in.
5. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Alternating Dumbbell Bicep Curls

1. Stand (torso upright) with a dumbbell in each hand held at arms length. The elbows should be close to the torso and the palms of your hand should be facing your thighs.
2. While holding the upper arm stationary, curl the right weight as you rotate the palm of the hands until they are facing forward. At this point continue contracting the biceps as you breathe out until your biceps is fully contracted and the dumbbells are at shoulder level. Hold the contracted position for a second as you squeeze the biceps. Tip: Only the forearms should move.
3. Slowly begin to bring the dumbbell back to the starting position as your breathe in. Tip: Remember to twist the palms back to the starting position (facing your thighs) as you come down.
4. Repeat the movement with the left hand. This equals one repetition.
5. Continue alternating in this manner for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Variations:

1. There are many possible variations for this movement. For instance, you can perform the exercise sitting down on a bench with or without back support and you can also perform it using both arms at the same time. Additionally, you may perform it with a starting position in which both palms are facing forward. In this case, you may alternate the arms as well, or perform at the same time.
2. You can also do the exercise starting with both palms of the hands facing the torso and then rotating forward as the movement is performed. At the top of the movement the palms should face forward and the small finger should be higher than the thumb for a peak contraction.

Cable Bicep Curls with Rope Attachment

1. Attach a rope attachment to a low pulley and stand facing the machine about 12 inches away from it.
2. Grasp the rope with a neutral (palms-in) grip and stand straight up keeping the natural arch of the back and your torso stationary.
3. Put your elbows in by your side and keep them there stationary during the entire movement. Tip: Only the forearms should move; not your upper arms. This will be your starting position.
4. Using your biceps, pull your arms up as you exhale until your biceps touch your forearms.Rotate your wrists outward as you curl. Tip: Remember to keep the elbows in and your upper arms stationary.
5. After a 1 second contraction where you squeeze your biceps, slowly start to bring the weight back to the original position.
6. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

 

Video Credit – Fit Girl Nikki LLC
Exercise Caption – Bodybuilding.com