The Three Best Biceps Curl Variations For Building Muscular Arms, According To A Celebrity Trainer
Having muscular arms is a common fitness goal, and while there is no one-size-fits-all approach, certain exercises have been shown to be particularly effective. According to celebrity trainers, these three biceps curl variations are among the best for building arm muscles:
1. The Standing Barbell Curl:
This classic exercise is a staple in arm-building routines. To perform the standing barbell curl, hold a barbell with an underhand grip, hands shoulder-width apart. Keep your elbows close to your torso, exhale as you curl the barbell upward towards your chest, and then inhale as you lower it back down with control. This exercise targets the bicep muscles effectively by allowing for heavy weights to be used which can trigger muscle growth.
2. The Hammer Curl:
Hammer curls are performed similarly to traditional curls but with a twist — literally. Instead of rotating your palms forward, you keep them facing your body throughout the movement, which resembles swinging a hammer. This not only works the biceps but also heavily recruits the brachialis and brachioradialis muscles, promoting beefier arms overall. You can do this with dumbbells or a rope attachment on a cable machine for constant tension on the muscles.
3. The Incline Dumbbell Curl:
Incline curls are known for their brutal efficacy in isolating the biceps due to the angle at which they’re performed. While seated on an incline bench, let your arms hang straight down holding dumbbells with your palms facing forward. Without moving your upper arms, curl the weights while contracting your biceps until they are fully flexed then slowly lower them back to the starting position. This variation puts more emphasis on the long head of the bicep muscle giving it that desirable peak.
Each of these exercises should form part of an arm-focused training regime, and when combined with proper nutrition and enough rest, they contribute substantially to growing muscular and strong arms.