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Speed for this exercise

Single-Arm Dumbbell Curl

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3sets
10-12reps /side
45srest
~3.7kcal/min

How to do it

Muscles worked

Primary
BicepsB Biceps
Secondary
Forearms

Secondary muscles help but are not the main target

See the full tier list · Biceps

Feel it right

Where you should feel it, the one cue to remember, and quick fixes when you feel it somewhere else.

You should feel it inFront of arms

Front of the upper arm pumping up.

Key cue (the coach says it during the set)“Elbows pinned, curl up, squeeze, lower slowly.”

Tempo · Up 1 s · squeeze 1 · down 3 s

Choosing the load: Pick a weight you finish with 1–2 good reps left. 4+ left = too light; form breaks = too heavy.

Feel it somewhere else? Fix it like this

  • Feel it in ShouldersElbows drifting forward and the shoulders lifting. Keep the elbows at your sides and lighten the weight.
  • Feel it in Forearms / gripWrists curling in. Keep the wrists straight and loosen the grip slightly.
  • Feel it in Lower backSwinging the torso. Stand against a wall or sit, and use a weight you can lift without momentum.
  • Barely felt itToo light or too fast. Lower for 3 seconds, pause 1 second at the stretch, and pick a load that leaves only 1–2 reps in the tank.
  • Joint painSharp or joint pain is a stop sign: end this set, lower the weight, shorten the range — if it repeats, switch to an easier variation.

During a workout we ask after the first set where you felt it and give the fix right away — and remember it for next time.

Tips

  • Train one side at a time and match the reps on both sides.
  • Rest your free hand on your hip or a support to keep your torso square.
  • Training one arm at a time helps even out strength differences between sides.

Common mistakes

  • Leaning or twisting the torso to finish the rep.
  • Letting the elbow drift forward and away from the body.

Breathing

Exhale as you curl up, inhale as you lower.

Equipment needed

Recommended by goal

Build muscle3–4 sets × 8–12 reps · rest 60–90 s
Strength4–5 sets × 4–6 reps · rest 2–3 min
Endurance2–3 sets × 15–20 reps · rest 30–45 s

Variations of this move

Alternatives for the same muscle