Target Muscle

    Biceps

    Equipment

    Dumbbell

    Difficulty

    Beginner

    Category

    Strength

    Dumbbell Alternate Seated Hammer Curl

    The dumbbell alternate seated hammer curl is an upper arm exercise that targets the bicep and forearms. It is performed while seated, alternating curls with each arm using a neutral grip.

    Also Works

    Forearms

    How to Perform

    1. 1

      Sit on a bench with a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing your torso and arms extended down.

    2. 2

      Keep your back straight and your elbows close to your torso.

    3. 3

      Exhale and curl the dumbbell in your right hand towards your shoulder, keeping your upper arm stationary.

    4. 4

      Continue to raise the dumbbell until your biceps are fully contracted and the dumbbell is at shoulder level.

    5. 5

      Pause for a brief moment, then inhale and slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position.

    6. 6

      Repeat the movement with your left arm.

    7. 7

      Continue alternating arms for the desired number of repetitions.

    Pro Tips

    • Sit with your back flat against the bench to eliminate any body swing and isolate the biceps and brachialis.
    • Curl the dumbbell in a straight line up toward your shoulder, not across your body.
    • Maintain the neutral grip with your thumb pointing up throughout the entire range of motion.

    Common Mistakes

    • Swinging the dumbbells across the body (crossbody), which changes the exercise mechanics and targets different muscles.
    • Leaning back against the bench as the set gets hard to recruit the back muscles.
    • Alternating too fast without pausing at the top, which reduces the peak contraction.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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