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Biceps

Incline dumbbell curl: how to do it right

Done lying on an incline bench with your arms hanging behind your body. The position stretches your biceps a lot at the start of the movement.

Main muscle
Biceps
Also works
Brachialis
Equipment
Dumbbells and incline bench
Level
Intermediate
Incline dumbbell curl: start position
Start position
Incline dumbbell curl: end position
End position

Step by step

  1. Set the backrest to about 45–60° and lie back with a dumbbell in each hand.
  2. Let your arms hang straight and perpendicular to the floor.
  3. Curl the dumbbells up without bringing your elbows forward.
  4. Lower slowly until your arms are straight.

Tip: If you feel a pull at the front of your shoulder, raise the backrest a little.

Common mistakes

Elbows coming forward

Your arms stay vertical; if your elbows drift forward, you lose the stretch.

Too much weight

Use less weight than for a standing curl.

Back leaving the bench

Keep your back and head supported.

Sets and reps

Guide ranges. Start with a weight where the last rep is hard but your technique holds.

GoalSetsRepsRest
Strength3–53–62–3 min
Build muscle3–46–121.5–2 min
Health and fitness2–310–151 min

In GymOrbita you log every set and the app suggests the weight for your next session based on what you did last time.

Alternatives

If the machine is busy or you want a variation:

FAQ

Why on an incline bench?

Because your biceps work in a stretched position, which helps build muscle.

General technique information, not a substitute for professional advice. If you have an injury or pain, check with a doctor or physiotherapist first.

Add incline dumbbell curl to your routine

GymOrbita has this exercise with its animation: log the weight and reps of every set and track your progress. Free.