Upper Arms Exercise · Band

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Band One Arm Overhead Biceps Curl

The band one-arm overhead biceps curl works the muscle in a stretched position at the top, which most standing curls never reach since the arm typically stays by the side. That extended range can make it feel different from a standard curl even at lighter loads. Keep the elbow high and stable rather than letting it drift forward as the band pulls.

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Also known as: Band One Arm Overhead Bicep Curl

Category

Upper Arms

Equipment

Band

Target

Biceps

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Exercise reference published by PlanWorkouts; see our editorial standards.

How to Do the Band One Arm Overhead Biceps Curl

1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and pin one end of the band under your foot.
2. Grip the other end with your arm reaching fully overhead, palm facing forward.
3. Without moving your upper arm, curl your forearm toward your shoulder, squeezing your bicep.
4. Hold briefly at the top, then slowly lower back to the starting position.
5. Continue for your desired number of repetitions, then switch arms.

Technique & Form Tips

Perform flexion at the elbow while keeping your setup steady and supported. Maintain the specific elbow placement demonstrated for your chosen variation, such as preacher, incline, or hammer curl, to ensure consistent mechanical load through the arc.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using hip momentum: Keep your torso stable to prevent swinging the load upward with your lower body.
• Drifting elbows: Maintain the elbow position relative to your body as defined by your specific curl variant.
• Lack of eccentric control: Lower the weight under control rather than letting it fall.

How to Breathe During This Exercise

Breathe steadily throughout the movement, ideally exhaling during the contraction phase.

Comfort and Control

Choose a load and range you can control. Stop if the movement causes pain. If discomfort persists, stop and ask a qualified professional about an appropriate exercise and range.

General guidance: Mayo Clinic on weight-training technique. Follow the specific movement steps above for this variation.

Muscles Worked

The Band One Arm Overhead Biceps Curl mainly targets your Biceps, with your Forearms helping support the movement, along with your Shoulders.

More Upper Arms Exercises

Assisted Standing Triceps Extension (with Towel) Assisted · Triceps Assisted Triceps Dip (kneeling) Leverage Machine · Triceps Band Alternating Biceps Curl Band · Biceps Band Close-Grip Push-Up Band · Triceps Band Concentration Curl Band · Biceps Band Side Triceps Extension Band · Triceps

More Biceps Exercises

Barbell Alternate Biceps Curl Barbell · Biceps Barbell Biceps Curl (with Arm Blaster) Barbell · Biceps Barbell Curl Barbell · Biceps Barbell Drag Curl Barbell · Biceps Barbell Lying Preacher Curl Barbell · Biceps Barbell Preacher Curl Barbell · Biceps

Equipment Alternatives

Don't have band? These target the same biceps with different equipment.

Biceps Leg Concentration Curl Body Weight · Biceps Barbell Alternate Biceps Curl Barbell · Biceps Cable Close Grip Curl Cable · Biceps Dumbbell Alternate Biceps Curl Dumbbell · Biceps

FAQ

What muscles does the Band One Arm Overhead Biceps Curl work?

The Band One Arm Overhead Biceps Curl mainly works your biceps. It also helps strengthen your forearms and shoulders. Using good, smooth form makes sure you work the right muscles and avoid unnecessary strain on your joints.

What equipment do I need for the Band One Arm Overhead Biceps Curl?

You do the Band One Arm Overhead Biceps Curl with a band. Make sure your equipment is set up safely before starting. If you work out at home or have limited gear, check out our alternative exercises below.

What form mistake should I watch for on the Band One Arm Overhead Biceps Curl?

One mistake to watch for is using hip momentum: Keep your torso stable to prevent swinging the load upward with your lower body.. Use a comfortable range and a controlled return; reduce the load if you cannot maintain the demonstrated setup.

How many sets and reps should I perform on the Band One Arm Overhead Biceps Curl?

To tone and grow muscle, do 3 to 4 sets of 10 to 15 smooth reps with 60 seconds of rest, focusing on a full stretch and squeezing the muscle at the top of each rep.

What's a good alternative to the Band One Arm Overhead Biceps Curl?

The Biceps Leg Concentration Curl trains your biceps with body weight and a similar movement pattern. Review its form guide before substituting it, since setup and range of motion can differ.