Upper Arms Exercise · Dumbbell

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Alternating Dumbbell Preacher Curl

This demonstration curls one dumbbell at a time with the upper arms supported on a preacher pad. The two-arm seated version curls both dumbbells together; the exercise-ball version uses a different support.

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Also known as: Preacher Curl, DB Scott Curl

Category

Upper Arms

Equipment

Dumbbell

Target

Biceps

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Exercise reference published by PlanWorkouts; see our editorial standards.

How to Do the Alternating Dumbbell Preacher Curl

1. Sit at the preacher bench with your feet supported and your upper arms resting on the pad.
2. Hold a dumbbell in each hand with an underhand grip. Keep the wrists in line with the forearms.
3. Curl one dumbbell toward its shoulder while keeping that upper arm against the pad and the other arm still.
4. Lower the dumbbell smoothly through a comfortable range without bouncing or forcing the elbow straight.
5. Repeat with the other arm. Alternate sides without lifting your shoulders or torso from the support.

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

Stop if the movement causes pain. If you have an existing condition, ask a qualified professional about an appropriate exercise and range. 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 Alternating Dumbbell Preacher Curl mainly targets your Biceps, with your Forearms helping support the movement.

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 One Arm Overhead Biceps Curl Band · Biceps

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 dumbbell? 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 EZ Bar Seated Close Grip Concentration Curl EZ Barbell · Biceps

FAQ

What muscles does the Alternating Dumbbell Preacher Curl work?

The Alternating Dumbbell Preacher Curl mainly works your biceps. Your forearms also works to help support and steady your body. 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 Alternating Dumbbell Preacher Curl?

You do the Alternating Dumbbell Preacher Curl with two dumbbells and a stable preacher curl bench. 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 Alternating Dumbbell Preacher 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 Alternating Dumbbell Preacher 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 Alternating Dumbbell Preacher 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.