Upper Arms Exercise · Dumbbell

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Dumbbell Standing Concentration Curl

Doing a concentration curl standing rather than seated removes the thigh brace most lifters use to lock the elbow still, so more of the stabilizing work falls on the shoulder and core. It still isolates the biceps at one joint, but expect to use lighter weight than the seated version to keep the elbow from drifting.

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Also known as: Db Standing Concentration Curl, Dumbell Standing Concentration 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 Dumbbell Standing Concentration Curl

1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in one hand with your arm fully extended and your palm facing inward.
2. Rest your free hand on your thigh for support.
3. Without moving your upper arm, breathe out and curl the dumbbell toward your shoulder by flexing your bicep.
4. Keep raising it until your bicep is fully contracted and the dumbbell reaches shoulder height.
5. Hold that squeezed position briefly.
6. Breathe in and lower the dumbbell back down slowly to the start.
7. Repeat for the desired number of reps, 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 Dumbbell Standing Concentration 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 Dumbbell Standing Concentration Curl work?

The Dumbbell Standing Concentration 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 Dumbbell Standing Concentration Curl?

You do the Dumbbell Standing Concentration Curl with a dumbbell. 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 Dumbbell Standing Concentration 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 Dumbbell Standing Concentration 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 Dumbbell Standing Concentration 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.