Cross Body Hammer Curl

Also known as: Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl

Curl a dumbbell diagonally across your body with a neutral (hammer) grip, using elbow flexion to work the biceps and forearms. Move the weight toward the opposite shoulder each rep in a controlled path.

How to do the Cross Body Hammer Curl#

  1. Stand tall with feet about hip-width and hold a dumbbell at your side with a neutral (thumbs-up) grip.
  2. Brace your core and keep your upper arm steady with the elbow close to your torso.
  3. Exhale and curl the dumbbell diagonally across your body toward the opposite shoulder, focusing on flexing the elbow.
  4. Pause briefly at the top, then inhale and lower the weight slowly back to the starting position under control.

Muscles worked#

  • Primary: Biceps (Biceps Brachii), Forearms (Forearm Flexors & Extensors (incl. Brachioradialis))

Common mistakes#

Track the Cross Body Hammer Curl in Gript: your previous sets in view while you train, records detected automatically, and an estimated 1RM chart from every hard set.

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Frequently asked questions#

What muscles does the Cross Body Hammer Curl work?

The Cross Body Hammer Curl primarily works the biceps, forearms. To feel it there, control the lowering phase and stop each set 1–3 reps short of failure rather than chasing the heaviest weight you can move.

What equipment do I need for the Cross Body Hammer Curl?

The Cross Body Hammer Curl needs the following: Dumbbell. Nothing beyond that is required to run the movement as described above.

Is the Cross Body Hammer Curl suitable for beginners?

Yes. The Cross Body Hammer Curl is rated beginner: the technique is quick to pick up and forgiving when a rep goes slightly off. Start light and add weight once the form repeats itself without you thinking about it.

What are good alternatives to the Cross Body Hammer Curl?

Dumbbell Curl, Dumbbell Concentration Curl, Dumbbell Hammer Curl all train the same primary muscles as the Cross Body Hammer Curl. Pick whichever one matches the equipment in front of you.