Incline Dumbbell Hammer Curl

Also known as: Incline Hammer Curl (Dumbbell)

Sit on an incline bench and perform elbow flexion with a neutral (hammer) grip to emphasize the brachialis and brachioradialis while the biceps assist.

How to do the Incline Dumbbell Hammer Curl#

  1. Set the incline bench and sit with your chest against the pad so your arms hang straight down beside you.
  2. Hold a dumbbell in each hand with a neutral grip (palms facing each other) and let your arms fully extend.
  3. Keep your upper arms stationary at your sides and curl the dumbbells by bending only at the elbows until your forearms approach your biceps.
  4. Hold the top position briefly and contract the working forearm/upper-arm muscles.
  5. Lower the dumbbells slowly and under control back to the fully extended start position.

Muscles worked#

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

Common mistakes#

Track the Incline Dumbbell 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 Incline Dumbbell Hammer Curl work?

The Incline Dumbbell Hammer Curl primarily works the biceps. The forearms assist as secondary muscles — they stabilise the movement and take over when the main target fatigues. If you feel it mostly in the forearms, lighten the load and slow the lowering phase.

What equipment do I need for the Incline Dumbbell Hammer Curl?

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

Is the Incline Dumbbell Hammer Curl suitable for beginners?

Yes. The Incline Dumbbell 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 Incline Dumbbell Hammer Curl?

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