Dumbbell Spider Curl

Also known as: Spider Curl (Dumbbell)

Lie chest-down on an incline bench with the arms hanging straight and hold a dumbbell in each hand. Curl the weights by flexing the elbows with your upper arms remaining fixed to load the biceps.

How to do the Dumbbell Spider Curl#

  1. Set an incline bench and lie face-down so your arms hang vertically toward the floor.
  2. Grasp a dumbbell in each hand and let your elbows remain close to the body and pointing down.
  3. Keep your upper arms stationary and curl the dumbbells up by flexing the elbows until the forearms approach the shoulders.
  4. Pause briefly at the top, then lower the weights slowly until the arms are fully extended to complete the rep.
  5. Maintain a still torso and avoid leaning or swinging to keep tension on the biceps.

Muscles worked#

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

Common mistakes#

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

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
4.7 average ratingLoved worldwide

You're already in Gript

Everything on this page is also available inside the app — this article opens from Help, and the calculators live under Tools.

Frequently asked questions#

What muscles does the Dumbbell Spider Curl work?

The Dumbbell Spider 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 Dumbbell Spider Curl?

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

Is the Dumbbell Spider Curl suitable for beginners?

Yes. The Dumbbell Spider 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 Dumbbell Spider Curl?

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