The biceps have always been one of the most worked muscles in fitness as they are key to making the arm look strong and toned . The variety of equipment and exercises that exist to strengthen this arm muscle make it relatively easy to train them thanks to the large number of options available.
In this article we give you 5 biceps curls with dumbbells so that with the minimum possible material you can fully work these muscles, strengthening and toning them and starting to show off your arms.
What are Biceps?
The biceps brachii muscle, commonly known as the biceps, is a muscle located in the front of the arm and is one of the most prominent and recognizable in the human body.
The biceps has two heads , one long and one short, hence its name. The long head originates from the top of the shoulder bone, called the "supraglenoid tubercle," and the other part begins from another lump called the "coracoid process," which is also on the shoulder bone.
Both parts of the biceps join into a single tendon that inserts into the upper part of the forearm , specifically into a bony protuberance called the "radius tuberosity." Thus, although they have different starting points on the scapula (shoulder bone), they converge at the same place on the forearm.
Although its main function is elbow flexion , that is, the function that allows us to bend the arm to lift an object towards the shoulder, this muscle participates in many of the most important and everyday functions of the arm.
In addition to flexing the elbow, the biceps also contributes to supination of the forearm. Supination involves turning the palm of the hand upward, and the biceps plays a key role in this movement. The long head of the biceps also has a secondary role in stabilizing the shoulder.
Its unique anatomy and versatility make it a key muscle in overall arm and upper body function.
Benefits of strengthening the biceps
Strengthening and toning the biceps is not only important from an aesthetic point of view, but also offers a number of significant benefits for health and physical performance. And these muscles do not work in isolation; Its strength and toning contribute to the overall functioning of the arms and upper body , something essential for the execution of compound movements and sports activities.
As they are responsible for elbow flexion, strengthening the biceps directly contributes to improving functional performance in daily activities, such as lifting objects, carrying shopping bags, and performing everyday tasks that require arm strength, in addition to providing the ability necessary to tackle a wide variety of physical activities.
Since these muscles contribute to the stability of the shoulders and elbows , the load on joints and tendons is reduced, reducing the risk of injury and helping to improve body posture by keeping the shoulders in a proper position, reducing stress on the back. and improving overall body alignment.
Just like working any of the other muscles in the body, increasing lean muscle mass contributes to increased metabolism . This means that maintaining toned muscles can help burn calories even at rest, making it easier to manage body weight. Likewise, performing strength exercises, such as those that strengthen the biceps, stimulates the release of anabolic hormones , such as testosterone and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1). These hormones are essential for the development and maintenance of muscle mass.
Dumbbell Biceps Routine
Alternating Biceps Curl
What do you need:
- Dumbbells appropriate to your strength level.
How to do it:
- Sit or stand with a dumbbell in each hand, arms at your sides, palms facing forward.
- Alternate lifting a dumbbell while keeping your elbow close to your body.
- Lower the dumbbell in a controlled manner and repeat the movement with the other arm.
Benefits:
With this exercise you will be able to work each arm independently, allowing you to correct possible muscle imbalances . In the movement of this exercise the biceps reaches its maximum activation.
Hammer Biceps Curl
What do you need:
- Dumbbells appropriate to your strength level.
How to do it:
- Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your palms facing sideways.
- Raise the dumbbells keeping your elbows close to your body.
- Maintain the vertical position of the dumbbells throughout the movement.
Benefits:
This exercise not only works the biceps , but also the muscles of the forearms , thereby improving overall arm strength and balance.
Concentrated Biceps Curl
What do you need:
How to do it:
- Sit on a bench with your legs apart.
- Hold a dumbbell with your arm extended between your legs.
- Raise the dumbbell toward your shoulder, concentrating the force on your biceps.
Benefits:
By focusing on isolating the biceps, you facilitate stronger focus and contraction, essential for developing muscle shape and definition.
Cross Biceps Curl with Pulleys
What do you need:
How to do it:
- Stand on a machine where you can hold both handles. The starting position is holding both handles with the palms facing up.
- Exhale as you bend your elbows to your shoulders to lift the weight.
- Inhale as you slowly return to the starting position.
- Repeat the exercise according to your routine. You can do the alternating one-arm variant.
Benefits:
The cable cross biceps curl provides constant resistance throughout the entire range of motion, which efficiently strengthens the biceps.
Low Pulley Biceps Curl
What do you need:
How to do it:
- Set the pulleys to the low position on a cable machine.
- With your back to the pulley, grab the bar or handles with one hand.
- Perform the curl movement, bringing your hand toward your shoulder, keeping your elbow close to your body.
Benefits:
This exercise, by using the low pulley and performing the biceps curl on your back, concentrates the effort on the back of the arm, effectively working the biceps. Additionally, doing it this way encourages more intense muscle activation, contributing to the development of strength and definition in this specific area.
Incorporating dumbbell biceps curls into your routine can make a difference in your fitness goals. These exercises, designed to strengthen and tone, can be done comfortably at home with minimal equipment needed.
Go to our website, find everything you need and integrate these exercises into your training to develop your biceps.