Arms · Dumbbell

Dumbbell Bicep Curl

How to do the dumbbell bicep curl, the muscles it works, and the mistakes to avoid. Pulled straight from the Kovo app's exercise library.

Illustration of the Dumbbell Bicep Curl starting position
Equipment
Dumbbell
Difficulty
Beginner
Logged as
Weighted reps
Movement
Curl
Mechanic
Isolation

See it in motion

Animated demonstration of the Dumbbell Bicep Curl

How to do it

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, hold dumbbells by your sides. Keeping upper arms stationary, curl weights to shoulder level. Lower back down with control.

  1. 1Feel your biceps contracting as you curl the dumbbells up
  2. 2Keep your upper arms still and elbows close to your sides
  3. 3Squeeze at the top and lower slowly

Common mistakes

  • Avoid swinging or using momentum
  • Don't let your wrists flex or extend; keep them neutral
  • Avoid bringing your elbows forward; keep them stationary

Muscles worked

The dumbbell bicep curl mainly works the biceps, with the forearms assisting.

  • BicepsPrimary
  • ForearmsSupport
  • Front DeltsMinor

Kovo programs the dumbbell bicep curl for you and tracks it every session.

The AI builds your whole program, drops the right lifts into each workout, and adjusts your weights as you get stronger. Free on iOS and Android.

More biceps exercises

See all biceps exercises →

Last reviewed April 2026.