Hammer Curls

Hold dumbbells at your sides, palms facing each other. Keep elbows tucked; curl to shoulder without swinging, then lower slowly. Builds biceps and forearms.

Muscles worked

Primary
Secondary

Equipment

Hammer Curls exercise demonstration

How to do it

  1. Set up with elbows pinned against your ribs and wrists straight.
  2. Take a neutral grip and let the elbows start fully extended.
  3. Curl the weight by bending only the elbows.
  4. Stop before the elbows drift forward or the wrists fold.
  5. Squeeze briefly at the top.
  6. Lower for two counts back to full extension.

Watch for

  • Elbows moving forward to shorten the rep.
  • Shoulders shrugging to start the lift.
  • Torso swinging to move the weight.

Breathing

Exhale as you curl up, inhale as you lower.

Tip

Choose a load that lets the last rep keep the same two-count lowering phase.

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