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Two-Arm Dumbbell Preacher Curl

A beginner strength exercise for the biceps, done with a dumbbell.

Two-Arm Dumbbell Preacher Curl: starting positionTwo-Arm Dumbbell Preacher Curl: finishing position
Main muscles
Biceps
Equipment
Dumbbell
Level
Beginner
Type
Isolation
Movement
Pull

How to do the Two-Arm Dumbbell Preacher Curl

  1. Grab a dumbbell with each arm and place the upper arms on top of the preacher bench or the incline bench. The dumbbell should be held at shoulder length. This will be your starting position.
  2. As you breathe in, slowly lower the dumbbells until your upper arm is extended and the biceps is fully stretched.
  3. As you exhale, use the biceps to curl the weights up until your biceps is fully contracted and the dumbbells are at shoulder height.
  4. Squeeze the biceps hard for a second at the contracted position and repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Sets and reps

Muscle3–4 sets of 10–15 reps, rest 60–90 seconds
Pump or finisher2–3 sets of 15–20 reps, rest 45–60 seconds

Log every set in MyoStats and it works out your estimated one-rep max and suggests the next weight or rep target, so you keep progressing without guessing.

Alternatives to the Two-Arm Dumbbell Preacher Curl

Questions

What muscles does the Two-Arm Dumbbell Preacher Curl work?

Mainly the biceps.

Is the Two-Arm Dumbbell Preacher Curl good for beginners?

Yes. It's rated a beginner exercise: start light and learn the movement before adding weight.

What can I do instead of the Two-Arm Dumbbell Preacher Curl?

Good alternatives that train the biceps: Alternate Hammer Curl, Alternate Incline Dumbbell Curl, Concentration Curls or Cross Body Hammer Curl.

How many sets and reps of the Two-Arm Dumbbell Preacher Curl should I do?

Muscle: 3–4 sets of 10–15 reps, rest 60–90 seconds. Pump or finisher: 2–3 sets of 15–20 reps, rest 45–60 seconds.

Exercise steps and photos: free-exercise-db (public domain).