Is it better to do single or double bicep curls?

Author: Pattie Hills  |  Last update: Tuesday, June 3, 2025

Should I Curl One Arm At A Time? There isn't a right or wrong way to do dumbbell bicep curls. Single arm curls can be better for building mind muscle connection, but you may find adhering to double arm curls easier as they're quicker. Try both variations and see which you prefer.

Is single or double bicep curl better?

You will generally achieve a better range of motion, better symmetry between sides, and a better mind-muscle connection if you use dumbbells instead of a bar. It does not particularly matter if you curl both dumbbells at the same time or alternate.

What is the most effective form of bicep curls?

We've put together a list of the very best bicep exercises – that aren't your standard dumbbell bicep curl.
  • Concentration Curls (short head)
  • Hammer Curls (long head)
  • EZ Bar Curls (long / short head depending on grip)
  • Preacher Curl (short head)
  • Single Arm High Cable Bicep Curl (short head)

Is it better to workout one-arm at a time or both?

Ultimately, the effectiveness of one-arm versus two-hand training depends on your goals. If you aim to correct imbalances or improve core stability, one-arm training might be more effective. If your goal is to build overall strength and muscle mass efficiently, two-hand training could be the better choice.

Should you only do one bicep exercise?

Yes, you should do more than one bicep exercise on arm day. The bicep has a long head and a short head. Different moves are required to effectively work the entire length of both heads.

Stop Doing Dumbbell Bicep Curls Like This!

Should I do 2 bicep exercises?

Should you do more than 1 bicep exercise on arm day? Yes, you need to do more than 1 bicep exercise on arm day in order to achieve muscle activation in the biceps. A few sets of conventional dumbbell curls aren't enough for training biceps. Your arm routines should include 3-5 exercises for biceps.

What is the scientifically best bicep exercise?

THE STUDY
  • Cable curl.
  • Barbell curl.
  • Concentration curl.
  • Chin-up.
  • EZ Curl (with both wide and narrow grip)
  • Incline curl.
  • Preacher curl.

Is it better to workout with one dumbbell or two?

There are many exercises you can do with two dumbbells, but as a strength and conditioning coach, I can tell you there are just as many — if not more — you can do using just one. In fact, you can effectively train your entire body using a single dumbbell in about 10 minutes.

Is one arm naturally stronger?

The more repeatedly we use one side, the more efficiently our brain learns to use those muscles. This results in stronger muscles on that side and quite often larger muscles. Sometimes an injury in the arm of the leg also has to do with the imbalances between both the sides.

Should you train arms 2 or 3 times a week?

If you want to gain some serious size on those arms, you'll need to focus on hypertrophic training. More specifically, we need you to increase muscle protein synthesis. Studies suggest that the best way to do this is by working out the arms three times per week with about two days of rest in between.

What curl is best for biceps growth?

Preacher Curl Variations for Biceps Growth:
  • Cable preacher curl (underhand, hammer)
  • EZ-bar preacher curl.
  • Dumbbell preacher curl (bilateral, single-arm, hammer)
  • Spider curl (dumbbell, EZ-bar)
  • Machine preacher curl (bilateral, single-arm)

Is it better to do bicep curls fast or slow?

By lifting and lowering the weight slowly, you engage the muscles for a longer duration, leading to increased time under tension. This prolonged tension can stimulate muscle growth and hypertrophy. Moreover, slow bicep curls can help improve muscle strength and stability.

Do pushups work the biceps?

Do Push Ups Work Biceps? Whilst the biceps help to stabilize the shoulder and elbow joints during the lowering phase of a push up, they don't directly work the biceps. If your goal is to build your biceps, you'd be better off focusing on bicep isolation exercises such as bicep curls, hammer curls, or chin ups.

What is the best form of bicep curls?

There is no best but what works best for you. Some lifters' elbows hurt with an underhanded grip and work better with a neutral grip. Others could be the opposite. Try different variations, like the standard curl, reverse curl, hammer curl, or even the Zottman curl, then let results—and any pain—be your guide.

How many bicep curls a day is good?

If your goal is endurance and lean muscle, use a lighter weight and perform one to three sets of 12 to 16 reps with at least one day of rest in between. For maximum results, switch up your workouts. Don't do the exact same routines every session.

Should I fully extend on bicep curls?

Performing curls with a partial range of motion reduces muscle activation and growth. Ensure you complete the entire curl, from full extension at the bottom to full contraction at the top. This allows for maximum recruitment of muscle fibers and better overall muscle stimulus.

Why is my left bicep bigger but weaker?

Having a muscle and strength imbalance in your arms is a common issue that many people face. It can happen for a variety of reasons, including favoring one side during workouts, poor form, or even just genetics.

How much can the strongest man lift with one arm?

A man who broke a world record to lift 100kg (220lbs) above his head with one arm has hailed his program of training over the pandemic to make it possible. Josh Lancaster, who has become the lightest person in history to make the lift, was taking part in England's Strongest Man competition in Preston.

Is 10 minutes of dumbbells enough?

The Verdict: For someone who isn't looking to achieve CrossFit-level power, I think 10 minutes of strength training per day is plenty to gain strength and even out muscle imbalances. And it's a great jumping-off point if you decide to push yourself further once you have a solid foundation and master proper form.

Is it OK to lift dumbbells twice a day?

Should you lift weights twice a day? Most people don't need to lift weights twice daily to reach their fitness goals. Doing so can increase your risk of injury and overtraining. But experienced athletes and weightlifters may be able to do a twice-daily resistance training plan safely.

What grows biceps the most?

The best exercise for growing the bicep muscle is any variation of the curl. Curls are best done using a barbell and weights or a set of dumbbells. If you're training in the gym, sitting at a bench or using the preacher curl machine can help to further concentrate tension on the bicep muscle, leading to bigger gains.

What is the king of all bicep exercises?

Nippard crowned Bayesian cable curls king of biceps exercises; preacher curls a close second! Though the biceps are small muscles that flex the arm, when well-developed, they command a visual prominence comparable to much larger muscles, which requires proper training.

Why are biceps so hard to get stronger?

The biceps muscle is a small muscle group and limited to elbow flexion only. Clients can experience issues when trying to build bigger biceps because they simply do too much. This happens as a result of adding too many isolation exercises on top of the main compound exercises of each workout.

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