The hammer curl forces the harm to work harder than the typical dumbbell exercise, but both are far better than machines, forcing the body to use multiple muscle sets for a workout versus just an isolated few. So, while both weightlifting approaches work better than anything on a fitness gym track, the hammer curl can produce additional results because of how it works the arm thoroughly during a lift. Here are four different hammer curls variations that produce significant results, especially if done with a slow, deliberate lift approach.
The Seated Hammer Curl
Positioned on a workout bench, the user completely places his or her back flat on the bench support so there is no movement while lifting. As a result, the entire energy release is on the arms, particularly the bicep and forearm muscle group. The user can work out both arms simultaneously, and it’s usually suggested so there’s no off-balance slip that could result in a back twist or similar.
The approach works as follows. The user sits on the bench with the back support angled. It should be at about 60 degrees of an incline. The arms are weighted with the dumbbells, generally positioned almost straight downward, but watch out for jamming the elbow joints. The inner hand on each side should face inward to the body, and the face and chest should face directly forward.
Once lifting, it can be done in an alternating fashion or with both arms at once. The goal through the lift is to keep the hands straight facing inward without twisting. The top of the dumbbell weight should reach in line below the shoulder, compressing the bicep muscles. Then, at the same slow pace, the arms should be lowered. Repeat the process with the same number of reps each time.
The Incline Preacher Curl
In this exercise, the user is standing versus sitting. Using one dumbbell, the user is positioned behind the bench incline with a higher angle of 75 degrees. Putting the arm out and forward and then down, the arm should be rested against the bench when fully extended. Done right, and the armpit is positioned right at the benchtop.
Start with the dumbbell up and lower it slowly until fully out and extended. Then, pull the dumbbell back up in the hammer position. Switch arms between reps to work both sides.
The Prone Hammer Curl
This exercise works gravity against your arms as you compress. Lay your chest flat on the bench, while your knees should be at the seat part. Your shoulders should be just off the bench. In this exercise, your weight is carried by your chest on the bench incline part laid flat. As your arms are extended, you grab the dumbbells on the floor.
Lifting slowly, your arms pull up and back until the bicep is compressed. Then, the movement is reversed as the dumbbell is lowered. However, you don’t let go or place the weight on the ground. It’s held the whole time.
Repeat for the number of reps needed, then at the last extension rest the weights on the ground. This approach will work both the biceps as well as the back muscles hard.
Standing Hammer Curls
The simplest yet definitely one of the most effective of hammer curls, the standing variation generally has the user standing straight carrying two dumbbells, one in each hand. With the weights lowered down and the arms fully extended, the elbows are kept close to the body instead of flaring out to the sides. The body remains straight and positioned, and the user lifts one arm or both arms slowly upward to the shoulders. The hand palms stay in the same position facing inward.
The weights are then held for a second as the biceps are fully compressed and then lowered in the same path in reverse. Reps are repeated in sets. Users typically go through two rep sets and then really feel a burn by the third set.
The Over-Shoulder Hammer Curl
This approach works the back of the bicep extensively as it works to carry the weight upward. The resting form is actually with the bicep compressed. The user starts off either standing or on a bench sitting with the back on an incline. The arm with the dumbbell is straight upward with the palm facing inward to the body. The arm is then lowered at the elbow but not the upper arm and shoulder.
As the bicep compresses, the back of the upper arm will feel intense pressure to hold the weight dropping. The dumbbell is then moved back to a straight arm position up over the head. Users should be extremely careful with this variation to make sure the weight does not slip and drop on the person’s head or shoulder. Starting with a lighter weight to build strength and correct form is highly advised.
Read Also:
12-Minute Weight Loss Workout that Will Shed Fat Off Your Belly
The 3 Best Brachioradialis Exercises for Strength and Mass
7 Yoga Poses for Beginners to Ease Into the Practice
