Pinpoint
Exercises/Compare

Exercise Comparison

Alternate Hammer Curl vs Drag Curl

Alternate Hammer Curl - starting position
Alternate Hammer Curl - ending position
Alternate Hammer Curl
beginner·Dumbbell·isolation
Drag Curl - starting position
Drag Curl - ending position
Drag Curl
intermediate·Barbell·compound

Side-by-Side

Alternate Hammer Curl
VS
Drag Curl
beginner
Level
intermediate
Dumbbell
Equipment
Barbell
isolation
Mechanic
compound
pull
Force
pull
Strength
Category
Strength
biceps
Primary
biceps
forearms
Secondary
forearms

Muscle Analysis

Shared

bicepsforearms

Instructions

Alternate Hammer Curl

1

Stand up with your torso upright and a dumbbell in each hand being held at arms length. The elbows should be close to the torso.

2

The palms of the hands should be facing your torso. This will be your starting position.

3

While holding the upper arm stationary, curl the right weight forward while contracting the biceps as you breathe out. Continue the movement until your biceps is fully contracted and the dumbbells are at shoulder level. Hold the contracted position for a second as you squeeze the biceps. Tip: Only the forearms should move.

4

Slowly begin to bring the dumbbells back to starting position as your breathe in.

5

Repeat the movement with the left hand. This equals one repetition.

6

Continue alternating in this manner for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Drag Curl

1

Grab a barbell with a supinated grip (palms facing forward) and get your elbows close to your torso and back. This will be your starting position.

2

As you exhale, curl the bar up while keeping the elbows to the back as you "Drag" the bar up by keeping it in contact with your torso. Tip: As you can see, you will not be keeping the elbows pinned to your sides, but instead you will be bringing them back. Also, do not lift your shoulders.

3

Slowly go back to the starting position as you keep the bar in contact with the torso at all times.

4

Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Verdict

Both exercises target the biceps. Alternate Hammer Curl is a beginner exercise using dumbbell, while Drag Curl is intermediate and uses barbell. Choose Alternate Hammer Curl if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Drag Curl for a greater challenge. Drag Curl is a compound movement working multiple joints, making it better for overall strength. Alternate Hammer Curl isolates the target muscle for focused development.

Pinpoint·Interactive 3D Anatomy & Exercise Guide