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Exercise Comparison

Alternate Hammer Curl vs Lying High Bench Barbell Curl

Alternate Hammer Curl - starting position
Alternate Hammer Curl - ending position
Alternate Hammer Curl
beginner·Dumbbell·isolation
Lying High Bench Barbell Curl - starting position
Lying High Bench Barbell Curl - ending position
Lying High Bench Barbell Curl
intermediate·Barbell·isolation

Side-by-Side

Alternate Hammer Curl
VS
Lying High Bench Barbell Curl
beginner
Level
intermediate
Dumbbell
Equipment
Barbell
isolation
Mechanic
isolation
pull
Force
pull
Strength
Category
Strength
biceps
Primary
biceps
forearms
Secondary
None

Muscle Analysis

Shared

biceps

Only in Alternate Hammer Curl

forearms

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.

Lying High Bench Barbell Curl

1

Lie face forward on a tall flat bench while holding a barbell with a supinated grip (palms facing up). Tip: If you are holding a barbell grab it using a shoulder-width grip and if you are using an E-Z Bar grab it on the inner handles. Your upper body should be positioned in a way that the upper chest is over the end of the bench and the barbell is hanging in front of you with the arms extended and perpendicular to the floor. This will be your starting position.

2

While keeping the elbows in and the upper arms stationary, curl the weight up in a semi-circular motion as you contract the biceps and exhale. Hold at the top of the movement for a second.

3

As you inhale, slowly go back to the starting position. Tip: Maintain full control of the weight at all times and avoid any swinging. Remember, only the forearms should move throughout the movement.

4

Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Verdict

Both exercises target the biceps. Alternate Hammer Curl is a beginner exercise using dumbbell, while Lying High Bench Barbell Curl is intermediate and uses barbell. Choose Alternate Hammer Curl if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Lying High Bench Barbell Curl for a greater challenge.

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