Pinpoint
Exercises/Compare

Exercise Comparison

Alternate Hammer Curl vs Seated Close-Grip Concentration Barbell Curl

Alternate Hammer Curl - starting position
Alternate Hammer Curl - ending position
Alternate Hammer Curl
beginner·Dumbbell·isolation
Seated Close-Grip Concentration Barbell Curl - starting position
Seated Close-Grip Concentration Barbell Curl - ending position
Seated Close-Grip Concentration Barbell Curl
intermediate·Barbell·isolation

Side-by-Side

Alternate Hammer Curl
VS
Seated Close-Grip Concentration 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.

Seated Close-Grip Concentration Barbell Curl

1

Sit down on a flat bench with a barbell or E-Z Bar in front of you in between your legs. Your legs should be spread with the knees bent and the feet on the floor.

2

Use your arms to pick the barbell up and place the back of your upper arms on top of your inner thighs (around three and a half inches away from the front of the knee). A supinated grip closer than shoulder width is needed to perform this exercise. Tip: Your arm should be extended at arms length and the barbell should be above the floor. This will be your starting position.

3

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

4

Slowly begin to bring the barbell back to starting position as your breathe in. Tip: Avoid swinging motions at any time.

5

Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Verdict

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

Pinpoint·Interactive 3D Anatomy & Exercise Guide