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Direction-of-travel diagram for the elbow flexion pattern. Photography for the Concentration Curl is not shot yet.
StrengthIn review

Concentration Curl

A seated one-arm dumbbell curl with the upper arm supported against the inner thigh.

This page is a working draft. A coach has not reviewed it, so read it as a starting point, not as checked instruction.

Pattern
Elbow flexion
Modality
Strength
Difficulty
Beginner
Mechanic
Unknown
Force
Unknown
Laterality
Unilateral
Impact
Low
Trains where
Gym, Home
At home
Yes

How to do it

Set up

  1. Sit on a bench with the feet apart and lean forward slightly.
  2. Hold one dumbbell and rest the back of the working upper arm against the inner thigh.

Do the rep

  1. Curl the dumbbell upward with the palm facing up and the upper arm on the thigh.
  2. Lower to a straight arm under control. Complete the set before changing sides.

What counts as a rep

A rep counts when the dumbbell curls up and returns to a straight arm while the upper arm stays on the thigh; count each side.

A rep counts when the dumbbell curls up and returns to a straight arm while the upper arm stays on the thigh; count each side.

Breathing

Exhale as you curl; inhale as you lower.

Cues

  • Keep the upper arm supported.
  • Keep the shoulder still.
  • Lower under control.

Common mistakes

  • Torso swings

    What you seeThe hips or shoulders move to start the curl.

    FixReduce the load and keep the torso still.

    A still torso keeps the load at the elbows.

  • Wrists bend under the load

    What you seeThe hands fold forward or backward during the rep.

    FixUse less weight and keep the wrists aligned with the forearms.

    Aligned wrists help the user control the dumbbells.

Stop the set if

  • Stop if you feel sharp pain.
  • Stop if the grip slips or you must swing the torso to lift the weight.
  • End the set when you cannot complete the stated rep under control.

General educational content, not individual coaching or medical advice.

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