Hey girls, just was curious what everybody was doing for bicep curls. I use the machine, not the dumbells. Its the one where my arms are at an upward angle from my chest and I curl back towards me. Now Im comfortable with 30 pounds on each arm. My left is weaker than my right so Im trying to get it up to speed. I have done 40 before but it is hard. 20 pounds on each arm is pretty easy but I can do more reps and feel the burn.
I prefer dumbells. I got much stronger using freeweights rather than machines. Better, more natural range of motion. But whatever is comfortable for you is good to use. To increase your strength, use a higher weight with lower reps and eventually your reps will increase and it will become easier.
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Keep your body lean, your blood clean and your mind sharp. -Rollins
When you get more comfortable I do recommend graduating to free weights. You have to work more to stabilize the weights and use controlled movements. Plus the more variety you put into your workouts, the better.
My favorite Bicep curling exercises are Incline curls and concentration curls. I always have a real nice burn after doing those.
I have been using machines for my weights for I dont know how long... and the other day I used dumbells and worked my arms and legs... and woah did I feel it the next day.. its weird because I lift all the time and pretty heavy, and then I get sore with 5 and 10 pound dumbells... felt good though!
Is there a right and wrong way to do it? I feel like I want to use the dumbells but dunno how to do it correctly. I would like to also buy them for home since I dont have alot of options besides walking outside for exercise on the weekends. I wanted to buy a bike but Im short on cash right now. Ill have one next summer and cant wait!
I agree about the dumbells or free weights as being better; alot of times I also use the barbell. Used to do 50lbs with the barbell, but upon reading up I realized that sacrificing weight for great form is better so now I do 40.lbs.
Proper form includes isolating the bi-cep without using other muscles to lift by keeping elbows stationary as possible at the sides and no momentum or swing to lift up. Also, not raising up the bar too quickly or lowering it too quickly. I sometimes hold the bar for a second or two in the downward motion.
Preacher curls are good with dumbbells/barbells too which is simular motion to your machine that you mentioned but I use less weight on that then the regular curls because I feel it's more of a shaping exercise than power.
