Best Beginner Biceps Workouts For Men
About
This workout is designed to provide beginners with effective biceps exercises, focusing on simplicity and safety.
The selected movements incorporate easy-to-use equipment and reduced weights to help users master proper form while achieving challenging progress.
Exercises are tailored to a baseline average male individual (5’10”, 180lbs, 35 years old), though modifications may be necessary to accommodate diverse capabilities.
Targeting the biceps, the muscles located on the front of your arm functioning in elbow flexion, these exercises include curling motions essential for strength and definition.
Activities emphasize both the short and long head of the biceps for balanced development.
Workout 1
Biceps

Barbell Curl
15reps30lbs25reps30lbs35reps30lbs45reps30lbs55reps30lbs
Dumbbell Bicep Curl
18reps20lbs28reps20lbs38reps20lbs
Hammer Curls
110reps15lbs210reps15lbs310reps15lbs
Preacher Curl
118reps15lbs218reps15lbs
Reverse Barbell Curl
112reps22.5lbs212reps22.5lbs312reps22.5lbs
Incline EZ-Bar Curl
112reps22.5lbs212reps22.5lbs312reps22.5lbs
Workout 2
Biceps

Seated Dumbbell Curl
15reps17.5lbs25reps17.5lbs35reps17.5lbs45reps17.5lbs55reps17.5lbs
Barbell Pause Curl
18reps35lbs28reps35lbs38reps35lbs
EZ-Bar Curl
110reps35lbs210reps35lbs310reps35lbs
Cross Body Hammer Curls
112reps5lbs212reps5lbs
Barbell Bicep Drag Curl
112reps17.5lbs212reps17.5lbs312reps17.5lbs
Cable Preacher Curl
112reps30lbs212reps30lbs312reps30lbs
Workout 3
Biceps

Barbell Curl
15reps30lbs25reps30lbs35reps30lbs45reps30lbs55reps30lbs
Dumbbell Bicep Curl
18reps20lbs28reps20lbs38reps20lbs
Incline Dumbbell Curl
110reps17.5lbs210reps17.5lbs310reps17.5lbs
Machine Bicep Curl
112reps30lbs212reps30lbs
Machine Preacher Curl
112reps30lbs212reps30lbs312reps30lbs
TRX Bicep Curl
14reps24reps34reps44reps54reps
The 15 Best Beginner Biceps Exercises for Men
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Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More
1. Barbell Curl
Barbell Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED5,529,638Biceps Strength96 mScoreBiceps
BarbellsThe Barbell Curl is a great exercise that targets your biceps by isolating the muscle. Using a barbell helps keep your movements stable so you can focus on building strength without losing balance.
How to do it
- Stand up straight and grasp a barbell with both hands, shoulder-width apart, palms facing away.
- Tighten your core by taking a deep breath and flexing your stomach muscles.
- Bend your elbows to lift the barbell to shoulder height, keeping your elbows close to your sides.
- Exhale and slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps30lbs28reps30lbs38reps30lbs2. Dumbbell Bicep Curl
Dumbbell Bicep Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED10,161,709Biceps Strength99 mScoreBiceps
DumbbellsThe Dumbbell Bicep Curl is a popular exercise that targets the biceps, helping to build strength and muscle. Using dumbbells allows for better control and range of motion, making it an effective choice for workouts.
How to do it
- Stand upright and hold a dumbbell in each hand at your sides, palms facing you.
- Engage your core by breathing deeply and tightening your abdominal muscles.
- Flex your elbows to lift one dumbbell up towards your shoulder while keeping your elbow close to your side.
- As you lift, rotate your wrist so your palm faces your shoulder at the top of the curl.
- Lower the dumbbell back to the starting position by rotating your wrist back to palms-facing position.
- Once the first dumbbell is down, repeat the process with the other arm.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps20lbs28reps20lbs38reps20lbs3. EZ-Bar Curl
EZ-Bar Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED4,152,468Biceps Strength97 mScoreBiceps
EZ BarThe EZ-Bar Curl is an exercise that focuses on strengthening your biceps. Using an EZ-Bar offers better stability and comfort for your wrists, making it easier to concentrate on lifting weights.
How to do it
- Stand up straight and hold the EZ-Bar with both hands, palms facing away from you, at waist height.
- Engage your core by tightening your stomach muscles.
- Curl the bar by bending your elbows, raising it to shoulder height while keeping your elbows close to your body.
- Lower the bar back to the starting position and exhale.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps30lbs28reps30lbs38reps30lbs4. Hammer Curls
Hammer Curls demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED8,921,793Biceps Strength98 mScoreBiceps
DumbbellsHammer Curls are a bicep exercise that involve turning your wrists for a more natural grip. This helps target the long head of the bicep while building muscle and strength.
How to do it
- Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your palms facing inward and arms at your sides.
- Engage your core by tightening your stomach muscles.
- Curl one dumbbell up to shoulder height while keeping your elbow close to your side.
- Lower the dumbbell back down to the starting position.
- Switch arms and repeat the movement.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps20lbs28reps20lbs38reps20lbs5. Preacher Curl
Preacher Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED1,646,964Biceps Strength92 mScoreBiceps
Preacher Curl Bench
EZ BarThe Preacher Curl is a great bicep exercise that helps build strength. Using a preacher curl bench keeps your elbows still and focused, reducing any swinging or cheating. This exercise allows you to concentrate on working your biceps effectively with the help of an EZ-bar for support.
How to do it
- Sit on the preacher curl bench with your chest against the pad.
- Grab the EZ-bar with an underhand grip, arms extended over the pad.
- Flex your elbows to lift the bar, keeping your upper arms on the pad.
- Lower the bar back to the starting position after it touches your biceps.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps30lbs28reps30lbs38reps30lbs6. Reverse Barbell Curl
Reverse Barbell Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED2,203,913Biceps Strength89 mScoreBiceps
BarbellsThe Reverse Barbell Curl is a bicep exercise that focuses on grip strength and functional strength. By using a barbell with a reverse grip, you can stabilize the movement better, allowing for more effective bicep training.
How to do it
- Stand upright holding a barbell with both hands, palms facing towards you, at waist height.
- Engage your core by tightening your stomach muscles.
- Flex your elbows to raise the barbell to shoulder height, keeping your elbows close to your body.
- Lower the barbell back to the starting position and repeat.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps30lbs28reps30lbs38reps30lbs7. Seated Dumbbell Curl
Seated Dumbbell Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED3,675,670Biceps Strength95 mScoreBiceps
DumbbellsThe Seated Dumbbell Curl is an exercise that focuses on building your biceps. By using dumbbells while sitting, you can maintain good form and prevent using your body to lift the weights.
How to do it
- Sit upright on a bench with a dumbbell in each hand, arms at your sides and palms facing in.
- Tighten your core and bend one elbow to lift the dumbbell towards your shoulder, keeping your upper arm still.
- Lower the dumbbell back down and repeat with the other arm.
- Alternate lifting each arm.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs8. Incline EZ-Bar Curl
Incline EZ-Bar Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED455,321Biceps Strength88 mScoreBiceps
EZ Bar
Incline BenchThe Incline EZ-Bar Curl is a bicep exercise that uses an EZ-Bar for better grip and stability. Leaning on an incline bench helps maintain tension in your biceps throughout the movement.
How to do it
- Set the incline bench to your preferred angle and lie face down with your chest aligned with the padding.
- Grab the EZ-Bar with both hands, palms up, ensuring the bar is positioned between you and the bench.
- Slowly lower the bar until your arms are straight, beneath your shoulders.
- Curl the bar upwards by contracting your biceps, keeping your elbows steady under your shoulders.
- Pause briefly at the top of the movement to fully engage your biceps.
- Keep your posture straight and feet planted on the floor for stability.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps25lbs28reps25lbs38reps25lbs9. Cross Body Hammer Curls
Cross Body Hammer Curls demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED1,172,804Biceps Strength91 mScoreBiceps
DumbbellsCross Body Hammer Curls are a bicep exercise that involves lifting weights across your body. This movement targets the biceps effectively by moving the dumbbell in a diagonal path rather than straight up and down.
How to do it
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart holding a dumbbell in each hand.
- Position the dumbbells in front of you with palms facing your body and elbows slightly bent.
- Raise one dumbbell in an arc to the opposite shoulder, keeping your elbow locked.
- Hold for a moment at the top, then lower the dumbbell back to the starting position.
- Switch arms and repeat the movement.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs10. Barbell Bicep Drag Curl
Barbell Bicep Drag Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED1,003,713Biceps Strength86 mScoreBiceps
BarbellsThe Barbell Bicep Drag Curl is an effective bicep exercise that uses a barbell for added stability. This variation allows for consistent tension on the biceps, helping to build muscle more effectively.
How to do it
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Grab the barbell with an underhand grip and let your arms hang down.
- Bend your elbows, keeping the bar close to your body until it reaches your chest.
- Lower the barbell back to the starting position, maintaining the close distance to your body.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps30lbs28reps30lbs38reps30lbs11. Cable Preacher Curl
Cable Preacher Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED230,299Biceps Strength85 mScoreBiceps
Hi-Lo Pulley Cable
Preacher Curl BenchThe Cable Preacher Curl is an exercise that specifically builds your biceps. By using a preacher curl bench, your arms are stabilized, preventing any movement that could reduce the effectiveness of the lift. A cable machine enables a consistent tension throughout the exercise.
How to do it
- Set the pulley to the lowest position and attach a bar.
- Sit on the preacher bench, facing the pulley, about 2-3 feet away.
- Press your chest against the pad and extend your arms to hold the bar.
- With your upper arms resting on the pad, curl the bar up by bending your elbows.
- Lower the bar back to the starting position after it touches your biceps.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps25lbs28reps25lbs38reps25lbs12. Incline Dumbbell Curl
Incline Dumbbell Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED1,783,188Biceps Strength93 mScoreBiceps
Dumbbells
Incline BenchThe Incline Dumbbell Curl is a bicep exercise that isolates your upper arms while allowing full movement. Using dumbbells instead of a barbell helps ensure even strength between both arms and keeps tension on your biceps throughout the motion.
How to do it
- Lie back on an incline bench with your shoulder blades squeezed together.
- Feet should be flat on the ground underneath your knees.
- Hold dumbbells with your arms straight down and palms facing in.
- Flex your elbows to lift the dumbbells towards your shoulders, keeping elbows close to your body.
- Rotate your palms to face your shoulders at the top of the curl.
- Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps17.5lbs28reps17.5lbs38reps17.5lbs13. Machine Bicep Curl
Machine Bicep Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED1,286,734Biceps Strength94 mScoreBiceps
Bicep Curl MachineThe Machine Bicep Curl is an exercise that strengthens the biceps using a fixed machine. It provides stability, allowing you to focus on your workout without worrying about balance.
How to do it
- Sit upright in the bicep curl machine and rest your arms on the pads.
- Grab the handles with an underhand grip.
- With your arms parallel to your shoulders, bend your elbows to lift the handles while keeping your upper arms on the pads.
- Lower the handles back to the starting position after they touch your biceps.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps35lbs28reps35lbs38reps35lbs14. Machine Preacher Curl
Machine Preacher Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED1,100,200Biceps Strength83 mScoreBiceps
Preacher Curl MachineThe Machine Preacher Curl is a simple exercise that helps strengthen your biceps. Using the preacher curl machine keeps your elbows stable, allowing you to focus on lifting the weight effectively for better results.
How to do it
- Sit down in the preacher curl machine and press your chest against the pad.
- Grab the handles with an underhand grip, extending your arms over the pad.
- Keep your upper arms against the pad and curl the handles toward your biceps by bending your elbows.
- Lower the handles back to the starting position once your forearms touch your biceps.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps35lbs28reps35lbs38reps35lbs15. TRX Bicep Curl
TRX Bicep Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED249,057Biceps Strength63 mScoreBiceps
TRXThe TRX Bicep Curl is a bodyweight exercise that focuses on strengthening the biceps. Using TRX straps helps ensure balanced strength in both arms and allows you to adjust resistance easily.
How to do it
- Stand facing the TRX anchor with the straps extended.
- Hold the handles with palms up and arms straight, stepping backward to align your body where you feel comfortable.
- Engage your core and keep a straight line from heels to shoulders.
- Bend your elbows, bringing the handles towards your forehead, keeping elbows in front of your shoulders.
- Once your forearms touch your biceps, straighten your arms back to the start position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps28reps38reps
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