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Best Beginner Biceps Workouts To Build Muscle Mass

About

This workout emphasizes building muscle mass through a combination of compound and isolation movements tailored to suit individuals with less than one year of training experience.

Compound exercises target various muscle groups, while isolation movements specifically address the biceps, located on the front of the upper arm and responsible for elbow flexion.

To encourage muscle hypertrophy, routines feature moderate weights with higher repetitions.

Beginners benefit from simplified, lower-risk exercises designed to accommodate diverse fitness levels while remaining effective.

Understanding biceps anatomy, including long head involvement, aids in optimizing results within these workouts.

The 15 Best Beginner Biceps Exercises to Build Muscle Mass

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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 LOGGED
    5,529,638
    Biceps Strength
    96 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells

    The 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

    1. Stand up straight and grasp a barbell with both hands, shoulder-width apart, palms facing away.
    2. Tighten your core by taking a deep breath and flexing your stomach muscles.
    3. Bend your elbows to lift the barbell to shoulder height, keeping your elbows close to your sides.
    4. Exhale and slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs
  • 2. Dumbbell Bicep Curl

    Dumbbell Bicep Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    10,161,709
    Biceps Strength
    99 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The 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

    1. Stand upright and hold a dumbbell in each hand at your sides, palms facing you.
    2. Engage your core by breathing deeply and tightening your abdominal muscles.
    3. Flex your elbows to lift one dumbbell up towards your shoulder while keeping your elbow close to your side.
    4. As you lift, rotate your wrist so your palm faces your shoulder at the top of the curl.
    5. Lower the dumbbell back to the starting position by rotating your wrist back to palms-facing position.
    6. Once the first dumbbell is down, repeat the process with the other arm.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    20lbs
    2
    8reps
    20lbs
    3
    8reps
    20lbs
  • 3. EZ-Bar Curl

    EZ-Bar Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    4,152,468
    Biceps Strength
    97 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of EZ Bar
    EZ Bar

    The 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

    1. Stand up straight and hold the EZ-Bar with both hands, palms facing away from you, at waist height.
    2. Engage your core by tightening your stomach muscles.
    3. Curl the bar by bending your elbows, raising it to shoulder height while keeping your elbows close to your body.
    4. Lower the bar back to the starting position and exhale.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs
  • 4. Hammer Curls

    Hammer Curls demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    8,921,793
    Biceps Strength
    98 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    Hammer 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

    1. Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart.
    2. Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your palms facing inward and arms at your sides.
    3. Engage your core by tightening your stomach muscles.
    4. Curl one dumbbell up to shoulder height while keeping your elbow close to your side.
    5. Lower the dumbbell back down to the starting position.
    6. Switch arms and repeat the movement.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    20lbs
    2
    8reps
    20lbs
    3
    8reps
    20lbs
  • 5. Preacher Curl

    Preacher Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,646,964
    Biceps Strength
    92 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Preacher Curl Bench
    Preacher Curl Bench
    Photo of EZ Bar
    EZ Bar

    The 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

    1. Sit on the preacher curl bench with your chest against the pad.
    2. Grab the EZ-bar with an underhand grip, arms extended over the pad.
    3. Flex your elbows to lift the bar, keeping your upper arms on the pad.
    4. Lower the bar back to the starting position after it touches your biceps.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs
  • 6. Reverse Barbell Curl

    Reverse Barbell Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    2,203,913
    Biceps Strength
    89 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells

    The 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

    1. Stand upright holding a barbell with both hands, palms facing towards you, at waist height.
    2. Engage your core by tightening your stomach muscles.
    3. Flex your elbows to raise the barbell to shoulder height, keeping your elbows close to your body.
    4. Lower the barbell back to the starting position and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs
  • 7. Seated Dumbbell Curl

    Seated Dumbbell Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    3,675,670
    Biceps Strength
    95 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The 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

    1. Sit upright on a bench with a dumbbell in each hand, arms at your sides and palms facing in.
    2. Tighten your core and bend one elbow to lift the dumbbell towards your shoulder, keeping your upper arm still.
    3. Lower the dumbbell back down and repeat with the other arm.
    4. Alternate lifting each arm.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    15lbs
    2
    8reps
    15lbs
    3
    8reps
    15lbs
  • 8. Incline EZ-Bar Curl

    Incline EZ-Bar Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    455,321
    Biceps Strength
    88 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of EZ Bar
    EZ Bar
    Photo of Incline Bench
    Incline Bench

    The 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

    1. Set the incline bench to your preferred angle and lie face down with your chest aligned with the padding.
    2. Grab the EZ-Bar with both hands, palms up, ensuring the bar is positioned between you and the bench.
    3. Slowly lower the bar until your arms are straight, beneath your shoulders.
    4. Curl the bar upwards by contracting your biceps, keeping your elbows steady under your shoulders.
    5. Pause briefly at the top of the movement to fully engage your biceps.
    6. Keep your posture straight and feet planted on the floor for stability.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs
  • 9. Cross Body Hammer Curls

    Cross Body Hammer Curls demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,172,804
    Biceps Strength
    91 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    Cross 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

    1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart holding a dumbbell in each hand.
    2. Position the dumbbells in front of you with palms facing your body and elbows slightly bent.
    3. Raise one dumbbell in an arc to the opposite shoulder, keeping your elbow locked.
    4. Hold for a moment at the top, then lower the dumbbell back to the starting position.
    5. Switch arms and repeat the movement.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    15lbs
    2
    8reps
    15lbs
    3
    8reps
    15lbs
  • 10. Barbell Bicep Drag Curl

    Barbell Bicep Drag Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,003,713
    Biceps Strength
    86 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells

    The 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

    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
    2. Grab the barbell with an underhand grip and let your arms hang down.
    3. Bend your elbows, keeping the bar close to your body until it reaches your chest.
    4. Lower the barbell back to the starting position, maintaining the close distance to your body.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs
  • 11. Cable Preacher Curl

    Cable Preacher Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    230,299
    Biceps Strength
    85 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Hi-Lo Pulley Cable
    Hi-Lo Pulley Cable
    Photo of Preacher Curl Bench
    Preacher Curl Bench

    The 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

    1. Set the pulley to the lowest position and attach a bar.
    2. Sit on the preacher bench, facing the pulley, about 2-3 feet away.
    3. Press your chest against the pad and extend your arms to hold the bar.
    4. With your upper arms resting on the pad, curl the bar up by bending your elbows.
    5. Lower the bar back to the starting position after it touches your biceps.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs
  • 12. Incline Dumbbell Curl

    Incline Dumbbell Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,783,188
    Biceps Strength
    93 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells
    Photo of Incline Bench
    Incline Bench

    The 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

    1. Lie back on an incline bench with your shoulder blades squeezed together.
    2. Feet should be flat on the ground underneath your knees.
    3. Hold dumbbells with your arms straight down and palms facing in.
    4. Flex your elbows to lift the dumbbells towards your shoulders, keeping elbows close to your body.
    5. Rotate your palms to face your shoulders at the top of the curl.
    6. Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    17.5lbs
  • 13. Machine Bicep Curl

    Machine Bicep Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,286,734
    Biceps Strength
    94 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Bicep Curl Machine
    Bicep Curl Machine

    The 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

    1. Sit upright in the bicep curl machine and rest your arms on the pads.
    2. Grab the handles with an underhand grip.
    3. With your arms parallel to your shoulders, bend your elbows to lift the handles while keeping your upper arms on the pads.
    4. Lower the handles back to the starting position after they touch your biceps.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    35lbs
    2
    8reps
    35lbs
    3
    8reps
    35lbs
  • 14. Machine Preacher Curl

    Machine Preacher Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,100,200
    Biceps Strength
    83 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Preacher Curl Machine
    Preacher Curl Machine

    The 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

    1. Sit down in the preacher curl machine and press your chest against the pad.
    2. Grab the handles with an underhand grip, extending your arms over the pad.
    3. Keep your upper arms against the pad and curl the handles toward your biceps by bending your elbows.
    4. Lower the handles back to the starting position once your forearms touch your biceps.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    35lbs
    2
    8reps
    35lbs
    3
    8reps
    35lbs
  • 15. TRX Bicep Curl

    TRX Bicep Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    249,057
    Biceps Strength
    63 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of TRX
    TRX

    The 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

    1. Stand facing the TRX anchor with the straps extended.
    2. Hold the handles with palms up and arms straight, stepping backward to align your body where you feel comfortable.
    3. Engage your core and keep a straight line from heels to shoulders.
    4. Bend your elbows, bringing the handles towards your forehead, keeping elbows in front of your shoulders.
    5. Once your forearms touch your biceps, straighten your arms back to the start position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps

Alternative Workouts

Alternative Beginner Workouts to Build Muscle Mass

Alternative Beginner Biceps Workouts

Alternative Biceps Workouts to Build Muscle Mass