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Best Beginner Biceps Workouts To Get Lean And Burn Fat

About

This workout is designed for individuals seeking to enhance their fitness foundation with targeted beginner-level exercises that prioritize safety and effectiveness.

Exercises in this program focus on the biceps, the muscle located at the front of the arm that facilitates elbow flexion and is integral to pulling movements.

By emphasizing lean muscle development and higher repetitions using moderate weight, this workout aids in burning fat while maintaining muscle mass.

Beginners, characterized as those with under one year of experience, will appreciate the accessible yet engaging nature of these movements.

Incorporating a variety of curls and other fundamental motions, participants will also target the long head section of the biceps for comprehensive growth.

Step into a structured and thoughtfully designed regimen that caters to your fitness aspirations while laying a solid groundwork for progression.

The 15 Best Beginner Biceps Exercises to Get Lean and Burn Fat

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Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More

  • 1. 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
  • 2. 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
  • 3. 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
  • 4. 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
  • 5. Dumbbell Wide Curls

    Dumbbell Wide Curls demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    799,835
    Biceps Strength
    70 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    Dumbbell Wide Curls are a simple exercise that focuses on building your biceps. By keeping your arms flared out, this exercise helps develop the outer part of your biceps for a fuller appearance.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.
    2. Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your arms flared out to the sides.
    3. Curl the dumbbells up while keeping them wider than shoulder-width at the top.
    4. Pause briefly at the top, feeling the contraction in your biceps.
    5. Lower the dumbbells back down slowly, keeping tension on your biceps.
    6. Keep your elbows close to your sides and maintain good posture throughout.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    15lbs
    2
    8reps
    15lbs
    3
    8reps
    15lbs
  • 6. 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
  • 7. 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
  • 8. 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
  • 9. 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
  • 10. 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
  • 11. 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
  • 12. 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
  • 13. Dumbbell Preacher Curls

    Dumbbell Preacher Curls demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    212,418
    Biceps Strength
    78 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells
    Photo of Preacher Curl Bench
    Preacher Curl Bench

    Dumbbell Preacher Curls are a great exercise to target your biceps while keeping your movements controlled. Using a preacher bench helps stabilize your arms and reduces the chance of cheating, making it ideal for building strong biceps and improving form.

    How to do it

    1. Adjust the preacher bench so that your arms rest comfortably on the padding.
    2. Hold a dumbbell in each hand with palms facing up, letting them hang below the padding.
    3. Curl the dumbbells up by contracting your biceps.
    4. Pause briefly at the top of the curl.
    5. Slowly lower the dumbbells back to the starting position, keeping tension in your biceps.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    15lbs
    2
    8reps
    15lbs
    3
    8reps
    15lbs
  • 14. Dumbbell Drag Curl

    Dumbbell Drag Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    360,412
    Biceps Strength
    91 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The Dumbbell Drag Curl targets the biceps, specifically the long head, to improve their shape and peak. This exercise isolates the biceps while reducing shoulder movement, making it ideal for those looking to enhance their bicep definition.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.
    2. Hold a dumbbell in each hand with palms facing up, positioned at your hips.
    3. Lift the dumbbells straight up along your body, keeping your elbows back as you go.
    4. Pause briefly at the top when your biceps are fully contracted.
    5. Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position slowly, keeping your biceps engaged.
    6. Keep your shoulders back and chest lifted during the exercise.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    15lbs
    2
    8reps
    15lbs
    3
    8reps
    15lbs
  • 15. Wide Grip Barbell Curl

    Wide Grip Barbell Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    277,624
    Biceps Strength
    87 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells

    The Wide Grip Barbell Curl is an exercise that primarily works the biceps. By using a barbell with a wider grip, you can enhance the focus on the biceps and ensure better stability during the movement.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.
    2. Hold the barbell with hands wider than shoulder-width, palms facing up.
    3. Raise the barbell by bending your elbows, keeping them fixed at your sides.
    4. Pause briefly at the top, feeling the tension in your biceps.
    5. Lower the barbell back to the starting position slowly.
    6. Keep your core tight, shoulders back, and chest up throughout the exercise.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs

Alternative Workouts

Alternative Beginner Biceps Workouts

Alternative Beginner Workouts to Get Lean and Burn Fat

Alternative Biceps Workouts to Get Lean and Burn Fat