Best Biceps Workouts To Build Strength For Men
About
This workout is structured to build max strength, targeting both compound and isolation exercises to engage a range of muscle groups, with a special focus on the biceps.
Exercises incorporate heavier weights with lower repetitions to emphasize strength development over hypertrophy.
Activities include curls to isolate the biceps, which are crucial for elbow flexion as well as supporting compound pulling motions.
Adjustments are tailored for an average male physique (approximately 5'10", 180lbs, 35 years old), keeping in mind variances in individual capabilities.
These methods aim to promote strength effectively while catering to observed preferences for such workouts.
Key focus is placed on engaging the Long Head of the biceps for balanced development.
Workout 1
Biceps

Barbell Curl
15reps40lbs25reps40lbs35reps40lbs45reps40lbs55reps40lbs
Dumbbell Bicep Curl
18reps30lbs28reps30lbs38reps30lbs
Hammer Curls
110reps30lbs210reps30lbs310reps30lbs
Preacher Curl
118reps25lbs218reps25lbs
Reverse Barbell Curl
112reps30lbs212reps30lbs312reps30lbs
Incline EZ-Bar Curl
112reps22.5lbs212reps22.5lbs312reps22.5lbs
Workout 2
Biceps

Seated Dumbbell Curl
15reps35lbs25reps35lbs35reps35lbs45reps35lbs55reps35lbs
Reverse Dumbbell Curl
18reps35lbs28reps35lbs38reps35lbs
EZ-Bar Curl
110reps35lbs210reps35lbs310reps35lbs
Cross Body Hammer Curls
112reps5lbs212reps5lbs
Barbell Bicep Drag Curl
112reps30lbs212reps30lbs312reps30lbs
Cable Preacher Curl
112reps30lbs212reps30lbs312reps30lbs
Workout 3
Biceps

Barbell Pause Curl
15reps35lbs25reps35lbs35reps35lbs45reps35lbs55reps35lbs
Barbell Curl
18reps40lbs28reps40lbs38reps40lbs
Concentration Curl
110reps25lbs210reps25lbs310reps25lbs
Incline Dumbbell Curl
112reps25lbs212reps25lbs
Incline Hammer Curl
112reps25lbs212reps25lbs312reps25lbs
Machine Bicep Curl
112reps40lbs212reps40lbs312reps40lbs
The 15 Best Biceps Exercises to Build Strength for Men
Ranked By
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, Weight18reps40lbs28reps40lbs38reps40lbs2. 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, Weight18reps25lbs28reps25lbs38reps25lbs3. 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, Weight18reps40lbs28reps40lbs38reps40lbs4. 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, Weight18reps25lbs28reps25lbs38reps25lbs5. 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, Weight18reps35lbs28reps35lbs38reps35lbs6. 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, Weight18reps40lbs28reps40lbs38reps40lbs7. 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, Weight18reps17.5lbs28reps17.5lbs38reps17.5lbs8. 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, Weight18reps30lbs28reps30lbs38reps30lbs9. 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, Weight18reps17.5lbs28reps17.5lbs38reps17.5lbs10. 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, Weight18reps40lbs28reps40lbs38reps40lbs11. 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, Weight18reps35lbs28reps35lbs38reps35lbs12. Concentration Curl
Concentration Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED2,854,084Biceps Strength72 mScoreBiceps
DumbbellsThe Concentration Curl is a simple exercise that strengthens the biceps by focusing solely on them. You sit down, brace your arm against your thigh, and lift a dumbbell to really engage the bicep without using other muscles.
How to do it
- Sit at the edge of a bench with your knees bent and feet on the floor, shoulder-width apart.
- Extend your right arm between your legs and rest your elbow against your right thigh, holding a dumbbell with an outward-facing palm.
- Keep your elbow against your thigh as you lift the dumbbell to shoulder height, then lower it back to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps25lbs28reps25lbs38reps25lbs13. 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, Weight18reps22.5lbs28reps22.5lbs38reps22.5lbs14. Incline Hammer Curl
Incline Hammer Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED1,114,189Biceps Strength89 mScoreBiceps
Dumbbells
Incline BenchThe Incline Hammer Curl is a bicep exercise that uses dumbbells to allow better range of motion and balance. Lying on an incline bench helps you avoid swaying and focuses on strengthening the biceps without compensating for uneven strength.
How to do it
- Lie back on an incline bench at 45-60 degrees, ensuring your head, shoulders, and butt are supported.
- Keep your feet flat on the ground and squeeze your shoulder blades together.
- Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your arms extended straight down and palms facing in.
- Bend your elbows to lift the dumbbells towards your shoulders while keeping your elbows close to your body.
- Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps22.5lbs28reps22.5lbs38reps22.5lbs15. 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, Weight18reps45lbs28reps45lbs38reps45lbs
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