Dumbbell Cheat Curl Guide: Build Bigger Biceps

Learn how to safely perform the dumbbell cheat curl to overload your biceps and increase arm strength with controlled momentum.

How to Perform

  1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a dumbbell in each hand at your sides using a supinated grip.
  2. Hinge slightly at the hips and knees to create a small amount of body English for the initial upward movement.
  3. Drive the weights upward by using a subtle hip thrust to help the dumbbells pass the initial sticking point of the curl.
  4. Contract your biceps forcefully at the top of the movement while maintaining a tall posture.
  5. Lower the dumbbells slowly and under complete control back to the starting position to maximize the eccentric phase.
  6. Reset your posture completely between every repetition to ensure the momentum remains purposeful and safe.

Common Mistakes

  • Leaning too far backward at the top of the rep
  • Dropping the weights rapidly without resisting the descent
  • Using excessive momentum that removes all tension from the biceps
  • Failing to keep the core tight during the hip drive

Muscles Worked

Primary movers

  • Biceps

Stabilizers

  • Forearms
  • Brachialis
  • Erector Spinae
  • Triceps

Related Guides

Biceps · Arms