Hammer Curls

cliffodom1
cliffodom1 Posts: 57 Member
edited November 9 in Fitness and Exercise
Why would I do hammer bicep curls versus regular bicep curls or barbell curls?

Replies

  • sjaplo
    sjaplo Posts: 974 Member
    Why would you do curls at all? Try pull ups and chin ups.
  • vorgas
    vorgas Posts: 741 Member
    Because it activates different parts of the muscles. Hammer curls activate more of the forearm and take part of the load from the biceps. Hammer curls activate more of the outer bicep, adding a fuller look to your arm. Hammer curls also have a more natural wrist position, which can help people recovering from certain injuries.

    Curls, pull-ups, chin-ups all do different things. Basic physics will tell you that when the weight is in a different place in relation to the fulcrum the energy and motor demands change.

    So if you just want general strength, stick with curls. If you want to shape, incorporate hammer curls.
  • lishie_rebooted
    lishie_rebooted Posts: 2,973 Member
    vorgas wrote: »
    Because it activates different parts of the muscles. Hammer curls activate more of the forearm and take part of the load from the biceps. Hammer curls activate more of the outer bicep, adding a fuller look to your arm. Hammer curls also have a more natural wrist position, which can help people recovering from certain injuries.

    Curls, pull-ups, chin-ups all do different things. Basic physics will tell you that when the weight is in a different place in relation to the fulcrum the energy and motor demands change.

    So if you just want general strength, stick with curls. If you want to shape, incorporate hammer curls.

    This.

    When I had a wonky shoulder, I told myphysical therapist I was already doing hammer curls and he was happy with me. He had me add another grip position for my curls while my shoulder was healing. My arms looked damn good
  • sjaplo
    sjaplo Posts: 974 Member
    edited December 2014
    http://throwbackfit.com/blog/2013/3/7/never-do-a-biceps-curl-again-unless-youre-a-bodybuilder

    Yes I'm aware its a blog. Lou Schuler says the same thing in NROL.

  • Capt_Apollo
    Capt_Apollo Posts: 9,026 Member
    sjaplo wrote: »
    Why would you do curls at all? Try pull ups and chin ups.


    curls are a great work out, and can and should be done with your upper body routine. however, it shouldn't be the end all be all of your work out. i see dudes coming in the gym and that is all they freaking do. warm up- curls. main set- curls. assistant lifts- curls.

    i personally do curls at the end of my typical upper body day. if i don't have the energy to do more than 1-2 sets of 15 on each arm, then i know i had a good workout.
  • rodduz
    rodduz Posts: 251 Member
    sjaplo wrote: »
    http://throwbackfit.com/blog/2013/3/7/never-do-a-biceps-curl-again-unless-youre-a-bodybuilder

    Yes I'm aware its a blog. Lou Schuler says the same thing in NROL.

    Never heard so much shite! Curls are a great isolation exercise. Why do we go the gym? That vast majority go to get bigger muscles, how do you get bigger biceps, coumpounds like the pull up with accessory work with curls. Anybody trying to build their arms and just doing compounds are losing out BIG TIME on gains!

    We moved on from the thinking of decades ago!
  • _Terrapin_
    _Terrapin_ Posts: 4,301 Member
    cliffodom1 wrote: »
    Why would I do hammer bicep curls versus regular bicep curls or barbell curls?
    Because you'd like to hit a golf farther?

  • mustgetmuscles1
    mustgetmuscles1 Posts: 3,346 Member
    edited December 2014
    Its not an either/or option. Do a program based around the big compound movements. Supplement with a variety of assistance work.

    To the OP
    Hammer Curl

    Muscles
    Target
    Brachioradialis

    Synergists
    Brachialis
    Biceps Brachii

    Stabilizers
    Deltoid, Anterior
    Trapezius, Upper
    Trapezius, Middle
    Levator Scapulae
    Flexor Carpi Radialis
    Extensor Carpi Radialis
  • Leadfoot_Lewis
    Leadfoot_Lewis Posts: 1,623 Member

    Never heard so much shite! Curls are a great isolation exercise. Why do we go the gym? That vast majority go to get bigger muscles, how do you get bigger biceps, coumpounds like the pull up with accessory work with curls. Anybody trying to build their arms and just doing compounds are losing out BIG TIME on gains!

    We moved on from the thinking of decades ago!

    ^I agree!

    Hammer Curls work the Brachialis muscle, which is basically under the long and short bicep heads. It helps you get that bicep "peak" that those of use who like to isolate our biceps desire to have. :)
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