10 Best Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl Alternatives for Home or Gym
The Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl is done standing with dumbbells. Ranked closest by our scoring: the Dumbbell One Arm Standing Hammer Curl, the Dumbbell Waiter Biceps Curl and the Dumbbell One Arm Standing Curl. Seven harder versions, among them the Dumbbell Standing Concentration Curl and the Dumbbell Standing One Arm Concentration Curl, are listed below as progressions rather than swaps.
Updated Ranked by our 12-factor similarity model How it works
Original Exercise: Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
- Primary muscle
- Biceps
- Equipment
- Dumbbell
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Type
- Isolation
Secondary muscles: Forearms
How to perform Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
- Stand up straight with a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing your body.
- Keep your elbows close to your torso and your upper arms stationary.
- Exhale and curl the weights while contracting your biceps, bringing the dumbbells across your body towards your opposite shoulder.
- Continue to raise the dumbbells until your biceps are fully contracted and the dumbbells are at shoulder level.
- Hold the contracted position for a brief pause as you squeeze your biceps.
- Inhale and slowly begin to lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Ranked Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl Alternatives
10 substitutes, ranked by how closely each one matches the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl on movement pattern, muscles worked, equipment and body position. The higher the score, the less you change. Open "How to perform this exercise" on a card for the steps; every card title links to that exercise's own alternatives page. Harder versions are tagged as progressions and kept out of the top spot even when they score higher.
Best match - Biceps
- Dumbbell
- Beginner
- Isolation
It uses the same equipment and still works the biceps.
How to perform this exercise
- Stand up straight with a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing your torso.
- Keep your elbows close to your torso and your upper arms stationary.
- Exhale and curl the weights while contracting your biceps.
- Continue to raise the weights until your biceps are fully contracted and the dumbbells are at shoulder level.
- Hold the contracted position for a brief pause as you squeeze your biceps.
- Inhale and slowly begin to lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps on each side.
Why this matches
- Movement: curl, the same as the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
- Primary muscle: biceps, the same as the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
- Equipment: free weights, the same as the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
- Body position: standing, the same as the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
2. Dumbbell Waiter Biceps Curl
95% match- Biceps
- Dumbbell
- Beginner
- Isolation
The same equipment, taken with an underhand grip.
How to perform this exercise
- Stand up straight with a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing forward.
- Keep your upper arms close to your body and your elbows tucked in.
- Slowly curl the dumbbells up towards your shoulders, keeping your wrists straight.
- Pause for a moment at the top, then slowly lower the dumbbells back down to the starting position.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps on each side.
Why this matches
- Movement: curl, the same as the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
- Primary muscle: biceps, the same as the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
- Equipment: free weights, the same as the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
- Body position: standing, the same as the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
Progression
- Biceps
- Dumbbell
- Intermediate
- Isolation
Pick this when you want a harder version that still works the biceps.
How to perform this exercise
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a dumbbell in one hand, with your arm fully extended and palm facing inwards.
- Place your opposite hand on your thigh for support.
- Keeping your upper arm stationary, exhale and curl the dumbbell towards your shoulder by contracting your biceps.
- Continue to raise the dumbbell until your biceps are fully contracted and the dumbbell is at shoulder level.
- Hold the contracted position for a brief pause as you squeeze your biceps.
- Inhale and slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions, then switch arms.
Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps on each side.
Why this matches
- Movement: curl, the same as the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
- Primary muscle: biceps, the same as the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
- Equipment: free weights, the same as the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
- Body position: standing, the same as the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
Progression
- Biceps
- Dumbbell
- Intermediate
- Isolation
How to perform this exercise
- Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a dumbbell in one hand, palm facing up.
- Place your free hand on your thigh for support.
- Keeping your upper arm stationary, exhale and curl the dumbbell towards your shoulder by contracting your biceps.
- Continue to raise the dumbbell until your biceps are fully contracted and the dumbbell is at shoulder level.
- Hold the contracted position for a brief pause as you squeeze your biceps.
- Inhale and slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions, then switch arms.
Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps on each side.
Why this matches
- Movement: curl, the same as the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
- Primary muscle: biceps, the same as the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
- Equipment: free weights, the same as the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
- Body position: standing, the same as the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
Progression
- Biceps
- Dumbbell
- Intermediate
- Isolation
How to perform this exercise
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in one hand with your palm facing forward.
- Place your other hand on an incline bench for support.
- Keeping your upper arm stationary, exhale and curl the dumbbell towards your shoulder by contracting your biceps.
- Pause for a moment at the top, then inhale and slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions, then switch arms.
Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps on each side.
Why this matches
- Movement: curl, the same as the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
- Primary muscle: biceps, the same as the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
- Equipment: free weights, the same as the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
- Body position: standing, the same as the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
Progression
- Biceps
- Dumbbell
- Intermediate
- Isolation
How to perform this exercise
- Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a dumbbell in one hand with an overhand grip.
- Keep your arm fully extended and close to your body, with your palm facing down.
- Slowly curl the dumbbell up towards your shoulder, keeping your upper arm stationary.
- Pause for a moment at the top, then slowly lower the dumbbell back down to the starting position.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions, then switch to the other arm.
Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps on each side.
Why this matches
- Movement: curl, the same as the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
- Primary muscle: biceps, the same as the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
- Equipment: free weights, the same as the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
- Body position: standing, the same as the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
Progression
7. Dumbbell Standing Preacher Curl
95% match- Biceps
- Dumbbell
- Intermediate
- Isolation
How to perform this exercise
- Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing forward.
- Rest the back of your upper arms against the preacher bench or an incline bench, with your elbows slightly bent.
- Keeping your upper arms stationary, exhale and curl the weights while contracting your biceps.
- Continue to raise the dumbbells until your biceps are fully contracted and the dumbbells are at shoulder level.
- Hold the contracted position for a brief pause as you squeeze your biceps.
- Inhale and slowly begin to lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps on each side.
Why this matches
- Movement: curl, the same as the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
- Primary muscle: biceps, the same as the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
- Equipment: free weights, the same as the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
- Body position: standing, the same as the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
Progression
8. Dumbbell Hammer Curl
95% match- Biceps
- Dumbbell
- Beginner
- Isolation
How to perform this exercise
- Stand up straight with a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing your torso.
- Keep your elbows close to your torso and rotate the palms of your hands until they are facing forward.
- This will be your starting position.
- Now, keeping the upper arms stationary, exhale and curl the weights while contracting your biceps.
- Continue to raise the weights until your biceps are fully contracted and the dumbbells are at shoulder level.
- Hold the contracted position for a brief pause as you squeeze your biceps.
- Then, inhale and slowly begin to lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps on each side.
Why this matches
- Movement: curl, the same as the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
- Primary muscle: biceps, the same as the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
- Equipment: free weights, the same as the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
- Body position: standing, the same as the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
9. Dumbbell One Arm Standing Curl
95% match- Biceps
- Dumbbell
- Beginner
- Isolation
How to perform this exercise
- Stand up straight with a dumbbell in one hand, palm facing forward and arm fully extended.
- Keeping your upper arm stationary, exhale and curl the weight upward while contracting your biceps.
- Continue to raise the dumbbell until your biceps are fully contracted and the dumbbell is at shoulder level.
- Hold the contracted position for a brief pause as you squeeze your biceps.
- Inhale and slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions, then switch arms.
Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps on each side.
Why this matches
- Movement: curl, the same as the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
- Primary muscle: biceps, the same as the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
- Equipment: free weights, the same as the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
- Body position: standing, the same as the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
Progression
- Biceps
- Dumbbell
- Intermediate
- Isolation
How to perform this exercise
- Stand up straight with a dumbbell in one hand, palm facing down and arm fully extended.
- Keeping your upper arm stationary, curl the dumbbell towards your shoulder by flexing your elbow.
- Pause for a moment at the top, then slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions, then switch arms.
Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps on each side.
Why this matches
- Movement: curl, the same as the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
- Primary muscle: biceps, the same as the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
- Equipment: free weights, the same as the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
- Body position: standing, the same as the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl
Why You Might Need a Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl Alternative
You may swap the Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl for several reasons: wrist or elbow irritation from the cross-body path, lack of dumbbells, or a need for variety to break plateaus. A neutral grip shifts load from the biceps long head toward the brachialis and brachioradialis, which can reduce supination stress and ease distal tendon strain. If you feel lateral elbow pain, choose a cable or machine variation and cue a controlled eccentric (3-4 seconds) with the elbow pinned to your side to limit shear at the joint and preserve targeted muscle activation.
Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl FAQ
What muscles does Dumbbell Cross Body Hammer Curl work?
The move primarily recruits the brachialis and brachioradialis while still engaging the biceps brachii. Use a neutral (thumbs-up) grip and keep the elbow fixed to maximize brachialis activation and minimize supination.
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