Dumbbell Spider Curl - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Dumbbell Spider Curl

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Dumbbell Spider Curl.

MediumBiceps

About this exercise

The dumbbell prone incline curl, also known as the spider curl, is performed lying face-down on an incline bench with arms hanging freely below the chest. This position keeps the upper arms perpendicular to the ground throughout the movement, placing constant tension on the biceps and eliminating any momentum from the body.

How to Perform

  • Set an adjustable bench to a moderate incline (around 45 degrees) and lie face-down with your chest against the pad
  • Let both arms hang straight down toward the floor, holding a dumbbell in each hand with a supinated (underhand) grip
  • Keep the upper arms stationary and vertical throughout the movement
  • Curl both dumbbells upward simultaneously by bending the elbows
  • Squeeze the biceps at the top of the curl
  • Lower the dumbbells slowly and under control back to the fully extended starting position
  • Repeat for the desired number of reps

Muscle Activation

Primary
Biceps
Secondary
Outer forearm

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Dumbbell Spider Curl

The Dumbbell Spider Curl is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.