Why alternate dumbell curls?

[Slyder190]

Why do the alternating. It's like a rest-pause type of methed, except without a 1 or 2 rep max. Why not curl both at the same time and get more intensity out of it? This is smoething I do that one might call, "thinking outside the box"

 

[nautica]

You alternate so that you can concentrate on each muscle. To get more intensity use a bar.

nautica

 

[genarr3]

I do both.

 

[Mike P.T.]

You alternate so that you can concentrate on each muscle.

also u can take advantage of the movement by supinating and pronating(twisting during the range of motion) the dumbell, obviously something u cannot do with the barbell.

 

[genarr3]

also u can take advantage of the movement by supinating and pronating(twisting during the range of motion) the dumbell, obviously something u cannot do with the barbell.

Back in the old days they had a bar with handles that rotated. It was a real piece of crap though.

 

[Mike P.T.]

hey genarr3, 100ml eq. mmmmmmmmm shhhhhhhhhh hehehe

 

[Slyder190]

DCS

Why is it soooo sad? It was just a question. Not something way left wing, but a honest look at a certain movement that sparked an honest question. I'm not bothered by your comment, it doesn't maen anything enough to me that I would. I don't see why you found it sooooo odd. Peace.

 

[Frackal]

Supposedly you are able to lift more with one hand at a time than simultaneously....example, you do cable 2-handed curls with 100 lbs, but you can do cable 1 handed curls with 60lbs..

 

[deadheadred]

I use alternating DB curls after I've done heavy pull movements(bent rows) for back. I use light weight 40lbs. and do 20 reps, 2 sets for each arm. The light weight and high reps keeps me from overstressing my pre-fatigued bicep tendons. I'll use heavy barbell curls and low reps(5-8) when I do biceps without back. Works great for me!

 

[Dirty Boy]

I don't think this is scientifically proven but some advocate alternate dumbell curls as opposed to straight bar curls do to greater nervous stimulation. Instead of the signal being "split" to both arms, all of the signal is being sent to the arm you are curling (as you keep alternating).

This may go along with what Frackal was saying although supporting muscle groups in your shoulder and back has a lot to do with it i would guess.

 

[Enigmaxxx7]

Re: DCS

Why is it soooo sad? It was just a question. Not something way left wing, but a honest look at a certain movement that sparked an honest question. I'm not bothered by your comment, it doesn't maen anything enough to me that I would. I don't see why you found it sooooo odd. Peace.

I think your question is legit, but the statement at the end of it is what DCS is referring to.
"This is smoething I do that one might call, "thinking outside the box""

I kinda laughed when I read that too. It sorta discredited your question.

Unit T

 

[Lumberg]

I always thought that if you go from doing something with a bar to something with DBs that you could do less than half, because using both arms in concert has a synergistic effect. This is true for me in the bench. Also for preacher curls.

I tend to do DB curls (when I do 'em--usually I just do preacher bar) both arms at once because I am all about expediency in the gym. I want to be as intense as possible and get out of there as soon as possible.

The potential problem with using a bar is that the stronger side can shoulder more of the load causing asymmetric development, right? Though I must admit I have only done bench press and dips for chest for like a year now and my chest is symmetrical.

JC

 

[Slyder190]

I take it back

Wrong choice of words.