7 Effective Biceps Workouts at Home That Can Help Build Stronger Arms

Updated on: May 21, 2024

These biceps workouts can transform your upper body and help build stronger, sculpted arms, all from the comfort of your home.

biceps workouts at home featured image - woman training with dumbbells

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Ultimate Guide to Biceps Workouts at Home

Biceps workouts at home are exercise routines focused on strengthening the biceps muscles in the upper arm.

The routines aim to improve muscle tone, increase arm strength, and enhance upper-body aesthetics. Regular biceps workouts at home can also improve performance in activities requiring stronger arms and endurance. Dedicating time to these activities can also help with muscle development and functional strength 

Biceps workouts at home are versatile, convenient, and require hardly any equipment, making them accessible to many without a gym membership.

What Makes Biceps Workouts At Home Different

Biceps workouts at home differ from other biceps workouts in terms of convenience, equipment, and environment.

  • Convenience
    Home workouts offer the advantage of being accessible without the need to travel to a gym. That makes it easier to fit into a busy schedule.
  • Equipment
    Bicep workouts at home require minimal equipment compared to gym workouts, where machines and a broader range of weights are available.
    You might rely more on bodyweight exercises, resistance bands, or whatever weights are available, like dumbbells or household items.
  • Space and Environment
    Working out at home means you are in a private space, which can be less intimidating than a gym filled with other people.
    However, available space can affect the types of exercises you can perform.
  • Self-guidance
    You are more likely to guide yourself through routines at home, whereas gyms often offer the expertise of trainers who can provide immediate feedback and guidance on form and technique.
  • Variety of Exercises
    You may have limited exercises to include in biceps workouts at home unless you have a well-equipped home gym.
    Gyms typically offer specialized equipment like cable machines and barbells for a more varied routine that can specifically target different aspects of the biceps.
biceps workouts at home - woman training with dumbbells-02

Possible Exercises To Include in Biceps Workouts at Home

Below are some exercises to include in biceps workouts at home.

Bodyweight Exercises

Chin-ups
  • Use a sturdy bar that can support your weight. Grip the bar with your palms facing you and pull yourself up until your chin is over the bar for the chin-up exercises.
Diamond Push-ups

To do diamond push-ups,

  • Place your hands close to each other, forming a diamond shape with your thumbs and index fingers.
  • Lower your body, keeping your elbows close to your body, then push back up.

Resistance Band Bicep Curls

  • Attach a resistance band to a low or sturdy point.
  • Stand with your feet on the band, hold the ends with both hands and perform curls by bringing your hands toward your shoulders.

Dumbbell Exercises

Hammer Curls
  • Stand or sit with a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing your body.
  • Curl the weights as you keep your palms facing toward each other.

Hammer curls enhance arm strength and add size to the biceps and forearms. The neutral grip also reduces stress on the wrists, making the exercise a good option for those who experience discomfort with traditional curls. They should form part of your biceps workouts at home training plans

Concentration Curls
  • Sit on the edge of a chair and rest one arm against the same side leg, just below the knee, so that the weight hangs between your legs.
  • Curl the weight up, pause, then lower back down.

Concentration curls are excellent for building bicep size and strength. They emphasize controlled, focused muscle contractions. The exercise helps develop the peak of the bicep, leading to a more defined and aesthetically pleasing arm. They should play a leading role in any biceps workouts at home regimen.

Zottman Curl

The variation involves a combination of a regular bicep curl and a reverse curl with dumbbells.
Stand with your feet at shoulder-width, holding a dumbbell in each hand with an underhand or supinated grip, palms facing forward.

  • Perform a standard bicep curl by bending your elbows and lifting the weights toward your shoulders, keeping your upper arms stationary.
  • Pause at the top of the movement and rotate your wrists to an overhand or pronated grip so your palms face downward.
  • Slowly lower the dumbbells back down to the starting position with the overhand grip, emphasizing control and muscle engagement.
  • Rotate your wrists, back to the underhand grip, to prepare for the next repetition.

Zottman curls are excellent for building bicep size and forearm strength, providing a comprehensive arm workout. They are worth considering as part of any biceps workouts at home setup.

woman doing diamond push ups

Isometric Bicep Holds

  • Hold a weight in the curl position and keep it there for as long as possible, usually around 20 to 30 seconds.

Plank Up-Downs

  • Start in a plank position.
  • Lower into a forearm plank by dropping each arm down to the forearms, then press back up to the starting plank position.
  • That helps work the biceps indirectly.

Inverted Rows

  • Find a sturdy table or bar that can support your weight.
  • Lie underneath it, grab it with both hands, palms facing toward you, and
  • pull your chest up to the bar, then lower yourself back down.

Doorway Curl

  • Use a towel or resistance band and loop it around a doorknob.
  • Stand back so the band or towel is taut,
  • Hold the ends with both hands and curl toward your shoulders.

Static Towel Hang

  • Throw a towel over a pull-up bar or sturdy beam.
  • Grab both ends with your hands and hang with your arms bent at a 90-degree angle, trying to pull the towel ends apart while maintaining the position.

Resistance Band Hammer Curl

  • Attach a resistance band under your feet and hold the ends with your thumbs pointing upwards.
  • Curl your hands up, keeping your thumbs on top throughout the movement.

Bicep Curls With Towel Resistance

Bicep curls with towel resistance are excellent exercises to include in any biceps workouts at home without traditional weights.

The exercise uses a towel to create resistance to engage your muscles.

Steps to follow
  • Find a sturdy towel and fold it lengthwise to increase its strength.
  • Stand up straight with your feet at shoulder width.
  • Hold one end of the towel in each hand.
  • Step on the middle of the towel with one foot to anchor it. Ensure there is tension in the towel when your arms extend down.
  • Hold the towel with an underhand grip with your palms facing up, similar to a traditional bicep curl position.
  • Bend your elbows and curl the towel toward your shoulders while keeping your upper arms stationary.
  • Focus on squeezing your biceps at the top of the movement. Ensure the towel remains taut throughout the exercise to maintain resistance.
  • Slowly extend your arms back to the starting position, keeping the tension in the towel.
  • Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

The exercise is a convenient and effective way to work your biceps using minimal equipment. They are worth a place in any biceps workouts at home plan.

Possible Goals With Biceps Workouts at Home

Biceps workouts at home can help you achieve several fitness goals, making them a versatile component of your fitness regimen.

  • Muscle Strength and Size
    Regularly engaging in biceps-specific exercises can increase the strength and size of your biceps muscles.
    That is beneficial for aesthetic purposes and improving upper body strength.
  • Improved Muscle Tone
    Biceps workouts at home can help anyone looking to enhance muscle definition without increasing size, helping to achieve a more toned and defined appearance.
  • Increased Endurance
    Performing higher repetitions with lighter weights or resistance can increase the muscular endurance of your biceps. That can help with activities that require prolonged use of arm strength.
  • Enhanced Functional Fitness
    Strong biceps improve your ability to perform everyday activities that involve lifting, pulling, and carrying.
    That can lead to a better quality of life and reduced risk of injury.
  • Balance and Symmetry
    Focusing on the biceps can help correct imbalances between the upper arm muscles if you also work on the triceps and other surrounding muscles.
    That can contribute to better arm development.
  • Flexibility and Joint Health
    Incorporating different movements in your biceps workouts can also improve the flexibility and health of your elbow joints.
  • Sports Performance
    Many sports, including tennis, basketball, rock climbing, and swimming,  benefit from strong biceps.
    The enhanced arm strength can significantly improve performance.

Benefits of biceps workouts at home

Biceps workouts at home offer several benefits, making them popular with many people looking to improve their fitness.

  • Convenience
    One of the top benefits is the convenience of exercising at any time without traveling to a gym.
    That saves time and makes it easier to stick to a workout routine.
  • Cost-Effective
    Biceps workouts at home generally require minimal equipment, reducing the need for expensive gym memberships or investing in heavy gym equipment.
    Dumbbells or resistance bands are often adequate.
  • Privacy
    Exercising at home provides privacy for those who feel self-conscious or intimidated in a gym environment.
    That can help anyone focus better on their workouts without distractions.
  • Customization
    You can tailor your workouts to fit your goals, preferences, and fitness level.
    You can adjust the exercise intensity, duration, and frequency to your pace and progress.
  • Time Flexibility
    You can work out at any part of the day that fits your schedule, allowing for better management of your time and commitments.
  • Enhanced Focus
    You can focus more intently on your form and technique at home without the distractions usually found in a gym, such as waiting for equipment, social interactions, or loud music.
  • Family Involvement
    Home workouts can also encourage family members to join in, promoting a healthy lifestyle for everyone and providing a great way to spend time together while staying active.
  • Immediate Post-Workout Recovery
    You can start your recovery process immediately after exercising at home by stretching, showering, and refueling with a nutritious meal, all within the comfort of your own space.
biceps workouts at home - man traning with resistance bands

Potent Biceps Workouts at Home for Fast Gains

The following are different biceps workouts at home that can help you achieve various goals.

Ensure you adjust the weight, resistance, or number of repetitions for each workout according to your current fitness level and capabilities to prevent injuries.

Maintain proper form throughout each exercise to maximize the effectiveness of your workout.

Muscle Building Biceps Workouts at Home

The biceps workouts at home focus on building muscle size and strength, using heavier weights or higher resistance.

Warm-Up: 5 minutes of arm circles and light stretching

Main Workout

  • Chin-Ups: 3 sets of 6-8 reps
  • Dumbbell Hammer Curls: 3 sets of 8-10 reps
  • Resistance Band Bicep Curls: 3 sets of 8-10 reps
  • Concentration Curls: 3 sets of 8-10 reps on each arm

Cool Down: Stretch biceps and forearms for 5-10 minutes.

Biceps Workouts at Home for Endurance 

The workout can help increase the endurance of the biceps by using lighter weights and higher repetitions.

Warm-Up: 5 minutes of dynamic arm movements and light cardio.

Workout

  • Resistance Band Bicep Curls: 4 sets of 15-20 reps
  • Inverted Rows: 4 sets of 12-15 reps
  • Static Towel Hang: Hold for 30-60 seconds, aiming for 3 sets
  • Plank Up-Downs: 4 sets of 10-12 reps on each arm

Cool Down: Stretch and use foam rolling for the arms and shoulders.

Toning Biceps Workouts at Home

The routine focuses on toning and defining the biceps, using a combination of moderate weights and various exercises.

Warm-Up: 5 minutes of jumping jacks and light arm stretches.

Workout

  • Zottman Curl: 4 sets of 10-12 reps
  • Bicep Curls With Towel Resistance: 4 sets of 12-15 reps
  • Doorway Curl: 4 sets of 12-15 reps
  • Hammer Curls with Dumbbells: 4 sets of 10-12 reps

Cool Down: Gentle stretching focusing on biceps and forearms.

7-Day Muscle Growth Biceps Workouts at Home

The workout can help maximize muscle hypertrophy by focusing on intensity and progressive overload.

Day 1: Heavy Lifting

  • Chin-Ups: 4 sets of 6-8 reps
  • Dumbbell Hammer Curls: 4 sets of 8-10 reps
  • Concentration Curls: 3 sets of 8 reps with each arm

Day 2: Rest or Light Cardio

Day 3: Volume Training

  • Resistance Band Bicep Curls: 3 sets of 15-20 reps
  • Zottman Curl: 3 sets of 12-15 reps
  • Static Towel Hang: 3 sets of 30-45 seconds

Day 4: Rest or Light Cardio

Day 5: Mixed Intensity

  • Chin-Ups: 3 sets of max reps
  • Inverted Rows: 3 sets of 10-12 reps
  • Hammer Curls with Dumbbells: 3 sets of 10 reps

Day 6: Rest or Light Cardio

Day 7: Full Body Workout with Biceps Focus

  • Plank Up-Downs: 4 sets of 10-12 reps
  • Doorway Curl: 3 sets of 15 reps
  • Full Body Circuit with Bicep Incorporation, e.g., burpees with a bicep curl

7-Day Fitness and Toning Biceps Workouts at Home

The routine focuses on toning and endurance, incorporating biceps work into full-body exercises.

Day 1: Circuit Training

  • Resistance Band Bicep Curls: 4 sets of 15 reps
  • Push-Ups: 3 sets of 15 reps
  • Bodyweight Squats: 3 sets of 20 reps

Day 2: Cardio and Core

  • 30 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio, e.g., jogging, cycling
  • Plank: 3 sets of 1 minute
  • Russian Twists: 3 sets of 20 reps

Day 3: Biceps and Back

  • Inverted Rows: 4 sets of 12 reps
  • Bicep Curls with Towel Resistance: 4 sets of 15 reps
  • Superman Exercise: 3 sets of 15 reps

Day 4: Active Recovery

  • Yoga or stretching focused on flexibility

Day 5: Endurance Focus

  • Hammer Curls with Dumbbells: 4 sets of 20 reps
  • Static Towel Hang: 4 sets of max hold
  • Jump Rope: 10 minutes

Day 6: Cardio and Agility

  • 20 minutes of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
  • Lateral Arm Raises: 3 sets of 15 reps

Day 7: Rest or Gentle Yoga

pull-ups vs. chin-ups - woman doing chin ups

7-Day Biceps Workout at Home for Beginners

The biceps workout plan includes biceps-specific exercises and general upper-body strengthening activities.

The plan introduces basic exercises that help build foundational strength and muscle endurance, setting the stage for more advanced workouts as your fitness improves.

Day 1: Basic Biceps and Upper Body

Warm-Up: 5 minutes of arm circles and light jogging or brisk walking.

Workout
  • Resistance Band Bicep Curls: 3 sets of 12 reps
  • Push-Ups: 3 sets of 8 reps
  • Plank: Hold for 30 seconds and repeat 3 times

Day 2: Cardio and Light Activity

  • 30 minutes of walking or light cycling
  • Stretching: Focus on the arms and shoulders for flexibility

Day 3: Biceps and Core Focus

Warm-Up: 5 minutes of dynamic stretching

Workout
  • Hammer Curls with Dumbbells or water bottles: 3 sets of 10 reps
  • Bicycle Crunches: 3 sets of 15 reps per side
  • Side Plank: Hold for 20 seconds on each side and repeat twice

Day 4: Rest or Gentle Yoga

  • Yoga: Focus on stretches that engage the arms and core, like Downward Dog and Child’s Pose

Day 5: Full Upper Body

Warm-Up: 5 minutes of light cardio and stretching

Workout
  • Inverted Rows using a sturdy table: 3 sets of 8 reps
  • Chair Dips: 3 sets of 8 reps
  • Static Towel Hang: Hold for as long as possible, three attempts

Day 6: Active Recovery

  • Light walking or leisure cycling for 30 minutes
  • Mobility Work: Arm and shoulder movements to maintain joint health

Day 7: Review and Repeat Favorite Exercises

  • Pick your favorite exercises from the week
  • Repeat two biceps-focused exercises: 3 sets each
  • Include one core exercise: 3 sets

7-Day Biceps Workouts for Intermediates

The routine can challenge the biceps through varied exercises, increase the intensity, and incorporate additional upper-body strengthening to ensure balanced development.

Day 1: Intense Biceps and Back

Warm-Up: 5 minutes of dynamic arm and back stretches.

Workout
  • Chin-Ups: 3 sets of 8-10 reps
  • Dumbbell Hammer Curls: 3 sets of 12 reps
  • Bent-Over Rows with dumbbells: 3 sets of 10 reps with each arm

Day 2: Cardio and Core Strengthening

Cardio: 30 minutes of moderate-intensity cycling or jogging

Core Workout
  • Planks: 3 sets of 1 minute
  • Russian Twists: 3 sets of 20 reps per side

Day 3: Biceps and Shoulders

Warm-Up: 5 minutes of light cardio and shoulder mobility exercises

Workout
  • Zottman Curls: 3 sets of 10 reps
  • Overhead Press with dumbbells: 3 sets of 12 reps
  • Lateral Raises: 3 sets of 15 reps

Day 4: Active Recovery

  • Yoga or Pilates: Focus on stretches and exercises that enhance flexibility and core strength, such as the Cobra pose for back stretching and the Hundred in Pilates

Day 5: Full Upper Body Strength

Warm-Up: 5 minutes of brisk walking or jogging

Workout
  • Resistance Band Bicep Curls: 4 sets of 15 reps
  • Push-Ups: 3 sets of 15 reps
  • Tricep Dips: 3 sets of 12 reps

Day 6: Endurance and Agility

  • High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): 20 minutes of intervals (30 seconds high intensity, 1 minute low intensity)
  • Endurance Bicep WorkLight Dumbbell Curl: 3 sets of 20 reps with minimal rest between sets

Day 7: Review and Technique Improvement

  • Self-assessment: Pick three exercises from the week and focus on perfecting the technique with moderate intensity
  • Perform 3 sets of each, adjusting form and posture.
dumbbell arm exercises featured image -concentration curls - man training with a dumbbell image 052

Tips for Designing Biceps Workouts at Home

  • Define Your Goals
    Identify what you want to achieve with your biceps workouts. That will determine the structure of your workouts, including the choice of exercises, volume, and intensity.
  • Vary Your Exercises
    Incorporate exercises to target the biceps from various angles and stimulate all muscle parts. The variety helps prevent plateaus and ensures comprehensive muscle development.
    Include a mix of curl variations, compound movements that indirectly involve the biceps, and exercises that require different equipment like dumbbells, resistance bands, or even body weight.
  • Control the Intensity
    Adjust the intensity of your biceps workouts at home based on your fitness level and progress.
    You can manipulate intensity by changing the weight, the repetitions and sets, the tempo of each exercise, and the rest intervals between sets.
  • Ensure Proper Form
    Good technique is crucial to prevent injuries and to ensure you work the target muscles.
    Take time to learn the correct form for each exercise, and consider recording yourself to check your form or working out in front of a mirror.
  • Plan for Progressive Overload
    To continue making gains by progressively increasing the demands on your biceps.
    That could mean increasing the weight you lift, adding more repetitions, performing more sets, or decreasing the rest time between sets.
  • Incorporate Rest and Recovery
    Muscles need time to recover and grow after a workout. Ensure you have at least one day of rest between intense biceps workouts for proper recovery.
    Additionally, include stretching and foam rolling to aid recovery and improve flexibility.
  • Stay Consistent
    Consistency is essential in any workout regimen.
    Design your biceps workouts at home plans to fit into your weekly schedule to help maintain enthusiasm over the long term.
  • Monitor Your Progress
    Keep track of your workouts and progress. Note improvements in strength, endurance, muscle size, or any other goals.
    That will help you adjust your plan as needed and stay motivated.
  • Stay Hydrated and Nutritionally Supported
    Proper hydration and nutrition are essential to support your workout performance and recovery.
    Focus on a balanced diet of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and essential nutrients to fuel your workouts and aid muscle repair and growth.

How to get the most out of biceps workouts at home

Focus on optimizing each aspect of your workout routine to maximize the effectiveness of biceps workouts at home.

The following are practical tips to help you get the most out of your biceps workouts at home.

  • Focus on Form
    Good form is paramount for safety and effectiveness.
    Ensure you execute each exercise correctly to target the biceps effectively and reduce the risk of injury.
    Use mirrors, video feedback, or even feedback from others to ensure your form is correct throughout each exercise.
  • Control the Tempo
    Pay attention to the speed at which you perform each rep.
    Slowing the movement, especially on the eccentric or lowering phase, can increase muscle time under tension.
  • Integrate Variety
    Avoid workout plateaus by changing your biceps workouts at home routines.
    That can include varying the exercises, adjusting grip positions, and incorporating unilateral and bilateral movements to challenge the muscles differently.
  • Progressive Overload
    Continually challenge your muscles by increasing the resistance, adding more reps, reducing rest intervals, or performing more sets.
    That is crucial for continual improvement and muscle growth.
  • Use Adequate Resistance
    Find alternatives like resistance bands, water bottles, or heavy books if you do not have weights at home.
    Ensure the resistance challenges your muscles sufficiently by the end of each set.
  • Mix Compound and Isolation Exercises
    Do not ignore compound exercises like chin-ups or rows, which engage multiple muscle groups, including the biceps.
    The approach helps build upper body strength and muscle balance.
  • Rest and Recovery
    Give your muscles time to recover between workouts to prevent overtraining and promote muscle growth. Ensure you get enough sleep and manage stress, as these factors can affect recovery.
  • Nutrition and Hydration
    Fuel your workouts and recovery with a nutritious diet of protein, essential fats, and carbohydrates.
    Stay hydrated before, during, and after any biceps workouts at home to optimize performance and aid in recovery.
woman doing chin-ups - compound bicep exercises

Final words from LiveLife

You do not need expensive gym membership or fanciful equipment to build stronger, more defined arms. Biceps workouts at home are feasible, irrespective of your fitness level.

The superb at-home biceps workouts in this article, designed to maximize muscle growth and strength, require minimal equipment and have the potential to help you achieve the toned and powerful arms you desire.

Incorporate these effective biceps workouts at home into your training regimen to help you achieve greater muscle tone, endurance, and arm strength without complex equipment.

References

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