Isometric Bicep Hold

The Isometric Bicep Hold is a static strength exercise where you hold a weight with your elbows bent at 90 degrees to maintain continuous tension on the biceps. This accessory movement builds tendon strength and improves muscle endurance without joint movement.

Exercise movement reviewed by:Marie Braga, PT, DPT, CSCS
How Iridium Helps

Since isometric training relies heavily on time-under-tension rather than reps, the AI analyzes your duration and RPE to perfectly calibrate the intensity for maximal recruitment without overtaxing your CNS. If your daily recovery metrics like HRV indicate high fatigue, the app may shorten the hold time or reduce the load to prevent strain. Additionally, the AI tracks joint feedback to ensure this static hold strengthens your tendons rather than aggravating any existing elbow or wrist sensitivity.

Form Cues

Do
  • Pin your elbows firmly against your ribcage throughout the entire hold.
  • Keep your forearms parallel to the floor, creating a 90-degree angle at the elbow.
  • Squeeze the dumbbell or bar as hard as you can to activate maximum muscle fibers.
  • Brace your core and glutes to prevent your torso from swaying backward.
  • Maintain neutral wrists by keeping your knuckles aligned with your forearms.
Don't
  • Don't let your elbows flare out to the sides away from your body.
  • Don't lean your upper body backward to counterbalance the weight.
  • Don't let your wrists curl inward or drop downward.
  • Don't hold your breath; maintain controlled breathing while keeping tension.
  • Don't allow the weight to slowly drop below the 90-degree parallel point.

Common Mistakes

  • Leaning back to compensate for heavy weight
  • Allowing elbows to drift forward or backward
  • Breaking the 90-degree angle
  • Relaxing the grip instead of crushing the handle
  • Shrugging shoulders up toward the ears

Muscles Worked

This exercise primarily targets the biceps brachii by forcing them to contract maximally against resistance without changing length, which is excellent for overcoming sticking points. It also places significant demand on the brachioradialis and forearm flexors to maintain a rigid wrist and strong grip throughout the duration of the hold.

Primary

Biceps Short HeadBiceps Long Head

Secondary

Forearms

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