rogue

I'll be honest, for a stand up fighter my biceps and triceps aren't as strong as they should be (which is why I'm asking this question, and training). Albeit I've only been training for a little over a year now.

I am considering getting into doing biceps and tricep curls, but are these really as effective as I am assuming? There are some people who have told me that it isn't as effective, and I'd be wasting my time with curls...that I would be better off conditioning and trying something a little more serious.

I do have other equipment, and it is possible for me to do bench pressing, but I don't have easy access to a partner and the only time I am able to get a spotter is at my gym when I train.

Is there another one that is as effective and as safe?

kickboxerkid

I'd recommend starting small with curls, and working your way up slowly. This will build muscle an also strength. Don't rush into it too quickly or you'll find yourself over bulking as well as bringing on horrible skin stretch marks (which is what I did...I regret it in a big way).

Having a bench partner is always recommended but not necessary. If you're doing large amounts of reps on low weights and doing speed-reps it increases strength, stamina, speed and in some cases tears your muscles to rip your appearance a bit. However I don't condone any bench activity without a spotter.

Bryan

You can do just about anything and it'll improve your mass and bulk. The way I see it, its always better to do to much, then too little.

You should definitely try out the curls. What do you lose if you it doesn't work for you? Nothing. If anything, you will gain some extra strength and an experience.

So try it out, and if it works for you keep doing it. Theres no real set answer as to whether or not you should or shouldn't do it. To each their own.

Personally, I've done some curls and it works fine for me. Its a quick excercise that carries a lot in its weight and time.

roundhouse87

The only point of yours that you just made Bryan, that I would disagree with is : "If it doesn't work, what do you lose? Nothing."

Ideally he's lost time that could be spent on another exercise which would have a better chance of self improvement.

Falian

When your training as a fighter you need to think about what you use often as a fighter. Biceps and Triceps are a must, but also think of your fighting style. I notice that alot of people don't build up their shoulders and i remind them how often you use that in fighting.

If you don't have easy access to equipment, do the "natural" workout. Pushups and Situps, yes its boring and painfull but its the most effective workout out there.

sparky

A good method I found for doing bicep curls that has given me good reults is to have a dumbell in each had at a weight you could do 25-30 reps with. Do 10 reps with your right arm, while keeping your left arm at 90 degrees so it stays tight. Then once youve done 10 reps on your right arm swap to your left and hold your right arm at 90 degrees. Do this 3 times then finish up with another 10 reps with both arms together. I have found this method to be VERY effective at building your biceps.

Falian

Yeah, thats a very good method. Also, when you are doing these reps you should be doing light weight at first to get your form down and then slowly increasing the weight.

sparky

Yep - definately start light to get the form right - Ive found doing it with lighter weights anyway can help to add tone if not bulk - so if you already have the bulk you want use lighter weight to get your arms cut

Falian

Yeah, people don't understand that bulking up doesnt' give you the cut look. You'll almost look fat, but you'll be strong as anything.

This is why when you see the "world's strongest man" competitions, few if any are cut.

Talis

These are very effective for fighting, think how much you use these muscles. Uppercuts, Jabs, etc.