Biceps Training: Anatomy, Functions, and Exercises

When it comes to muscle building, the biceps often receive a lot of attention due to their visibility and aesthetic appeal. However, achieving well-defined, powerful biceps involves more than just performing endless sets of curls. This article will explain the anatomy of the biceps, their functions, and the most effective exercises for their growth.

Understanding Biceps Anatomy and Functions

The biceps brachii, commonly known as the biceps, is an anterior, superficial muscle of the arm. It consists of two muscle bellies, each with its own tendon, converging into a single tendon that inserts into the radius. The biceps originates from the scapula with two heads: a long head and a short head.

Functionally, the biceps are responsible for the flexion of the forearm on the arm, its supination, and part of the extension of the arm. The long head of the biceps, along with other muscles, abducts the arm, while the short head adducts it. The simultaneous contraction of the two heads raises the arm in synergy with other muscles. At the elbow joint, the biceps flex the forearm on the arm and supinate it.

Achieving Big Biceps: Key Considerations

Achieving hypertrophic growth (increase in the cross-section) of the biceps involves several factors:

1. Training Type: Choose a specific type of training that stimulates strength with sufficient intensity to create useful muscle tension.
2. Training Organization: Maintain a sufficient training load and modify the training parameters over time.
3. Diet: Follow an adequate diet, preferably high-calorie, which does not lack proteins or carbohydrates.
4. Supplements: Evaluate the relevance of some food supplements like creatine monohydrate, beta-alanine, etc.

It's also important to remember that the biceps are just one of the various muscles that make up the arm. The increase in volume of other muscles can greatly contribute to the appearance of the biceps.

Most Effective Biceps Exercises

The best exercises for the biceps are those that allow us to express the greatest level of muscular strength without causing pain or discomfort. Here are some of the best exercises you can do for your biceps:

• Standing EZ barbell curl
• Hammer curl alternating with dumbbells while seated
• Supination dumbbell curls alternating with standing
• Curl in concentration with dumbbell
• Curl on the outlined bench in supination with dumbbells
• Spider curl on a reclining bench in supination with dumbbells
• EZ barbell curl on Scott bench
• Hercules curl (high cables)
• Low cable curl, one-arm or two-arm, with handle, bar, or rope

Biceps Training Techniques

Virtually all training techniques and systems are beneficial for the biceps. However, it's important not to classify them in a standard way and structure training based on certain preconceptions. The biceps are massively activated in multi-joint pulling exercises for back training, so this effort should be considered when planning your training regimen.

The biceps can be trained to failure once per microcycle, taking advantage of the "recall" in multi-joint exercises for the back, or even twice but "as a buffer." Some prefer to stimulate the biceps in the same back workout, which can be a good solution if there are at least 2 back workouts per microcycle.

When to Train Biceps?

Within training, the biceps should be trained after the larger muscle groups due to their lower overall commitment, including the central nervous system. However, in the microcycle, it may be advisable to place the biceps training not too many days after the back one, to let them recover completely before the following back workout.

In conclusion, developing impressive biceps involves understanding their anatomy and function, choosing the right training regimen, maintaining a proper diet, and selecting the most effective exercises. Remember, everyone's body responds differently to various stimuli, so it's essential to listen to your body and adjust your training accordingly.