Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
This nervous system hack can get you 1-2 more solid reps at the end of your dumbbell curl sets.
This quick trick will get you more reps in that "money" part of the set were the growth stimulus happens (and yes, it IS supported by science...see below).
Next time you do alternating dumbbell curls, when you hit the end of a set where you'd normally end it, keep going.
At the sticking point of the curl, do a partial range kickback.
This contralateral antagonist activation will get you a quick increase in neural drive to the bicep that you're working and SHOULD get you past the sticking point.
This got me two extra reps on my set.
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Get my FREE Mass Targeting Specialization guide:
fitstep.com/goto/mass/youtube.htm
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The Science...
When you strongly contract the triceps on one side while curling with the opposite biceps, neural interactions between the two sides of the motor system may reduce interhemispheric inhibition and increase neural drive to the working muscle.
This is related to broader phenomena such as contralateral neural facilitation and concurrent activation potentiation.
Here's a good reference, if you're interested in learning about the concept.
J Neurophysiology. 2014 Jan;111(2):405-14. doi: 10.1152/jn.00322.2013. Epub 2013 Oct 23.
Modulation of transcallosal inhibition by bilateral activation of agonist and antagonist proximal arm muscles
You can learn about this method here
fitstep.com/2/return-to-prime/landers/contralateral-curls-biceps.htm
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Nick Nilsson – Mad Scientist of Muscle
Topics covered on this channel include unconventional exercises, muscle specialization training, hypertrophy methods, gym equipment reviews and advanced strength training techniques.
This nervous system hack can get you 1-2 more solid reps at the end of your dumbbell curl sets.
This quick trick will get you more reps in that "money" part of the set were the growth stimulus happens (and yes, it IS supported by science...see below).
Next time you do alternating dumbbell curls, when you hit the end of a set where you'd normally end it, keep going.
At the sticking point of the curl, do a partial range kickback.
This contralateral antagonist activation will get you a quick increase in neural drive to the bicep that you're working and SHOULD get you past the sticking point.
This got me two extra reps on my set.
----------------
Get my FREE Mass Targeting Specialization guide:
fitstep.com/goto/mass/youtube.htm
----------------
The Science...
When you strongly contract the triceps on one side while curling with the opposite biceps, neural interactions between the two sides of the motor system may reduce interhemispheric inhibition and increase neural drive to the working muscle.
This is related to broader phenomena such as contralateral neural facilitation and concurrent activation potentiation.
Here's a good reference, if you're interested in learning about the concept.
J Neurophysiology. 2014 Jan;111(2):405-14. doi: 10.1152/jn.00322.2013. Epub 2013 Oct 23.
Modulation of transcallosal inhibition by bilateral activation of agonist and antagonist proximal arm muscles
You can learn about this method here
fitstep.com/2/return-to-prime/landers/contralateral-curls-biceps.htm
FOLLOW ME
YouTube ► youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=nilssonnick
TikTok ► tiktok.com/@madscientistofmuscle
Instagram ► instagram.com/nicknilsson1
Facebook ► facebook.com/nicknilssonmadscientist
Nick Nilsson – Mad Scientist of Muscle
Topics covered on this channel include unconventional exercises, muscle specialization training, hypertrophy methods, gym equipment reviews and advanced strength training techniques.
