Is It Really Cheating?

The importance of good form for bicep development. There's nearly always too much momentum taking place when I see people doing curls.

However, someone questioned whether you can cheat at all because Arnold used to.

"Cheat" curls worked for Arnold, no question. He built one of the best pair of arms to ever grace this earth.

As an exercise I don't recommend them because -

1. Too many people do not have the training experience to know if they are cheating too much

2. The risk of injury is certainly heightened

3. Unless you are a seasoned trainer the exercise isn't going to be as effective in developing a good neurological relationship between mind and muscle

4. Most won't achieve enough tension to make it worth it

However, here is where I would POTENTIALLY utilize some sort of "cheat" on bicep curls.

During your last couple of reps, where your strength has faded at a specific point within your concentric strength curve you might use a "little help" to get over this sticking point PROVIDED you can sustain enough tension during the isometric and eccentric phase.

Any other time I wouldn't use it, and I would only recommend this to those who are experienced enough to be sensible!