In hammer curls, what benefit is primarily noticed compared to standard curls?

In hammer curls, the primary benefit compared to standard curls is greater forearm activation. This variation of the bicep curl involves a neutral grip, where palms face each other. This grip position not only targets the biceps but also significantly engages the brachialis and brachioradialis muscles, which are located in the forearm.

The emphasis on the brachialis enhances overall arm strength, as this muscle lies beneath the biceps and contributes to the arm's overall mass and power. Additionally, the forearm muscles are used more extensively during hammer curls due to the grip and position. As a result, individuals performing hammer curls will likely notice improvements in their forearm strength and size, which can be beneficial for various functional movements and sports performance.

While increased grip strength may occur as a secondary effect, the primary activation focus remains on the forearms and the specific muscles engaged by the hammer curl motion. Other options like higher calorie burn and improved shoulder flexibility are less relevant in the context of hammer curls and do not capture the primary advantage of this exercise variation.