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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/lift-doms-eccentric-lowering

Which part of a biceps curl is more likely to cause next-day muscle soreness (DOMS)?

The lowering phase, an eccentric movement.

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  1. Holding the bar still at your side
  2. Lifting the weight up
  3. Lowering the weight down ✔

Why: Eccentric movements, where a muscle works while it lengthens, are more likely to cause DOMS. Lowering a curl, lowering from a pull-up, lunges and running downhill are all eccentric.

Huh, didn't know that: Landing from jumps is eccentric too, which is why a new jumping workout can leave your legs sore.

The dad joke
My muscles are a little eccentric. They like to complain on the way down.
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References

Answer: Lowering the weight down. Eccentric movements, where a muscle works while it lengthens, are more likely to cause DOMS. Lowering a curl, lowering from a pull-up, lunges and running downhill are all eccentric.

  1. Cleveland Clinic: Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/delayed-onset-muscle-soreness
    Examples of eccentric exercises include: The lowering phase of a bicep curl The lowering phase of a pull-up Walking or running downhill
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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