Barbell Curl
Also known as: bb curl, biceps curl barbell, standing barbell curl
Barbell Curl is a isolation exercise for the biceps. Main target: biceps short head and biceps long head. Also works: brachialis and forearm flexors. Equipment: barbell.
Muscles worked
How to do it
- Stand up with your torso upright while holding a barbell at a shoulder-width grip. The palm of your hands should be facing forward and the elbows should be close to the torso. This will be your starting position.
- While holding the upper arms stationary, curl the weights forward while contracting the biceps as you breathe out. Tip: Only the forearms should move.
- Continue the movement until your biceps are fully contracted and the bar is at shoulder level. Hold the contracted position for a second and squeeze the biceps hard.
- Slowly begin to bring the bar back to starting position as your breathe in.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Common mistakes
- Swinging the torso to heave the bar up.
Tips
- Elbows pinned to your sides and still; lower until the arms are fully straight.
Used in these programs
Four sessions a week: two upper-body and two lower-body days, one heavy and one higher-rep in each pair.
Intermediate · 4 times a week · GymPush Pull Legs RoutineThree workouts split by movement: pushing muscles, pulling muscles and legs. Run the cycle once a week, or twice for six days.
Intermediate · 3 times a week · Gym3-Day Mass Building SplitThe classic mass split: chest and triceps, back and biceps, legs and shoulders. Each group once a week with plenty of volume.
Intermediate · 3 times a week · Gym4-Day Bodybuilding SplitFour days: chest and triceps, back and biceps, legs, shoulders and abs. More exercises per muscle than a 3-day split.
Intermediate · 4 times a week · Gym5-Day Body Part SplitFive sessions a week: chest, back, shoulders, legs, arms. Lots of volume for one muscle per session, then a week to recover.
Advanced · 5 times a week · GymArm Day at the Gym: Biceps & TricepsBarbell, dumbbells and cables: close-grip bench, barbell curls, skull crushers, hammer curls and pushdowns.
Intermediate · once a week · GymSimilar exercises
Alternatives with other equipment
