How to do Barbell Curl
Secondary muscles
How to do it
- 1
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.
- 2
While holding the upper arms stationary, curl the weights forward while contracting the biceps as you breathe out. Tip: Only the forearms should move.
- 3
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.
- 4
Slowly begin to bring the bar back to starting position as your breathe in.
- 5
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
This page is general information. If you have an injury, pain or a health condition, check with a professional before doing this exercise.
Similar exercises
Dumbbell Curl
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Hammer Curl
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Concentration Curl
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Cable Curl
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Cable Hammer Curls - Rope Attachment
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Dumbbell Alternate Bicep Curl
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EZ-Bar Curl
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Ready-made programs with this exercise
Gyms and trainers on GamGym can import these programs as their own templates and assign them to members.
- Workout program
Push/Pull/Legs 6 Days
Pull, push, legs, repeat, then a rest day. Each day opens with a main barbell lift followed by higher-rep accessories for volume. For members who can train six days a week and recover well.
Muscle gain · Intermediate · Gym · 6 days a week · 12 weeks
- Workout program
Body Part Split 5 Days
One body part per day: chest, back, shoulders, legs, arms. High volume per muscle once a week. The most familiar gym layout, suited to intermediate members who know the basics.
Muscle gain · Intermediate · Gym · 5 days a week · 8 weeks
- Workout program
Upper/Lower Power + Hypertrophy 4 Days
Heavy, low-rep power days early in the week and higher-rep volume days later. For members with 6+ months of consistent training who want both strength and size.
Muscle gain · Intermediate · Gym · 4 days a week · 12 weeks
- Workout program
Power + Hypertrophy 5 Days
Two heavy power days (upper, lower) plus three body-part volume days. Each muscle is hit twice a week, once heavy and once for volume. For experienced members with five days available and good recovery.
Muscle gain · Advanced · Gym · 5 days a week · 12 weeks