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Exercise Guide

How to do barbell preacher curl

Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.

The barbell preacher curl is a classic isolation exercise for the biceps performed on a preacher bench. The bench locks the arms in place, preventing momentum and forcing the biceps to perform all the work. This movement emphasizes the long head of the bicep, helping to build the peak. It is a favorite among bodybuilders for its ability to provide intense muscle contraction.

Stats

TIER
2
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Barbell, Preacher Curl
TARGET MUSCLES
Biceps

Instructions for Proper Form

Barbell Preacher Curl

Setup:

  1. Preacher Curl Bench: Adjust the preacher curl bench so that your armpits are comfortably resting on the top of the pad.
  2. Barbell Placement: Load the barbell with your desired weight and place it in the rack at a height where you can easily reach it from the bench.
  3. Grip and Position: Sit down on the bench, pressing your chest firmly against the pad. Grasp the barbell with an underhand grip (palms facing up), hands shoulder-width apart or slightly narrower.
  4. Starting Position: Extend your arms and rest the underside of your forearms and wrists on the pad.

The Lift:

  1. Curl Upward: Inhale and slowly curl the barbell up towards your shoulders, keeping your upper arms and elbows stationary against the pad. Focus on using your biceps to lift the weight.
  2. Peak Contraction: Squeeze your biceps at the top of the movement, holding briefly.
  3. Controlled Lowering: Exhale and slowly lower the barbell back down to the starting position, resisting the urge to drop or relax at the bottom.

Tips:

  • Elbow Position: Keep your elbows firmly planted against the pad throughout the entire movement.
  • Slow and Controlled: Avoid using momentum. Focus on the contraction of your biceps.
  • Full Range of Motion: Extend your arms fully at the bottom, but avoid hyperextending your elbows.
  • Barbell Path: The bar should travel in a slight arc, moving upwards and slightly inwards towards your shoulders.

Common mistakes: Raising the glutes off the bench and not performing a full range of motion.

Alternatives

Bench

dumbbell seated curl

Biceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell standing curl

Biceps
Cable

cable curl

Biceps
Preacher Curl Machine

machine preacher curl

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Preacher Curl

ez-barbell close grip preacher curl

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Bench

dumbbell concentration curl

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Cable

cable one arm curl

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Crossover Cable

cable overhead curl

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Dumbbell

dumbbell prone incline curl

Biceps
Bench

dumbbell incline biceps curl

Biceps
Cable

cable biceps curl (sz bar)

Biceps
Ez Barbell

ez-barbell standing preacher curl

Biceps
Cable

cable hammer curl(rope)

Biceps
Barbell

barbell wide grip curl

Biceps
Bench

ez-barbell seated curl

Biceps
Barbell

barbell reverse curl

Biceps
Barbell

barbell preacher curl

Biceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell seated alternate biceps curl

Biceps
Bench

ez-barbell spider curl

Biceps
Cable

cable reverse curl

Biceps
Preacher Curl

dumbbell zottman preacher curl

Biceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell reverse grip biceps curl

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None

lying biceps curl with towel

Biceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell alternate biceps curl

Biceps
Resistance Band

band alternating bicep curl

Biceps
Barbell

barbell curl

Biceps
Bench

dumbbell incline hammer curl

Biceps
Preacher Curl

dumbbell preacher curl

Biceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell bicep curl

Biceps
Resistance Band

band standing hammer curl

Biceps