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Exercise Guide
How to do ez-barbell close grip preacher curl
Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.
The ez-barbell close grip preacher curl is a classic isolation movement for building peaked biceps. By performing the exercise on a preacher bench, you eliminate the possibility of using momentum, ensuring that the biceps do all the work. The close grip on the EZ-bar focuses specifically on the long head of the biceps, providing an intense stretch and contraction for superior arm growth.
Stats
TIER
1
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Preacher Curl, Ez Barbell
TARGET MUSCLES
Biceps
Instructions for Proper Form
Setup:
- Preacher Curl Bench: Adjust the seat of a preacher curl machine so your armpits are comfortably resting on the top of the pad.
- Barbell Placement: Load the EZ-curl bar with the desired weight and place it in the rack at a height where you can easily reach it from the bench.
- Grip: Sit down on the bench, pressing your chest firmly against the pad. Grip the EZ-curl bar with an underhand grip (palms facing up) on the inner grips, bringing your hands closer together.
- Starting Position: Extend your arms and rest the underside of your forearms and wrists on the pad.
The Lift:
- Curl Upward: Inhale and slowly curl the bar towards your shoulders, keeping your upper arms and elbows stationary against the pad. Focus on using your biceps to lift the weight.
- Peak Contraction: Squeeze your biceps at the top of the movement, holding briefly.
- Controlled Lowering: Exhale and slowly lower the barbell back 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, feeling a good stretch in your biceps.
- Inner Grip: Utilize the inner grips of the EZ-bar to focus on the short head of the biceps brachii.
Common mistakes: Lifting the elbows off the pad and not extending the arms fully at the bottom of the rep.
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