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Exercise Guide

How to do ez-barbell seated curl

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

The ez-barbell seated curl is a classic isolation movement for the biceps. The unique shape of the EZ-bar reduces strain on the wrists and elbows, allowing for a more comfortable grip. Performing the curl while seated eliminates leg drive and torso swinging, ensuring that the biceps do all the work. This exercise is perfect for building peak height and thickness in the upper arms.

Stats

TIER
2
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Bench, Ez Barbell
TARGET MUSCLES
Biceps

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Bench and Barbell: Sit on the edge of a bench with your feet flat on the floor, shoulder-width apart. Hold the EZ-curl bar with an underhand grip, hands shoulder-width apart or slightly wider (use the angles that feel most comfortable on your wrists).
  2. Barbell Position: Rest the EZ-curl bar on your thighs.
  3. Posture: Sit tall with your chest up, shoulders back and down, and core engaged.

The Lift:

  1. Curl Upwards: Inhale and slowly curl the bar towards your shoulders, keeping your upper arms stationary. Focus on using your biceps to lift the weight.
  2. Peak Contraction: Squeeze your biceps at the top of the movement, holding the contraction briefly.
  3. 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 tucked in close to your body throughout the 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.
  • Grip Width: Experiment with different grip widths on the EZ-curl bar to find what feels most comfortable and effective for you.

Common mistakes: Using momentum to swing the weight and not fully extending the arms at the bottom of the movement.

Alternatives

Bench

dumbbell seated curl

Biceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell standing curl

Biceps
Cable

cable curl

Biceps
Preacher Curl Machine

machine preacher curl

Biceps
Preacher Curl

ez-barbell close grip preacher curl

Biceps
Bench

dumbbell concentration curl

Biceps
Cable

cable one arm curl

Biceps
Crossover Cable

cable overhead curl

Biceps
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

Biceps
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