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Exercise Guide

How to do machine preacher curl

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

This exercise utilizes a slanted bench to support the upper arms, isolating the biceps by preventing any shoulder movement or momentum. The preacher curl emphasizes the lower portion of the bicep, helping to develop a full, peaked appearance. Using a machine provides a smooth, consistent resistance, making it an excellent choice for high-volume training and achieving a deep muscle burn.

Stats

TIER
1
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Preacher Curl Machine
TARGET MUSCLES
Biceps

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Seat Adjustment: Adjust the seat height so that the top of the pad comfortably fits into your armpits. Your chest should be firmly against the pad.
  2. Weight Selection: Choose a weight that you can control for the desired number of repetitions with good form.
  3. Grip: Grasp the handles with an underhand grip (palms facing up).

The Lift:

  1. Curl Upward: Exhale and slowly curl the handles up towards your shoulders, keeping your upper arms and elbows firmly against the pad. Focus on using your biceps to lift the weight.
  2. Squeeze: Contract your biceps at the top of the movement, holding the contraction for a brief moment.
  3. Controlled Lowering: Inhale and slowly lower the handles back to the starting position, resisting the urge to drop the weight.

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 of the movement, feeling a good stretch in your biceps.
  • Proper Form: Keep your body still throughout the exercise. Only your forearms should move.

Common mistakes: Lifting the glutes off the seat to leverage the weight and not fully extending the arms at the bottom.

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