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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:
- 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.
- Weight Selection: Choose a weight that you can control for the desired number of repetitions with good form.
- Grip: Grasp the handles with an underhand grip (palms facing up).
The Lift:
- 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.
- Squeeze: Contract your biceps at the top of the movement, holding the contraction for a brief moment.
- 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
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Cable
cable one arm curl
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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
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Dumbbell
dumbbell reverse grip biceps curl
Biceps
None
lying biceps curl with towel
Biceps
Dumbbell
dumbbell alternate biceps curl
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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