The barbell curl is a pure biceps mass builder. This is very simple exercise to perform but as with all other exercises, the form is very important. To get the most from this exercise, you must learn to use your biceps to move the weight. Learn how to use your biceps to move the weight without using your body weight and you’ll start to build well shaped biceps.
Hold a barbell or E-Z bar with palms facing forward. Your grip should be shoulder-width apart. The bar should rest on the front of your thighs with your wrists straight, not bent.
Stand in a split-stance position with knees slightly bent to stabilize your body. Brace your torso by contracting your abs. Pull your shoulder blades down and back. Your head and neck should be aligned with your spine.
Exhale. Contract your biceps, bending your elbows, and raising the bar toward the front of your shoulders in a slow and controlled manner. Keep your torso erect and the wrists in neutral. Do not allow the shoulders to shrug, the back to arch or the elbows to move forward throughout this movement.
Inhale. Straighten the elbows and lower the barbell back to the starting position in a slow and controlled manner. Do not bounce the bar off the front of your thighs.
As some of us show structural differences at the elbow, we may not be able to grip the barbell with our arms against our sides in the lowered position unless we force a bend at our wrists. The grip position you select should be the one that is most comfortable and enables you to keep the wrists aligned with the forearm.
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