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Barbell Curl

StrengthBeginnerBarbell

What this trains

Front and back view. The highlighted part is where this exercise works most; paler areas are helpers.

Targets: Biceps long head, Biceps short head

Primary: Biceps

Secondary: Forearms

How to

  1. 1Stand up with your torso upright while holding a barbell at a shoulder-width grip. The palm of your hands should be facing forward and the elbows should be close to the torso. This will be your starting position.
  2. 2While holding the upper arms stationary, curl the weights forward while contracting the biceps as you breathe out. Tip: Only the forearms should move.
  3. 3Continue the movement until your biceps are fully contracted and the bar is at shoulder level. Hold the contracted position for a second and squeeze the biceps hard.
  4. 4Slowly begin to bring the bar back to starting position as your breathe in.
  5. 5Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.