
Barbell Curl
- Equipment
- Barbell
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Force
- Pull
- Mechanic
- Isolation
- Type
- Strength
Also works: Forearms
How to do the Barbell Curl
- 1
Stand 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
While holding the upper arms stationary, curl the weights forward while contracting the biceps as you breathe out. Tip: Only the forearms should move.
- 3
Continue 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
Slowly begin to bring the bar back to starting position as your breathe in.
- 5
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Related Biceps exercises
Want a plan built around exercises like this?
Get AI-powered coaching and a personalized routine on WhatsApp — zero downloads, instant start.
Exercise data courtesy of the open-source free-exercise-db project.






