How to do an EZ-Bar Curl
Reviewed by Jim Parker, CPT, B.A. Kinesiology
EZ Bar
Workouts with EZ-Bar Curl
Target muscles worked
Instructions for Proper Form
Similar to other curls, this isolation exercise targets the biceps. The use of an EZ-Bar adds some stability to the movement when compared to equipment like dumbbells. This added stability means you can focus more on exertion than stability, and is a great way to develop strength. Additionally, the EZ-Bar allows for a more comfortable grip than a barbell, as well as allows your wrist to rotate slightly which can lead to better activation of the biceps.
- Stand in an upright posture grabbing ahold of an EZ-bar shoulder-width apart with your palms facing away from your body just below waist height.
- Brace your core by breathing into your stomach and flexing your abdominal muscles as you begin to flex your elbows to raise the bar.
- Keep your elbows at your sides as you flex the bar to shoulder height avoiding movement through your spine.
- Exhale to Lower the bar back to the starting position.
Common Form Mistakes
Swinging the Dumbbells
Using momentum, or recruiting additional muscle groups can help you lift heavier weights with this exercise. However it also reduces the effectiveness, and increases the risk of injury. Keep your weights on the lighter side, and focus on controlling the weight. If you’re struggling, consider using a seated variation. This can help you prevent swinging the dumbbells or adding additional movements to this exercise.
Limit Range of Motion
There should always be tension on your biceps. It’s very common to lose tension in your biceps at the top or bottom of the exercise. Try to limit your range of motion so that your biceps are always engaged.
Weight & 1 Rep Max Calculator
Average EZ-Bar Curl standards by male, female, weight, age and height
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Alternatives & Variations to EZ-Bar Curl
1. Dumbbell Bicep Curl
99.6 mSCORESWAPPED 16,700 TIMESThis exercise is one of the most common isolation, biceps exercises out there. Dumbbells help prevent compensating for strength imbalances, as well as allows plenty of freedom in your range of motion. This is a staple exercise in most workouts, and is a great way to build strength and muscle mass in your biceps.
2. Barbell Curl
98.5 mSCORESWAPPED 14,567 TIMESAs with other curls, this isolation exercise targets the biceps. The use of a barbell adds more stability to this movement, and somewhat restricts your range of motion. This added stability means you can focus more on exertion than stabilizing the movement. This is a great variation for helping you build strength in your biceps.
3. Hammer Curls
99.2 mSCORESWAPPED 13,735 TIMESSimilar to other curls, this isolation exercise targets the biceps. Unlike the standard Dumbbell Bicep Curl, this variation rotates your wrist into a more natural position. This rotation also help to emphasize the long head of the bicep. This is a great exercise for adding some variety to your curls as well as developing functional strength and building muscle mass.
4. Cable Bicep Curl
94.9 mSCORESWAPPED 10,319 TIMESSimilar to other curls, this isolation exercise targets the biceps. The use of cables allows you to apply tension to your biceps at a different angle than with free weights. This is especially helpful for applying tension at the top of your range of motion. Because you can maintain more tension on your biceps throughout the movement, this is especially helpful for building muscle mass in your biceps.
5. Preacher Curl
95.9 mSCORESWAPPED 8,224 TIMESSimilar to other curls, this isolation exercise targets the biceps. By using a preacher curl bench, you ensure that your elbows are locked in place, which prevents any swinging of your arm to assist in moving the weight. The use of an EZ-bar adds some stability to the movement, allowing you to focus more on exertion that stabilizing the movement. The combination of these two variations makes this an excellent exercise for developing strength in your biceps with minimal risk of cheating.
6. Seated Dumbbell Curl
98 mSCORESWAPPED 7,461 TIMESSimilar to other curls, this isolation exercise targets the biceps. The use of dumbbells helps prevent compensating for strength discrepancies between sides, as well as not restricting range of motion. Performing curls from a seated position also helps to prevent cheating by swaying your body to assist in raising the weight.
7. Machine Bicep Curl
93.1 mSCORESWAPPED 6,732 TIMESSimilar to other curls, this isolation exercise targets the biceps. The use of a machine adds stability to the movement by forcing you to use a fixed range of motion. This added stability means you can focus more on exertion than stabilizing the movement. Since your range of motion is fixed, this is a great exercise for learning, or to push the limits of this movement.
8. Cross Body Hammer Curls
95.4 mSCORESWAPPED 6,529 TIMESCross Body Hammer Curls are a variation on the more standard Hammer Curl. Like other variations this is an isolation exercise that targets the biceps. Unlike many other Hammer Curl variations, this exercises has you bring the weight across your body instead of straight up and down.
9. Concentration Curl
91.3 mSCORESWAPPED 4,433 TIMESConcentration Curl is an isolation exercise that targets the biceps with a high degree of focus. Seated with legs spread, you rest one arm against the same-side thigh and curl a dumbbell from a fully extended arm position to full contraction, keeping the elbow stationary. This position minimizes the involvement of other muscles, ensuring the bicep is fully engaged throughout the movement. Concentration Curls are effective for increasing bicep strength and enhancing muscle definition. They allow for precise form control and can help identify and correct imbalances between arms.
10. Reverse Barbell Curl
96.8 mSCORESWAPPED 4,207 TIMESSimilar to other curls, this isolation exercise targets the biceps. Using a reverse grip increases the demand for grip strength, and can be a way to train for functional applications of biceps strength. The use of a barbell adds some stability to the movement when compared to equipment like dumbbells. This added stability means you can focus more on exertion rather than stabilizing the movement.