Upper Arms Exercise · Barbell

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Barbell Preacher Curl

The preacher curl braces the arm against an angled pad, which removes the ability to swing the elbows back and use momentum the way a standing curl allows. That makes it one of the stricter biceps isolation exercises available with a barbell. The stretch at the bottom is where most of the tension lives, so resist the urge to bounce out of it.

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Also known as: EZ Bar Preacher Curl, Barbell Scott Curl

Category

Upper Arms

Equipment

Barbell

Target

Biceps

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Exercise reference published by PlanWorkouts; see our editorial standards.

How to Do the Barbell Preacher Curl

1. Sit at a preacher bench with your upper arms resting on the pad and your chest against the support.
2. Grip the barbell underhand, hands slightly wider than shoulder-width.
3. With your upper arms held still, exhale as you curl the barbell up toward your shoulders.
4. Hold briefly at the top, squeezing your biceps.
5. Inhale as you slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position.
6. Perform for your targeted rep count, focusing on a deliberate tempo and maximum tension in the biceps.

Technique & Form Tips

Perform flexion at the elbow while keeping your setup steady and supported. Maintain the specific elbow placement demonstrated for your chosen variation, such as preacher, incline, or hammer curl, to ensure consistent mechanical load through the arc.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using hip momentum: Keep your torso stable to prevent swinging the load upward with your lower body.
• Drifting elbows: Maintain the elbow position relative to your body as defined by your specific curl variant.
• Lack of eccentric control: Lower the weight under control rather than letting it fall.

How to Breathe During This Exercise

Breathe steadily throughout the movement, ideally exhaling during the contraction phase.

Comfort and Control

Choose a load and range you can control. Stop if the movement causes pain. If discomfort persists, stop and ask a qualified professional about an appropriate exercise and range.

General guidance: Mayo Clinic on weight-training technique. Follow the specific movement steps above for this variation.

Muscles Worked

The Barbell Preacher Curl mainly targets your Biceps, with your Forearms helping support the movement.

More Upper Arms Exercises

Assisted Standing Triceps Extension (with Towel) Assisted · Triceps Assisted Triceps Dip (kneeling) Leverage Machine · Triceps Band Alternating Biceps Curl Band · Biceps Band Close-Grip Push-Up Band · Triceps Band Concentration Curl Band · Biceps Band One Arm Overhead Biceps Curl Band · Biceps

More Biceps Exercises

Barbell Alternate Biceps Curl Barbell · Biceps Barbell Biceps Curl (with Arm Blaster) Barbell · Biceps Barbell Curl Barbell · Biceps Barbell Drag Curl Barbell · Biceps Barbell Lying Preacher Curl Barbell · Biceps Barbell Prone Incline Curl Barbell · Biceps

Equipment Alternatives

Don't have barbell? These target the same biceps with different equipment.

Biceps Leg Concentration Curl Body Weight · Biceps Cable Close Grip Curl Cable · Biceps Dumbbell Alternate Biceps Curl Dumbbell · Biceps EZ Bar Seated Close Grip Concentration Curl EZ Barbell · Biceps

FAQ

What muscles does the Barbell Preacher Curl work?

The Barbell Preacher Curl mainly works your biceps. Your forearms also works to help support and steady your body. Using good, smooth form makes sure you work the right muscles and avoid unnecessary strain on your joints.

What equipment do I need for the Barbell Preacher Curl?

You do the Barbell Preacher Curl with a barbell. Make sure your equipment is set up safely before starting. If you work out at home or have limited gear, check out our alternative exercises below.

What form mistake should I watch for on the Barbell Preacher Curl?

One mistake to watch for is using hip momentum: Keep your torso stable to prevent swinging the load upward with your lower body.. Use a comfortable range and a controlled return; reduce the load if you cannot maintain the demonstrated setup.

How many sets and reps should I perform on the Barbell Preacher Curl?

To tone and grow muscle, do 3 to 4 sets of 10 to 15 smooth reps with 60 seconds of rest, focusing on a full stretch and squeezing the muscle at the top of each rep.

What's a good alternative to the Barbell Preacher Curl?

The Biceps Leg Concentration Curl trains your biceps with body weight and a similar movement pattern. Review its form guide before substituting it, since setup and range of motion can differ.