Upper Arms Exercise · EZ Barbell

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Ez-Bar Biceps Curl (with Arm Blaster)

Also known as: Ez-bar Bicep Curl (With Arm Blaster)

Category

Upper Arms

Equipment

EZ Barbell

Target

Biceps

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Biomechanical cues verified by the PlanWorkouts Science Review Board under CSCS editorial oversight; see our editorial standards.

The arm blaster locks the elbows against a fixed brace, physically preventing them from drifting forward — the most common way lifters unintentionally cheat a curl by turning it into a shoulder-assisted movement. It forces strict form by removing the option to cheat, which usually means using less weight than a free-standing curl.

How to Do the Ez-Bar Biceps Curl (with Arm Blaster)

1. Stand upright, feet shoulder-width apart, gripping the EZ bar with an underhand, palms-up hold.
2. Rest your upper arms against the arm blaster pad so they stay fixed for the entire set.
3. Keeping your elbows tucked in, exhale and curl the bar up toward your shoulders.
4. Pause at the top and squeeze your biceps.
5. Inhale as you slowly lower the bar back down until your arms are fully straight.
6. Perform for your targeted rep count, focusing on a deliberate tempo and maximum tension in the biceps.

Biomechanical & Joint Load Cues

Single-joint elbow flexion isolated in the sagittal plane. Focuses mechanical load on biceps brachii (long and short heads) and brachialis with minimal torso swinging.

Common Mechanical Mistakes & Form Errors to Avoid

• Swinging Hips & Lower Back: Using momentum from the hips to swing the weight upward eliminates the initial concentric overload on the biceps.
• Drifting Elbows Forward: Allowing elbows to travel forward past the ribs recruits the anterior deltoids and takes tension off the biceps apex.
• Dropping the Eccentric Phase: Letting the weight fall quickly without resistance wastes 50% of the muscle-building stimulus from eccentric microtrauma.

Proper Breathing Patterns & Core Engagement

Inhale on controlled lowering (2-3s eccentric); exhale on elbow contraction to peak tension.

Injury Modification & Joint Safety

Lifters with distal biceps tendinopathy or golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) should use neutral-grip hammer curls or EZ-bars to reduce wrist pronation torque. If joint irritation persists, immediately stop and substitute this movement with another exercise from the Upper Arms exercises category.

Muscles Worked

The Ez-Bar Biceps Curl (with Arm Blaster) primarily targets the Biceps, with Forearms as the primary synergist muscle group.

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 Preacher Curl Barbell · Biceps

Equipment Alternatives

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

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

FAQ

What muscles does the Ez-Bar Biceps Curl (with Arm Blaster) work?

The Ez-Bar Biceps Curl (with Arm Blaster) primarily targets the biceps as the primary agonist. The forearms acts as the primary supporting muscle group during force transmission. Maintaining strict biomechanical alignment ensures maximal tension remains focused on the intended muscle fibers rather than shifting to surrounding stabilizer joints.

What equipment do I need for the Ez-Bar Biceps Curl (with Arm Blaster)?

The Ez-Bar Biceps Curl (with Arm Blaster) is performed using a ez barbell. Ensure all equipment is securely positioned with collars or safety pins locked before loading working sets. If you train in a home gym or minimal setup, explore our equipment-free and resistance band alternatives below.

What is the most common form mistake on the Ez-Bar Biceps Curl (with Arm Blaster)?

The most frequent error is swinging hips & lower back: Using momentum from the hips to swing the weight upward eliminates the initial concentric overload on the biceps.. Controlling the 2 to 3-second eccentric lowering phase ensures maximal hypertrophic stimulus while shielding connective tissue.

How many sets and reps should I perform on the Ez-Bar Biceps Curl (with Arm Blaster)?

For muscle growth and density, execute 3 to 4 working sets of 10 to 15 controlled repetitions with 60 seconds rest, emphasizing a deep stretch and deliberate peak contraction on every rep.

What's a good alternative to the Ez-Bar Biceps Curl (with Arm Blaster)?

If you don't have access to a ez barbell, the Biceps Leg Concentration Curl targets the same biceps using body weight instead. This alternative replicates the same joint angle and movement plane while allowing you to train effectively with different available gear. You can also substitute it seamlessly in our free Workout Plan Builder.