Upper Arms Exercise · EZ Barbell
Ez-Bar Biceps Curl (with Arm Blaster)
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.
Go to the movement stepsAlso known as: Ez-bar Bicep Curl (With Arm Blaster)
- Category
- Upper Arms
- Equipment
- EZ Barbell
- Target
- Biceps
Exercise reference published by PlanWorkouts; see our editorial standards.
How to Do the Ez-Bar Biceps Curl (with Arm Blaster)
- Stand upright, feet shoulder-width apart, gripping the EZ bar with an underhand, palms-up hold.
- Rest your upper arms against the arm blaster pad so they stay fixed for the entire set.
- Keeping your elbows tucked in, exhale and curl the bar up toward your shoulders.
- Pause at the top and squeeze your biceps.
- Inhale as you slowly lower the bar back down until your arms are fully straight.
- Perform for your targeted rep count, focusing on a deliberate tempo and maximum tension in the biceps.
Quick Exercise Facts
Recommended Sets & Reps by Goal
Moderate weight · 60s rest
Lighter weight · 30–45s rest
Lower slowly for 3 seconds · 60s rest
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.
Add the Ez-Bar Biceps Curl (with Arm Blaster) to Your Custom Workout Routine
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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 Ez-Bar Biceps Curl (with Arm Blaster) mainly targets your Biceps, with your Forearms helping support the movement.
More Upper Arms Exercises
Assisted Standing Triceps Extension (with Towel)
Assisted Triceps Dip (kneeling)
Band Alternating Biceps Curl
Band Close-Grip Push-Up
Band Concentration Curl
Band One Arm Overhead Biceps Curl
More Biceps Exercises
Barbell Alternate Biceps Curl
Barbell Biceps Curl (with Arm Blaster)
Barbell Curl
Barbell Drag Curl
Barbell Lying Preacher Curl
Barbell Preacher Curl
Equipment Alternatives
Don't have ez barbell? These target the same biceps with different equipment.
Biceps Leg Concentration Curl
Barbell Alternate Biceps Curl
Cable Close Grip Curl
Dumbbell Alternate Biceps Curl
FAQ
- What muscles does the Ez-Bar Biceps Curl (with Arm Blaster) work?
- The Ez-Bar Biceps Curl (with Arm Blaster) 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 Ez-Bar Biceps Curl (with Arm Blaster)?
- You do the Ez-Bar Biceps Curl (with Arm Blaster) with a ez 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 Ez-Bar Biceps Curl (with Arm Blaster)?
- 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 Ez-Bar Biceps Curl (with Arm Blaster)?
- 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 Ez-Bar Biceps Curl (with Arm Blaster)?
- 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.