Upper Arms Exercise · EZ Barbell

Expand

EZ Barbell Reverse Grip Curl

An overhand grip on the ez-bar shifts the emphasis toward the brachialis and forearm extensors rather than the biceps, and the bar's bend keeps the wrists from feeling as strained as a straight-bar reverse curl can. Expect to drop the weight noticeably compared to a standard curl grip.

Go to the movement steps

Also known as: Ez Bb Reverse Grip Curl

Category

Upper Arms

Equipment

EZ Barbell

Target

Biceps

Share Embed & Cite

Exercise reference published by PlanWorkouts; see our editorial standards.

How to Do the EZ Barbell Reverse Grip Curl

1. Stand tall, feet shoulder-width apart, holding the EZ bar with an underhand grip.
2. Keep your elbows pinned to your sides and your upper arms motionless for the whole set.
3. Exhale as you bend your elbows and curl the bar upward, contracting the biceps.
4. Keep raising the bar until the biceps are fully flexed and the bar reaches shoulder height.
5. Hold that top position briefly, squeezing the biceps hard.
6. Inhale as you slowly reverse the motion to lower the bar back down.
7. Continue for the prescribed repetitions while maintaining full control through both the lift and lower phases.

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 EZ Barbell Reverse Grip 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 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 Barbell Reverse Grip Curl work?

The EZ Barbell Reverse Grip 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 EZ Barbell Reverse Grip Curl?

You do the EZ Barbell Reverse Grip Curl 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 Barbell Reverse Grip 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 EZ Barbell Reverse Grip 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 EZ Barbell Reverse Grip 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.