Upper Arms Exercise · EZ Barbell

EZ-Bar Spider Curl on an Incline Bench form demonstration - targeted for Biceps Upper Arms workouts

EZ-Bar Spider Curl on an Incline Bench

This spider curl uses an incline bench to support the chest while the upper arms hang below the shoulders. A preacher curl supports the upper arms on a pad and is a different setup.

Go to the movement steps

Also known as: Ez Bb Spider Curl

Category
Upper Arms
Equipment
EZ Barbell
Target
Biceps

Exercise reference published by PlanWorkouts; see our editorial standards.

How to Do the EZ-Bar Spider Curl on an Incline Bench

  1. Set a stable incline bench and choose a light EZ bar that you can place and retrieve safely.
  2. Lie chest-down on the angled pad with your feet supported. Let your arms hang below your shoulders with an underhand grip on the bar.
  3. Bend your elbows to curl the bar while keeping your chest against the pad and your upper arms reasonably still.
  4. Stop before the movement requires lifting your chest or swinging the bar.
  5. Lower the bar under control, then place it down safely at the end of the set.

Quick Exercise Facts

Movement Type Targeted (Isolation)
Equipment EZ Barbell
Main Muscle Biceps
Supporting Muscles Forearms

Target Muscle Activation

Biceps — Main Target
Forearms — Supporting
Stabilizers — Balance & Core

Compare the support setup

Choose the guide that matches your equipment and support points.

Recommended Sets & Reps by Goal

Build Muscle & Size 3 – 4 Sets × 10 – 15 Reps

Moderate weight · 60s rest

Tone & Shape 3 Sets × 15 – 25 Reps

Lighter weight · 30–45s rest

Form & Control 2 – 3 Sets × 12 – 15 Reps

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.

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Comfort and Control

Stop if the movement causes pain. If you have an existing condition, ask a qualified professional about an appropriate exercise and range. 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 Spider Curl on an Incline Bench mainly targets your Biceps, with your Forearms helping support the movement.

More Upper Arms Exercises

More Biceps Exercises

Equipment Alternatives

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

FAQ

What muscles does the EZ-Bar Spider Curl on an Incline Bench work?
The EZ-Bar Spider Curl on an Incline Bench 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 Spider Curl on an Incline Bench?
You do the EZ-Bar Spider Curl on an Incline Bench with an EZ bar and a stable incline bench supporting your chest. 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 Spider Curl on an Incline Bench?
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 Spider Curl on an Incline Bench?
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 Spider Curl on an Incline Bench?
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.
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