Exercise 0636 · REF o1ntciW

Olympic Barbell Hammer Curl exercise animation

Olympic Barbell Hammer Curl

Category
Upper Arms
Target
Biceps

Using an Olympic barbell for a hammer curl grip trains the brachialis and forearms more than a standard curl grip does, though the added bar weight and length change the leverage compared to dumbbells. The straight bar also forces both arms to move in sync, unlike dumbbells where each side can drift independently.

How to Do the Olympic Barbell Hammer Curl

  1. Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold an Olympic barbell with an overhand grip.
  2. Let the barbell hang at arm's length in front of your thighs, with your palms facing your body.
  3. Keeping your upper arms stationary, exhale and curl the weights while contracting your biceps.
  4. Continue to raise the barbell until your biceps are fully contracted and the barbell is at shoulder level.
  5. Hold the contracted position for a brief pause as you squeeze your biceps.
  6. Inhale and slowly begin to lower the barbell back to the starting position.
  7. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Muscles Worked

The Olympic Barbell Hammer Curl primarily targets the Biceps, with Forearms as the primary synergist muscle group.

More Upper Arms Exercises

More Biceps Exercises

Equipment Alternatives

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

FAQ

What muscles does the Olympic Barbell Hammer Curl work?
The Olympic Barbell Hammer Curl primarily targets the biceps, with the forearms as the main supporting muscle group.
What equipment do I need for the Olympic Barbell Hammer Curl?
The Olympic Barbell Hammer Curl is done with a olympic barbell.
What's a good alternative to the Olympic Barbell Hammer Curl?
If you don't have access to a olympic barbell, the Biceps Leg Concentration Curl targets the same biceps using body weight instead.