Exercise Comparison
Barbell Curl vs Close-Grip EZ-Bar Curl with Band
Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Instructions
Barbell Curl
Stand up with your torso upright while holding a barbell at a shoulder-width grip. The palm of your hands should be facing forward and the elbows should be close to the torso. This will be your starting position.
While holding the upper arms stationary, curl the weights forward while contracting the biceps as you breathe out. Tip: Only the forearms should move.
Continue the movement until your biceps are fully contracted and the bar is at shoulder level. Hold the contracted position for a second and squeeze the biceps hard.
Slowly begin to bring the bar back to starting position as your breathe in.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Close-Grip EZ-Bar Curl with Band
Attach a band to each end of the bar. Take the bar, placing a foot on the middle of the band. Stand upright with a narrow, supinated grip on the EZ bar. The elbows should be close to the torso. This will be your starting position.
While keeping the upper arms in place, flex the elbows to execute the curl. Exhale as the weight is lifted.
Continue the movement until your biceps are fully contracted and the bar is at shoulder level. Hold the contracted position for a second and squeeze the biceps hard.
Slowly begin to bring the bar back to starting position as your breathe in.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Verdict
Both exercises target the biceps. Barbell Curl is a beginner exercise using barbell, while Close-Grip EZ-Bar Curl with Band is beginner and uses e-z curl bar. Choose Barbell Curl if you have access to barbell, or Close-Grip EZ-Bar Curl with Band if you prefer e-z curl bar.