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Exercise Comparison

Barbell Curl vs Drag Curl

Barbell Curl - starting position
Barbell Curl - ending position
Barbell Curl
beginner·Barbell·isolation
Drag Curl - starting position
Drag Curl - ending position
Drag Curl
intermediate·Barbell·compound

Side-by-Side

Barbell Curl
VS
Drag Curl
beginner
Level
intermediate
Barbell
Equipment
Barbell
isolation
Mechanic
compound
pull
Force
pull
Strength
Category
Strength
biceps
Primary
biceps
forearms
Secondary
forearms

Muscle Analysis

Shared

bicepsforearms

Instructions

Barbell Curl

1

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.

2

While holding the upper arms stationary, curl the weights forward while contracting the biceps as you breathe out. Tip: Only the forearms should move.

3

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.

4

Slowly begin to bring the bar back to starting position as your breathe in.

5

Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Drag Curl

1

Grab a barbell with a supinated grip (palms facing forward) and get your elbows close to your torso and back. This will be your starting position.

2

As you exhale, curl the bar up while keeping the elbows to the back as you "Drag" the bar up by keeping it in contact with your torso. Tip: As you can see, you will not be keeping the elbows pinned to your sides, but instead you will be bringing them back. Also, do not lift your shoulders.

3

Slowly go back to the starting position as you keep the bar in contact with the torso at all times.

4

Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Verdict

Both exercises target the biceps. Barbell Curl is a beginner exercise using barbell, while Drag Curl is intermediate and uses barbell. Choose Barbell Curl if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Drag Curl for a greater challenge. Drag Curl is a compound movement working multiple joints, making it better for overall strength. Barbell Curl isolates the target muscle for focused development.

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