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Exercise Comparison

Barbell Curl vs Dumbbell Prone Incline Curl

Barbell Curl - starting position
Barbell Curl - ending position
Barbell Curl
beginner·Barbell·isolation
Dumbbell Prone Incline Curl - starting position
Dumbbell Prone Incline Curl - ending position
Dumbbell Prone Incline Curl
intermediate·Dumbbell·isolation

Side-by-Side

Barbell Curl
VS
Dumbbell Prone Incline Curl
beginner
Level
intermediate
Barbell
Equipment
Dumbbell
isolation
Mechanic
isolation
pull
Force
pull
Strength
Category
Strength
biceps
Primary
biceps
forearms
Secondary
None

Muscle Analysis

Shared

biceps

Only in Barbell Curl

forearms

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.

Dumbbell Prone Incline Curl

1

Grab a dumbbell on each hand and lie face down on an incline bench with your shoulders near top of the incline. Your knees can rest on the seat or your legs can be straddled to the sides (my preferred way).

2

Let your arms extend and hang naturally in front of you so that they are perpendicular to the floor.

3

Now keep your elbows in by your side and face the palms forward. This will be your starting position.

4

Raise the dumbbells by contracting the biceps until your arms are fully flexed. Exhale as you perform this portion of the movement and ensure that only the forearms move. The upper arms should remain stationary at all times.

5

Lower the dumbbells until your arms are fully extended.

6

Repeat for the recommended amount of times.

Verdict

Both exercises target the biceps. Barbell Curl is a beginner exercise using barbell, while Dumbbell Prone Incline Curl is intermediate and uses dumbbell. Choose Barbell Curl if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Dumbbell Prone Incline Curl for a greater challenge.

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