Exercise Comparison
Barbell Curl vs Machine Preacher Curls




Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Only in Barbell Curl
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.
Machine Preacher Curls
Sit down on the Preacher Curl Machine and select the weight.
Place the back of your upper arms (your triceps) on the preacher pad provided and grab the handles using an underhand grip (palms facing up). Tip: Make sure that when you place the arms on the pad you keep the elbows in. This will be your starting position.
Now lift the handles as you exhale and you contract the biceps. At the top of the position make sure that you hold the contraction for a second. Tip: Only the forearms should move. The upper arms should remain stationary and on the pad at all times.
Lower the handles slowly back to the starting position as you inhale.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Verdict
Both exercises target the biceps. Barbell Curl is a beginner exercise using barbell, while Machine Preacher Curls is beginner and uses machine. Choose Barbell Curl if you have access to barbell, or Machine Preacher Curls if you prefer machine.