Exercise Comparison
Barbell Curl vs Reverse Barbell Preacher Curls
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.
Reverse Barbell Preacher Curls
Grab an EZ-bar using a shoulder width and palms down (pronated) grip.
Now place the upper part of both arms on top of the preacher bench and have your arms extended. This will be your starting position.
As you exhale, use the biceps to curl the weight up until your biceps are fully contracted and the barbell is at shoulder height. Squeeze the biceps hard for a second at the contracted position.
As you breathe in, slowly lower the barbell until your upper arms are extended and the biceps is fully stretched.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Verdict
Both exercises target the biceps. Barbell Curl is a beginner exercise using barbell, while Reverse Barbell Preacher Curls is intermediate and uses e-z curl bar. Choose Barbell Curl if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Reverse Barbell Preacher Curls for a greater challenge.