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Exercise Comparison

Barbell Curl vs Seated Close-Grip Concentration Barbell Curl

Barbell Curl - starting position
Barbell Curl - ending position
Barbell Curl
beginner·Barbell·isolation
Seated Close-Grip Concentration Barbell Curl - starting position
Seated Close-Grip Concentration Barbell Curl - ending position
Seated Close-Grip Concentration Barbell Curl
intermediate·Barbell·isolation

Side-by-Side

Barbell Curl
VS
Seated Close-Grip Concentration Barbell Curl
beginner
Level
intermediate
Barbell
Equipment
Barbell
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.

Seated Close-Grip Concentration Barbell Curl

1

Sit down on a flat bench with a barbell or E-Z Bar in front of you in between your legs. Your legs should be spread with the knees bent and the feet on the floor.

2

Use your arms to pick the barbell up and place the back of your upper arms on top of your inner thighs (around three and a half inches away from the front of the knee). A supinated grip closer than shoulder width is needed to perform this exercise. Tip: Your arm should be extended at arms length and the barbell should be above the floor. This will be your starting position.

3

While holding the upper arms stationary, curl the weights forward while contracting the biceps as you breathe out. Only the forearms should move. Continue the movement until your biceps are fully contracted and the dumbbells are at shoulder level. Hold the contracted position for a second as you squeeze the biceps.

4

Slowly begin to bring the barbell back to starting position as your breathe in. Tip: Avoid swinging motions at any time.

5

Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Verdict

Both exercises target the biceps. Barbell Curl is a beginner exercise using barbell, while Seated Close-Grip Concentration Barbell Curl is intermediate and uses barbell. Choose Barbell Curl if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Seated Close-Grip Concentration Barbell Curl for a greater challenge.

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