Exercise Comparison
Barbell Curl vs Standing Biceps Stretch
Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Only in Barbell Curl
Only in Standing Biceps Stretch
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.
Standing Biceps Stretch
Clasp your hands behind your back with your palms together, straighten arms and then rotate them so your palms face downward.
Raise your arms up and hold until you feel a stretch in your biceps.
Verdict
Both exercises target the biceps. Barbell Curl is a beginner exercise using barbell, while Standing Biceps Stretch is beginner and uses other. Choose Barbell Curl if you have access to barbell, or Standing Biceps Stretch if you prefer other.