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Exercise Comparison

Brachialis-SMR vs Preacher Curl

Brachialis-SMR - starting position
Brachialis-SMR - ending position
Brachialis-SMR
intermediate·Foam roll
Preacher Curl - starting position
Preacher Curl - ending position
Preacher Curl
beginner·Barbell·isolation

Side-by-Side

Brachialis-SMR
VS
Preacher Curl
intermediate
Level
beginner
Foam roll
Equipment
Barbell
N/A
Mechanic
isolation
static
Force
pull
Stretching
Category
Strength
biceps
Primary
biceps
None
Secondary
None

Muscle Analysis

Shared

biceps

Instructions

Brachialis-SMR

1

Lie on your side, with your upper arm against the foam roller. The upper arm should be more or less aligned with your body, with the outside of the bicep pressed against the foam roller.

2

Raise your hips off of the floor, supporting your weight on your arm and on your feet. Hold for 10-30 seconds, and then switch sides.

Preacher Curl

1

To perform this movement you will need a preacher bench and an E-Z bar. Grab the E-Z curl bar at the close inner handle (either have someone hand you the bar which is preferable or grab the bar from the front bar rest provided by most preacher benches). The palm of your hands should be facing forward and they should be slightly tilted inwards due to the shape of the bar.

2

With the upper arms positioned against the preacher bench pad and the chest against it, hold the E-Z Curl Bar at shoulder length. This will be your starting position.

3

As you breathe in, slowly lower the bar until your upper arm is extended and the biceps is fully stretched.

4

As you exhale, use the biceps to curl the weight up until your biceps is fully contracted and the bar is at shoulder height. Squeeze the biceps hard and hold this position for a second.

5

Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Verdict

Both exercises target the biceps. Brachialis-SMR is a intermediate exercise using foam roll, while Preacher Curl is beginner and uses barbell. Choose Preacher Curl if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Brachialis-SMR for a greater challenge.

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