EZ-Bar Reverse-Grip Bicep Curl

Beginner
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An isolation curl using a pronated grip on an EZ-bar that targets the brachioradialis and brachialis to build forearm strength and size; enhances grip and corrects arm imbalances.

About Exercise

Equipment

EZ Bar

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Forearms, Biceps

Accessory Muscles

Shoulders

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Hypertrophy
Strength

Training Style

Bodybuilding
Weightlifting

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Forearms

9/10

Flexors, Extensors

Biceps

8/10

Brachialis, Long Head, Short Head

Shoulders

2/10

Anterior Delts

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent. Grip the EZ-bar pronated at shoulder width on the angled sections, arms extended with bar against thighs.

  1. Keep upper arms stationary and elbows at sides.
  2. Exhale and curl the bar toward shoulders by flexing elbows.
  3. Squeeze forearms at the top.
  4. Inhale and lower the bar slowly to full extension.
  5. Maintain slight elbow bend at bottom.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Elbows pinned to sides
  • Lead with knuckles
  • Squeeze at top
  • Control the descent
  • Wrists neutral

Breathing

Inhale during the lowering phase; exhale as you curl the bar upward. Brace core throughout.

Tempo

2-1-2

Range of Motion

Lower until arms are nearly straight without locking elbows; curl until forearms are vertical and bar nears shoulders.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Start with light weight to avoid wrist strain
  • Avoid locking elbows at bottom
  • Discontinue if elbow or wrist pain occurs
  • Keep core braced to prevent back arch

Spotting

Spotting not typically needed; use safety pins if in a rack for heavy sets.

Common Mistakes

  • Swinging the body for momentum
  • Flaring elbows outward
  • Dropping wrists during curl
  • Using too much weight leading to poor form

When to Avoid

  • Wrist injuries
  • Elbow tendonitis
  • Acute forearm strain

Flexibility Needed

  • Wrist extension flexibility
  • Shoulder flexion for arm positioning

Build Up First

  • Master basic bicep curl form
  • Grip strength competency

Also known as

Reverse EZ-Bar Curl, Pronated EZ-Bar Bicep Curl, EZ-Bar Reverse Curl, Overhand EZ-Bar Curl

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