EZ-Bar Bicep Curl

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Beginner
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An isolation exercise using an EZ curl bar that targets the biceps and brachialis to build arm size and strength; features a semi-supinated grip to reduce wrist and elbow strain.

About Exercise

Equipment

EZ Bar

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Biceps, Biceps

Secondary Muscles

Shoulders

Popularity Score

8

Goals

Hypertrophy
Strength

Training Style

Bodybuilding

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Biceps

10/10

Long Head, Short Head

Biceps

8/10

Brachialis

Forearms

6/10

Flexors

Shoulders

3/10

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 with an underhand, semi-supinated hold at shoulder width, arms extended and bar resting on thighs.

  1. Exhale and curl the bar upward by flexing elbows, keeping upper arms stationary.
  2. Squeeze biceps at the top when bar reaches shoulder level.
  3. Inhale and lower the bar slowly to full arm extension.
  4. Maintain core engagement and avoid body sway.
  5. Repeat for prescribed reps with controlled motion.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Elbows tucked to sides
  • Squeeze biceps hard
  • No swinging body
  • Forearms only move

Breathing

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

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

Lower until elbows nearly fully extend without hyperextension; raise until bar touches shoulders with biceps fully contracted.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute elbow or wrist pain present
  • Start with light weight to master form
  • Secure plates with collars
  • Stop if joint discomfort occurs

Spotting

Spotting not required; use a mirror or self-check form for safety.

Common Mistakes

  • Using momentum from hips
  • Flaring elbows outward
  • Partial range of motion
  • Gripping too tightly causing wrist pain

When to Avoid

  • Acute elbow tendonitis
  • Wrist sprains
  • Shoulder impingement

Flexibility Needed

  • Full elbow extension
  • Shoulder flexion to 90 degrees

Build Up First

  • Basic standing posture
  • Grip strength for bar hold

Also known as

EZ Curl, EZ Bar Curl, Curled EZ Bar

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