Barbell Curl - Basic

Recommendations: 2-3 Sets, 6-10 Reps, 80 Wght

Beginner Biceps Forearms Shoulders Strength Barbell Pull Gym

Purpose: This exercise is used to target the biceps muscle to develop size, definition, strength, endurance and power.

Benefits: This exercise works both heads of the biceps with a heavier weight than can typically be done with dumbbells. Moving the elbows out at the top of the movement ensures that the long head of the biceps (which crosses the shoulder joint) is also worked well.

Stand upright, with your knees slightly bent and your feet shoulder-width apart. Hold a barbell, with the palms of the hands facing outward about shoulder-width apart, and let it hang front of you. Your elbows should be close to your body. This is your starting position. While holding the upper arm stationary, curl your hands forward and upward while contracting the biceps. Exhale during this movement. Continue the movement until your biceps are fully contracted and the barbell is at shoulder level. Continue by moving the elbows slightly forward (about 1 inch) to ensure the long head of the biceps is fully involved (the long head of the biceps crosses the shoulder joint) while you squeeze the biceps. Slowly bring the barbell back to the starting position. Inhale during this movement. Repeat for the recommended number of repetitions.

The biceps is a straight muscle with two heads. The long head of the biceps crosses both the elbow and the shoulder joint. It bends the elbow and raises the arm forward at the shoulder. The short head crosses the elbow joint and, in conjunction with the brachioradialis, supinates the hand.