Spider Curl - Barbell Close Grip

Recommendations: 2-3 Sets, 8-12 Reps, 80 Wght

Beginner Biceps Forearms Shoulders Traps Strength Barbell Preacher Bench Pull Gym

Purpose: This exercise works the biceps muscles but focuses also on the brachioradialis (a muscle that crosses the elbow joint and assists in rotating the forearm).

Benefits: Spider curls do a perfect job of placing maximum tension on the biceps in the fully contracted position. As an alternate, spider curls can be done with a barbell instead of dumbbells.

Reverse the curling pad on the Preacher Curl Machine so that the straight side rather than the angle side is at the front of the machine. Sit at the preacher bench, with your feet flat on the floor. Hold a barbell with your hands close together and your palms facing up (underhand grip). Ensure that your armpits are against the top of the bench pad with your triceps on the pad. This is the starting position. Curl the barbell up to your chin. Your upper arms should remain on the pad throughout the entire motion. Exhale during this movement. Slowly lower the barbell to the starting position. Inhale during this movement. Repeat for the required number of repetitions.

The biceps muscle is a straight muscle with 2 heads. The long head crosses both the elbow and shoulder joints and bends the elbow and raises the arm forward at the shoulder. The short head of the biceps crosses the elbow joint and, in conjunction with the brachioradialis, supinates the hand.