How to do the Barbell Preacher Curl
Barbell Preacher Curl is an intermediate single-joint isolation pulling exercise targeting the Biceps in the Upper Arms region. Performed using barbell, it falls under the strength category. Secondary muscles engaged include Forearms.
Barbell Preacher Curl demonstration · © GymiaFit
Barbell Preacher Curl at a glance
- Primary muscles
- Biceps
- Secondary muscles
- Forearms
- Equipment
- Barbell
- Level
- Intermediate
- Type
- Isolation (single-joint)
- Force
- Pull
Barbell Preacher Curl step by step
- 1Sit on a preacher bench with your upper arms resting on the pad and your chest against the support.
- 2Grasp the barbell with an underhand grip, slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
- 3Keeping your upper arms stationary, exhale and curl the barbell up towards your shoulders.
- 4Pause for a moment at the top, squeezing your biceps.
- 5Inhale and slowly lower the barbell back down to the starting position.
- 6Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
A free workout that uses it
Barbell Preacher Curl — questions
What muscles does the Barbell Preacher Curl work?
The Barbell Preacher Curl primarily targets the Biceps. It also recruits the Forearms as secondary movers.
What equipment do I need for the Barbell Preacher Curl?
You need barbell. If your gym does not have it, the alternatives listed further down train the same muscles with different kit.
Is the Barbell Preacher Curl suitable for beginners?
It is classed as intermediate. Build the movement pattern with an easier variation first, then add load once the technique holds under fatigue.
What can I do instead of the Barbell Preacher Curl?
Barbell Alternate Biceps Curl, Barbell Biceps Curl (with Arm Blaster), Barbell Curl train the same muscles and make good substitutes when the equipment is taken or the movement does not suit you.
Log it, don't guess it.
The GymiaFit app has the Barbell Preacher Curl demo, form cues and set logging built in — plus a muscle map that shows what you have actually trained this week. Free on iOS and Android.