Male model ex_YO7QYP

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Upper Arms · Barbell

Barbell Preacher Curl

intermediatestrength

Barbell Preacher Curl is an intermediate isolation strength exercise that works the biceps (upper arms), with the forearms assisting. It needs a barbell. A typical prescription is 3 sets of 10-15 reps, and it burns about 5.5 calories per minute.

Target: Biceps
Body part: Upper Arms
Equipment: Barbell
Category: Strength
Mechanic: Isolation
Force: Pull
Sets × reps: 3 × 10-15
Calories / min: ≈ 5.5 kcal

Primary muscles

Biceps · Biceps Brachii

Secondary muscles

Forearms · Brachioradialis, Brachialis

How to do Barbell Preacher Curl

Sit on a preacher bench with your feet flat on the floor. Position your upper arms on the preacher pad, holding a barbell with an underhand grip (palms facing up), hands shoulder-width apart. Your arms should be fully extended.
Engage your core and keep your back straight. Curl the barbell upwards towards your shoulders by bending your elbows.
Squeeze your biceps at the top of the movement, ensuring the barbell reaches shoulder height.
Lower the barbell back to the starting position with control, fully extending your arms. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Form tips

Keep your upper arms stationary on the preacher pad to isolate the biceps.
Perform the movement slowly and with control to maximize muscle engagement and prevent injury.
Breathe steadily, exhaling as you curl the barbell up and inhaling as you lower it back down.

Barbell Preacher Curl alternatives

Preacher Curl Ez Bar

Biceps · intermediate

Kettlebell Preacher Curl

Biceps · intermediate

Dumbbell Preacher Curl

Biceps · intermediate

Cable Preacher Curl

Biceps · beginner

More biceps exercises

Dumbbell Seated Preacher Curl

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Dumbbell Standing Preacher Curl

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Dumbbell Zottman Preacher Curl

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Preacher Curl Dumbbells Simultaneous

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Band Kneeling Preacher Curl

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Ez Barbell Curl

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Kettlebell Curl

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Preacher Curl Ez Bar Wide Grip

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Barbell Preacher Curl FAQ

What muscles does Barbell Preacher Curl work?

Barbell Preacher Curl mainly works the biceps in the upper arms (Biceps Brachii). The forearms work as secondary muscles.

What equipment do you need for Barbell Preacher Curl?

You need a barbell.

How many sets and reps of Barbell Preacher Curl should I do?

Start with 3 sets of 10-15 reps. Pick a load or variation where the last one or two reps are hard but your form stays clean.

Is Barbell Preacher Curl good for beginners?

It's rated intermediate. Beginners can work up to it once they control simpler upper arms exercises.

How many calories does Barbell Preacher Curl burn?

About 5.5 calories per minute for a person of around 70 kg, based on a MET value of 4.5. Ten minutes of work is roughly 55 calories; heavier people burn more.

What is a good alternative to Barbell Preacher Curl?

Other exercises for the biceps include Preacher Curl Ez Bar, Kettlebell Preacher Curl, Dumbbell Preacher Curl and Cable Preacher Curl.

For developers

Use Barbell Preacher Curl in your app

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# One request returns the exercise and its 720p media links
curl "https://api.workoutxapp.com/v2/exercises/ex_YO7QYP" \
  -H "X-WorkoutX-Key: YOUR_API_KEY"

{
  "id": "ex_YO7QYP",
  "name": "Barbell Preacher Curl",
  "model": "male",
  "target": "Biceps",
  "equipment": "Barbell",
  "media": {
    "mp4": "https://…/ex_YO7QYP/mp4-720.mp4?…",
    "poster": "https://…/ex_YO7QYP/poster.jpg?…"
  }
}