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Barbell curl

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Muscles worked

High load
Biceps
Low load
Forearms · Flexors

Primary muscles

Secondary muscles

How to do it

Stand tall with the bar at arm's length, elbows pinned to the sides. Curl the bar up by bending the elbows only, squeeze at the top, then lower slowly to a full stretch. No hip swing or leaning back — if the body is helping, drop the weight and keep the elbows still.

Form cues

  • Elbows pinned to the sides
  • No hip swing

Safety

Talk to a professional before this exercise if you have any of the following:

ElbowWrist

This is general exercise reference, not medical advice. Stop and consult a qualified professional if an exercise causes pain, and never work through joint pain.