Reverse Barbell Preacher Curls
Level
intermediate
Force
pull
Mechanic
isolation
Equipment
e z curl bar Category
strength Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles

A preacher curl performed with an overhand (pronated) grip using an EZ-bar, maximally isolating the brachialis and forearms while reducing cheating.
Instructions
- Grab an EZ-bar using a shoulder width and palms down (pronated) grip.
- Now place the upper part of both arms on top of the preacher bench and have your arms extended. This will be your starting position.
- As you exhale, use the biceps to curl the weight up until your biceps are fully contracted and the barbell is at shoulder height. Squeeze the biceps hard for a second at the contracted position.
- As you breathe in, slowly lower the barbell until your upper arms are extended and the biceps is fully stretched.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Tips
- The preacher bench eliminates momentum and isolates the biceps and brachialis effectively.
- The pronated grip provides greater emphasis on the brachialis and forearm muscles.
- The EZ-bar curve allows for a more comfortable wrist position compared to a straight bar.
- Keep your arms fully extended at the bottom for a complete stretch of the muscle.
- Slow, controlled repetitions will maximize the training effect of this exercise.
- This is an excellent finishing movement for arms and helps address strength imbalances.
Recommended starting values
Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.
| Goal | Sets | Reps | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | |||
| Gain strength | 3 | 9 reps | 11 kg | 7 kg |
| Build muscle | 3 | 13 reps | 10 kg | 7 kg |
| Build endurance | 3 | 16 reps | 8 kg | 5 kg |
Alternatives
Exercises that target the same muscles with the same force and mechanic.
beginner strength
Hammer Curl (Kettlebell)
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Hammercurls on Cable
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Plate Curl
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Preacher Curl (Dumbbell)
Learn more about preacher curl (dumbbell) intermediate strength
Reverse Bar Curl
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beginner strength
beginner strength
Reverse Curl
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Reverse Curl (Cable)
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Z Curls
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intermediate strength
intermediate strength