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Preacher Curls Vs. Ez Bar Curls: The Final Verdict (with Video!)

Steven is a certified personal trainer and fitness enthusiast based in Los Angeles. He launched Steven Fitspot in 2024 to share his love of health and wellness with others. On his blog, Steven provides useful workouts, nutrition tips, and motivational advice to help his readers stay active and achieve their...

What To Know

  • Preacher curls are performed on a preacher bench, which isolates the biceps and prevents you from using your back or shoulders to help with the movement.
  • Preacher curls are better for building biceps strength and size because they isolate the biceps and prevent you from using your back or shoulders to help with the movement.

Preacher curls and EZ bar curls are two common exercises that target the biceps. Both exercises have their own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to understand the differences between them before deciding which one is right for you.

Preacher Curls

Preacher curls are performed on a preacher bench, which isolates the biceps and prevents you from using your back or shoulders to help with the movement. This makes preacher curls a great exercise for building biceps strength and size.

Benefits of Preacher Curls

  • Isolates the biceps
  • Builds biceps strength and size
  • Can be used to target specific areas of the biceps

Drawbacks of Preacher Curls

  • Can be difficult to perform if you have shoulder problems
  • Can be uncomfortable if you have long arms
  • Can be difficult to progress in weight

EZ Bar Curls

EZ bar curls are performed with an EZ bar, which has a curved shape that reduces stress on the wrists. This makes EZ bar curls a good option for people who have wrist pain or who want to avoid putting strain on their wrists.

Benefits of EZ Bar Curls

  • Reduces stress on the wrists
  • Can be used to target specific areas of the biceps
  • Can be easier to progress in weight than preacher curls

Drawbacks of EZ Bar Curls

  • Not as effective as preacher curls for building biceps strength and size
  • Can be more difficult to isolate the biceps
  • Can be uncomfortable if you have small hands

Which Exercise Is Right for You?

The best exercise for you depends on your individual goals and abilities. If you want to build biceps strength and size, preacher curls are a better choice. If you have wrist pain or want to avoid putting strain on your wrists, EZ bar curls are a better choice.

How to Perform Preacher Curls

1. Sit on a preacher bench with your chest against the pad.
2. Grip the bar with an underhand grip, shoulder-width apart.
3. Lower the bar to your chest.
4. Curl the bar up to your shoulders, keeping your elbows close to your body.
5. Slowly lower the bar back to your chest.

How to Perform EZ Bar Curls

1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
2. Grip the EZ bar with an underhand grip, shoulder-width apart.
3. Curl the bar up to your shoulders, keeping your elbows close to your body.
4. Slowly lower the bar back to the starting position.

Tips for Preacher Curls and EZ Bar Curls

  • Use a weight that is challenging but allows you to maintain good form.
  • Keep your elbows close to your body throughout the movement.
  • Don’t swing your arms or use momentum to lift the weight.
  • Focus on squeezing your biceps at the top of the movement.

Sample Workout

Here is a sample workout that includes both preacher curls and EZ bar curls:

  • Warm-up: 5 minutes of light cardio
  • Preacher curls: 3 sets of 10-12 repetitions
  • EZ bar curls: 3 sets of 10-12 repetitions
  • Triceps extensions: 3 sets of 10-12 repetitions
  • Bicep curls: 3 sets of 10-12 repetitions
  • Cool-down: 5 minutes of stretching

Recommendations

Preacher curls and EZ bar curls are both effective exercises for building biceps strength and size. The best exercise for you depends on your individual goals and abilities. If you want to build biceps strength and size, preacher curls are a better choice. If you have wrist pain or want to avoid putting strain on your wrists, EZ bar curls are a better choice.

What You Need to Know

1. What is the difference between preacher curls and EZ bar curls?

Preacher curls are performed on a preacher bench, which isolates the biceps and prevents you from using your back or shoulders to help with the movement. EZ bar curls are performed with an EZ bar, which has a curved shape that reduces stress on the wrists.

2. Which exercise is better for building biceps strength and size?

Preacher curls are better for building biceps strength and size because they isolate the biceps and prevent you from using your back or shoulders to help with the movement.

3. Which exercise is better for people with wrist pain?

EZ bar curls are better for people with wrist pain because the curved shape of the bar reduces stress on the wrists.

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Steven

Steven is a certified personal trainer and fitness enthusiast based in Los Angeles. He launched Steven Fitspot in 2024 to share his love of health and wellness with others. On his blog, Steven provides useful workouts, nutrition tips, and motivational advice to help his readers stay active and achieve their fitness goals. With 10 years of experience in the industry, he has trained clients of all ages and abilities. When not coaching others or writing new blog content, Steven enjoys pushing his own limits with powerlifting and functional training. He believes a strong body leads to an unstoppable mind.
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