Barbell Curl

The Barbell Curl is a beginner barbell exercise that works the Biceps, Arms, Forearms. Follow the steps below or watch the demonstration.

Target musclesBiceps, Arms, Forearms
EquipmentBarbell
LevelBeginner

How to do the Barbell Curl

  1. Stand up with your torso upright while holding a barbell at a shoulder-width grip. The palm of your hands should be facing forward and the elbows should be close to the torso. This will be your starting position.
  2. While holding the upper arms stationary, curl the weights forward while contracting the biceps as you breathe out. Tip: Only the forearms should move.
  3. Continue the movement until your biceps are fully contracted and the bar is at shoulder level. Hold the contracted position for a second and squeeze the biceps hard.
  4. Slowly begin to bring the bar back to starting position as your breathe in.
  5. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Recommended sets & reps

SetRepsRest
Set 112 reps30s rest
Set 210 reps30s rest
Set 38 reps30s rest
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Instructions adapted from wger.de under CC BY-SA 4.0. Compiled by FitBot Coach — not yet individually reviewed by a certified trainer.