Barbell Bicep Curl vs Cable Preacher Curl
Which one fits your Biceps workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Barbell Bicep Curl more often — 17,450 sessions vs 127. Compare Biceps form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Bicep Curl and Cable Preacher Curl and pick the one that fits your Biceps workout.
Barbell Bicep Curl vs Cable Preacher Curl: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Barbell Bicep Curl more often — 17,450 sessions compared to 127 for Cable Preacher Curl.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Bicep Curl and Cable Preacher Curl differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Barbell Bicep Curl and Cable Preacher Curl Differ
| What differs | Barbell Bicep Curl | Cable Preacher Curl |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 17,450 sessions | 127 sessions |
How to Do Barbell Bicep Curl
Barbell Bicep Curl Muscles Worked: Biceps
Form
- 1. Please lift the barbell while keeping your elbows and shoulders fixed.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
- 3. When lowering the barbell, do not lower it completely; lower it just enough so that your biceps do not relax.
Coach's Tips
- 1. If your wrist is uncomfortable, it may be because you are gripping the barbell too narrowly. Try gripping it a little wider.
- 2. If your wrist is still uncomfortable, please use an EZ bar.
For a full Barbell Bicep Curl guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Bicep Curl exercise guide.
How to Do Cable Preacher Curl
Cable Preacher Curl Muscles Worked: Biceps
Form
- 1. Lift the cable handle while keeping your shoulders and elbows fixed.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
- 3. When lowering the cable handle, do not lower it completely; lower it just enough so that your biceps do not lose tension.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Keep your elbows off the pad.
- 2. Adjust the cable to prevent it from shaking.
For a full Cable Preacher Curl guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Cable Preacher Curl exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Biceps, Barbell Bicep Curl or Cable Preacher Curl?
Planfit users log Barbell Bicep Curl more often — 17,450 sessions against 127 for Cable Preacher Curl. Both train Biceps, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Barbell Bicep Curl and Cable Preacher Curl need?
Barbell Bicep Curl needs a barbell, and Cable Preacher Curl needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Barbell Bicep Curl is the easier place to start. Move to Cable Preacher Curl once your form holds up.
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