Barbell Bicep Curl vs Chin up
Which one fits your Biceps workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Barbell Bicep Curl more often — 17,450 sessions vs 1,141. Compare Biceps form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Bicep Curl and Chin up and pick the one that fits your Biceps workout.
Barbell Bicep Curl vs Chin up: 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 1,141 for Chin up.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Bicep Curl and Chin up 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 Chin up Differ
| What differs | Barbell Bicep Curl | Chin up |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | biceps and forearms | back, traps, and biceps |
| Equipment | a barbell | a pull-up bar |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 17,450 sessions | 1,141 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 Chin up
Chin up Muscles Worked: Biceps
Form
- 1. Engage your arms and lift up so that your chest is facing forward.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Move slowly so that your body does not sway due to momentum, and keep your shoulders fixed so they do not shrug upward.
- 2. Engage your abs so that your lower back does not overarch, and if you feel pain in your elbows or the front of your shoulders, use an assist band.
For a full Chin up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Chin up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Biceps, Barbell Bicep Curl or Chin up?
Planfit users log Barbell Bicep Curl more often — 17,450 sessions against 1,141 for Chin up. Both train Biceps, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Barbell Bicep Curl and Chin up work the same muscles?
Not quite. Barbell Bicep Curl loads biceps and forearms, and Chin up loads back, traps, and biceps.
What equipment do Barbell Bicep Curl and Chin up need?
Barbell Bicep Curl needs a barbell, and Chin up needs a pull-up bar.
Which is easier to start with?
Chin up is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Bicep Curl once your form holds up.
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