Barbell Bicep Curl vs Concentration Curl
Which one fits your Biceps workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Barbell Bicep Curl more often — 17,450 sessions vs 3,522. Compare Biceps form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Bicep Curl and Concentration Curl and pick the one that fits your Biceps workout.
Barbell Bicep Curl vs Concentration 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 3,522 for Concentration Curl.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Bicep Curl and Concentration 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 Concentration Curl Differ
| What differs | Barbell Bicep Curl | Concentration Curl |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | biceps and forearms | biceps |
| Equipment | a barbell | a dumbbell |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 17,450 sessions | 3,522 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 Concentration Curl
Concentration Curl Muscles Worked: Biceps
Form
- 1. Keep your elbow fixed on your thigh and lift the dumbbell up using your biceps.
- 2. Do not move your elbow or shoulder; just bend your arm.
- 3. At the top, strongly contract your biceps.
- 4. Slowly lower it back to the starting position while feeling the resistance.
- 5. Start the next repetition without fully extending your arm, keeping it slightly bent.
Coach's Tips
- Keep your elbows steady and slowly raise the weight.
For a full Concentration Curl guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Concentration Curl exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Biceps, Barbell Bicep Curl or Concentration Curl?
Planfit users log Barbell Bicep Curl more often — 17,450 sessions against 3,522 for Concentration Curl. 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 Concentration Curl work the same muscles?
Not quite. Barbell Bicep Curl loads biceps and forearms, and Concentration Curl loads biceps.
What equipment do Barbell Bicep Curl and Concentration Curl need?
Barbell Bicep Curl needs a barbell, and Concentration Curl needs a dumbbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Concentration Curl is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Bicep Curl once your form holds up.
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