Barbell Bicep Curl vs Dumbbell Bicep Curl
Which one fits your Biceps workout plan?
Contents
Dumbbell Bicep Curl is the easier place to start — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 3. Compare Biceps form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Bicep Curl and Dumbbell Bicep Curl and pick the one that fits your Biceps workout.
Barbell Bicep Curl vs Dumbbell Bicep Curl: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Bicep Curl more often — 31,233 sessions compared to 17,450 for Barbell Bicep Curl.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Bicep Curl and Dumbbell Bicep 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 Dumbbell Bicep Curl Differ
| What differs | Barbell Bicep Curl | Dumbbell Bicep Curl |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a dumbbell |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 17,450 sessions | 31,233 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 Dumbbell Bicep Curl
Dumbbell Bicep Curl Muscles Worked: Biceps
Form
- 1. Please lift the dumbbell while keeping your elbows and shoulders fixed.
- 2. As you lift, rotate your palms to face your body to maximize the contraction of your biceps.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position.
- 4. When lowering the dumbbell, do not lower it completely; lower it just enough so that your biceps do not relax.
Coach's Tips
- It is fine to proceed with both sides at once, but if you do it one side at a time, you can feel a more concentrated contraction.
For a full Dumbbell Bicep Curl guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Bicep Curl exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Biceps, Barbell Bicep Curl or Dumbbell Bicep Curl?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Biceps, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Barbell Bicep Curl and Dumbbell Bicep Curl need?
Barbell Bicep Curl needs a barbell, and Dumbbell Bicep Curl needs a dumbbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Bicep Curl is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Bicep Curl once your form holds up.
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