Barbell Bicep Curl vs Incline Dumbbell Curl
Which one fits your Biceps workout plan?
Contents
Incline Dumbbell 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 Incline Dumbbell Curl and pick the one that fits your Biceps workout.
Barbell Bicep Curl vs Incline Dumbbell 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 9,441 for Incline Dumbbell Curl.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Bicep Curl and Incline Dumbbell 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 Incline Dumbbell Curl Differ
| What differs | Barbell Bicep Curl | Incline Dumbbell Curl |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a dumbbell |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 17,450 sessions | 9,441 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 Incline Dumbbell Curl
Incline Dumbbell Curl Muscles Worked: Biceps
Form
- 1. Set the incline bench to about 45-60 degrees.
- 2. Sit on the incline bench and hold the dumbbells with your palms facing forward.
- 3. Keep your elbows fixed in a vertical position and bend your elbows using only the strength of your biceps.
- 4. At the highest point, twist your wrists outward.
- 5. While keeping your elbows fixed, feel the resistance of the dumbbells and return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Brace your abs firmly so that your upper body does not sway and your lower back does not bend, and slowly lift and lower the dumbbells.
- 2. If you feel pain in your elbows or the front of your shoulders, reduce the dumbbell weight by about 20%.
For a full Incline Dumbbell Curl guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Incline Dumbbell Curl exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Biceps, Barbell Bicep Curl or Incline Dumbbell 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 Incline Dumbbell Curl need?
Barbell Bicep Curl needs a barbell, and Incline Dumbbell Curl needs a dumbbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Incline Dumbbell Curl is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Bicep Curl once your form holds up.
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