Barbell Bicep Curl vs Preacher Curl Machine
Which one fits your Biceps workout plan?
Contents
Preacher Curl Machine is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 3. Compare Biceps form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Bicep Curl and Preacher Curl Machine and pick the one that fits your Biceps workout.
Barbell Bicep Curl vs Preacher Curl Machine: 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 13,474 for Preacher Curl Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Bicep Curl and Preacher Curl Machine 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 Preacher Curl Machine Differ
| What differs | Barbell Bicep Curl | Preacher Curl Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 17,450 sessions | 13,474 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 Preacher Curl Machine
Preacher Curl Machine Muscles Worked: Biceps
Form
- 1. Press your armpits against the pad with your feet firmly on the ground.
- 2. Grip the handle with your palms facing up at shoulder width, keeping your elbows close to the pad.
- 3. Without moving your elbows and shoulders, use only your biceps to lift your arms.
- 4. Slowly lower the weight while feeling the resistance.
- 5. Do not fully extend your arms; keep them slightly bent to maximize relaxation.
Coach's Tips
- Fix your elbow on the pad and slowly adjust the weight.
For a full Preacher Curl Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Preacher Curl Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Biceps, Barbell Bicep Curl or Preacher Curl Machine?
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 Preacher Curl Machine need?
Barbell Bicep Curl needs a barbell, and Preacher Curl Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Preacher Curl Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Bicep Curl once your form holds up.
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