Barbell Preacher Curl vs Chin up
Maximizing Your Biceps Workout Plan
Contents
Chin up is the easier place to start — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 4. Compare Biceps form cues and when to progress.
Customize Your Biceps Workout: Explore the Benefits of Barbell Preacher Curl and Chin up for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Barbell Preacher Curl vs Chin up : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Chin up more often — 1,040 sessions compared to 541 for Barbell Preacher Curl.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Barbell Preacher Curl and Chin up differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Barbell Preacher Curl and Chin up Differ
| What differs | Barbell Preacher Curl | Chin up |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | biceps and forearms | back, traps, and biceps |
| Equipment | a barbell | a pull-up bar |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 541 sessions | 1,040 sessions |
How to Barbell Preacher Curl
Barbell Preacher Curl muscles worked: Biceps
Form
- 1. Press your armpits against the pad.
- 2. Grab the barbell with shoulder-width grip, palms facing up.
- 3. Lift the barbell using only your biceps without any body or shoulder momentum.
- 4. Slowly lower the barbell while feeling the resistance of the weight, keeping your shoulders and elbows fixed.
- 5. Do not fully extend your arms; keep them slightly bent to maximize relaxation.
Coach's Comment
- Fix your elbow to the pad and slowly adjust the weight.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Barbell Preacher Curl, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Barbell Preacher Curl Guide page of our blog!
How to 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 Comment
- Please proceed with the movements slowly to avoid your body shaking due to the recoil.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Chin up, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Chin up Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Biceps, Barbell Preacher Curl or Chin up?
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.
Do Barbell Preacher Curl and Chin up work the same muscles?
Not quite. Barbell Preacher Curl loads biceps and forearms, and Chin up loads back, traps, and biceps.
What equipment do Barbell Preacher Curl and Chin up need?
Barbell Preacher 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 Preacher Curl once your form holds up.
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