Barbell Preacher Curl vs Dumbbell Reverse Curl
Which one fits your Biceps workout plan?
Contents
Barbell Preacher Curl is the easier place to start — difficulty 4 of 5 vs 5. Compare Biceps form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Preacher Curl and Dumbbell Reverse Curl and pick the one that fits your Biceps workout.
Barbell Preacher Curl vs Dumbbell Reverse Curl: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Reverse Curl more often — 556 sessions compared to 540 for Barbell Preacher Curl.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Preacher Curl and Dumbbell Reverse 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 Preacher Curl and Dumbbell Reverse Curl Differ
| What differs | Barbell Preacher Curl | Dumbbell Reverse Curl |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a dumbbell |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 540 sessions | 556 sessions |
How to Do 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 Tips
- 1. Fix your elbows on the pad and control the weight slowly.
- 2. If you straighten your arms too much, it puts strain on your elbow joints, and using body momentum puts strain on your lower back.
- 3. If you feel pain, lower the weight by 10–20%.
For a full Barbell Preacher Curl guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Preacher Curl exercise guide.
How to Do Dumbbell Reverse Curl
Dumbbell Reverse Curl Muscles Worked: Biceps
Form
- 1. Please lift the dumbbell while keeping your elbows and shoulders fixed.
- 2. As you lift, rotate your wrists so that your palms face the floor.
- 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 Reverse Curl guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Reverse Curl exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Biceps, Barbell Preacher Curl or Dumbbell Reverse 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 Preacher Curl and Dumbbell Reverse Curl need?
Barbell Preacher Curl needs a barbell, and Dumbbell Reverse Curl needs a dumbbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Barbell Preacher Curl is the easier place to start. Move to Dumbbell Reverse Curl once your form holds up.
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