Chin up vs EZ-Bar Preacher Curl
Which one fits 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.
Compare the benefits of Chin up and EZ-Bar Preacher Curl and pick the one that fits your Biceps workout.
Chin up vs EZ-Bar Preacher Curl: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Chin up more often — 1,040 sessions compared to 543 for EZ-Bar Preacher Curl.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Chin up and EZ-Bar Preacher Curl differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Chin up and EZ-Bar Preacher Curl Differ
| What differs | Chin up | EZ-Bar Preacher Curl |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | back, traps, and biceps | biceps and forearms |
| Equipment | a pull-up bar | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,040 sessions | 543 sessions |
How to Do 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 Tips
- 1. Move slowly so that your body does not sway due to momentum, and keep your shoulders fixed so they do not shrug upward.
- 2. Engage your abs so that your lower back does not overarch, and if you feel pain in your elbows or the front of your shoulders, use an assist band.
For a full Chin up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Chin up exercise guide.
How to Do EZ-Bar Preacher Curl
EZ-Bar Preacher Curl Muscles Worked: Biceps
Form
- 1. Press your armpits against the preacher bench.
- 2. Grab the EZ bar with your palms facing up at shoulder width.
- 3. Lift the EZ bar using only the strength of your biceps without any body or shoulder momentum.
Coach's Tips
- Fix your elbows to the pad and be careful not to move your wrists excessively.
For a full EZ-Bar Preacher Curl guide with alternatives and benefits, see the EZ-Bar Preacher Curl exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Biceps, Chin up or EZ-Bar Preacher 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.
Do Chin up and EZ-Bar Preacher Curl work the same muscles?
Not quite. Chin up loads back, traps, and biceps, and EZ-Bar Preacher Curl loads biceps and forearms.
What equipment do Chin up and EZ-Bar Preacher Curl need?
Chin up needs a pull-up bar, and EZ-Bar Preacher Curl needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Chin up is the easier place to start. Move to EZ-Bar Preacher Curl once your form holds up.
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