Concentration Curl vs Barbell Preacher Curl
Which one fits your Biceps workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Concentration Curl more often — 3,522 sessions vs 541. Compare Biceps form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Concentration Curl and Barbell Preacher Curl and pick the one that fits your Biceps workout.
Concentration Curl vs Barbell Preacher Curl: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Concentration Curl more often — 3,522 sessions compared to 541 for Barbell Preacher Curl.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Concentration Curl and Barbell 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 Concentration Curl and Barbell Preacher Curl Differ
| What differs | Concentration Curl | Barbell Preacher Curl |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | biceps | biceps and forearms |
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a barbell |
| One side at a time | Yes | No |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 3,522 sessions | 541 sessions |
How to Do Concentration Curl
Concentration Curl Muscles Worked: Biceps
Form
- 1. Keep your elbow fixed on your thigh and lift the dumbbell up using your biceps.
- 2. Do not move your elbow or shoulder; just bend your arm.
- 3. At the top, strongly contract your biceps.
- 4. Slowly lower it back to the starting position while feeling the resistance.
- 5. Start the next repetition without fully extending your arm, keeping it slightly bent.
Coach's Tips
- Keep your elbows steady and slowly raise the weight.
For a full Concentration Curl guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Concentration Curl exercise guide.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Biceps, Concentration Curl or Barbell Preacher Curl?
Planfit users log Concentration Curl more often — 3,522 sessions against 541 for Barbell Preacher Curl. Both train Biceps, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Concentration Curl and Barbell Preacher Curl work the same muscles?
Not quite. Concentration Curl loads biceps, and Barbell Preacher Curl loads biceps and forearms.
What equipment do Concentration Curl and Barbell Preacher Curl need?
Concentration Curl needs a dumbbell, and Barbell Preacher Curl needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Concentration Curl is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Preacher Curl once your form holds up.
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