Concentration Curl vs Preacher Curl Machine
Which one fits your Biceps workout plan?
Contents
Preacher Curl Machine also loads your forearms — Concentration Curl does not. Both train Biceps, so pick by what you want to hit.
Compare the benefits of Concentration Curl and Preacher Curl Machine and pick the one that fits your Biceps workout.
Concentration Curl vs Preacher Curl Machine: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Preacher Curl Machine more often — 13,474 sessions compared to 3,522 for Concentration Curl.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Concentration 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 Concentration Curl and Preacher Curl Machine Differ
| What differs | Concentration Curl | Preacher Curl Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | biceps | biceps and forearms |
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a machine |
| One side at a time | Yes | No |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 3,522 sessions | 13,474 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 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, Concentration Curl or Preacher Curl Machine?
Planfit users log Preacher Curl Machine more often — 13,474 sessions against 3,522 for Concentration 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 Preacher Curl Machine work the same muscles?
Not quite. Concentration Curl loads biceps, and Preacher Curl Machine loads biceps and forearms.
What equipment do Concentration Curl and Preacher Curl Machine need?
Concentration Curl needs a dumbbell, and Preacher Curl Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Preacher Curl Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Concentration Curl once your form holds up.
Stop Guessing Which One to Do
AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.
