Preacher Curl Machine vs Incline Dumbbell Curl
Which one fits your Biceps workout plan?
Contents
Preacher Curl Machine is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 2. Compare Biceps form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Preacher Curl Machine and Incline Dumbbell Curl and pick the one that fits your Biceps workout.
Preacher Curl Machine vs Incline Dumbbell Curl: 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 9,441 for Incline Dumbbell Curl.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Preacher Curl Machine and Incline Dumbbell Curl differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Preacher Curl Machine and Incline Dumbbell Curl Differ
| What differs | Preacher Curl Machine | Incline Dumbbell Curl |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | a dumbbell |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 13,474 sessions | 9,441 sessions |
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.
How to Do Incline Dumbbell Curl
Incline Dumbbell Curl Muscles Worked: Biceps
Form
- 1. Set the incline bench to about 45-60 degrees.
- 2. Sit on the incline bench and hold the dumbbells with your palms facing forward.
- 3. Keep your elbows fixed in a vertical position and bend your elbows using only the strength of your biceps.
- 4. At the highest point, twist your wrists outward.
- 5. While keeping your elbows fixed, feel the resistance of the dumbbells and return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Brace your abs firmly so that your upper body does not sway and your lower back does not bend, and slowly lift and lower the dumbbells.
- 2. If you feel pain in your elbows or the front of your shoulders, reduce the dumbbell weight by about 20%.
For a full Incline Dumbbell Curl guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Incline Dumbbell Curl exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Biceps, Preacher Curl Machine or Incline Dumbbell 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 Preacher Curl Machine and Incline Dumbbell Curl need?
Preacher Curl Machine needs a machine, and Incline Dumbbell Curl needs a dumbbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Preacher Curl Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Incline Dumbbell Curl once your form holds up.
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