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Speed for this exercise

Barbell Curl

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3sets
8-12reps
60srest
~4.3kcal/min

How to do it

Muscles worked

Primary
BicepsS Biceps
Secondary
Forearms

Secondary muscles help but are not the main target

See the full tier list · Biceps

Feel it right

Where you should feel it, the one cue to remember, and quick fixes when you feel it somewhere else.

You should feel it inFront of arms

Front of the upper arm pumping up.

Key cue (the coach says it during the set)“Elbows pinned, curl up, squeeze, lower slowly.”

Tempo · Up 1 s · squeeze 1 · down 3 s

Choosing the load: Pick a weight you finish with 1–2 good reps left. 4+ left = too light; form breaks = too heavy.

Feel it somewhere else? Fix it like this

  • Feel it in ShouldersElbows drifting forward and the shoulders lifting. Keep the elbows at your sides and lighten the weight.
  • Feel it in Forearms / gripWrists curling in. Keep the wrists straight and loosen the grip slightly.
  • Feel it in Lower backSwinging the torso. Stand against a wall or sit, and use a weight you can lift without momentum.
  • Barely felt itToo light or too fast. Lower for 3 seconds, pause 1 second at the stretch, and pick a load that leaves only 1–2 reps in the tank.
  • Joint painSharp or joint pain is a stop sign: end this set, lower the weight, shorten the range — if it repeats, switch to an easier variation.

During a workout we ask after the first set where you felt it and give the fix right away — and remember it for next time.

Tips

  • Grip the bar about shoulder-width apart.
  • Brace your core and stand tall so your lower back stays out of the lift.
  • Use a full range of motion — straight arms at the bottom, a hard squeeze at the top.
  • Keep your wrists firm and straight rather than letting them bend back.
  • Use collars on the bar and warm up with lighter sets first.

Common mistakes

  • Swinging the torso or using the hips to heave the weight up.
  • Letting the elbows travel forward, which shifts the work to the front delts.
  • Dropping the weight quickly instead of controlling the lowering phase.

Breathing

Exhale as you curl up, inhale as you lower.

Equipment needed

Recommended by goal

Build muscle3–4 sets × 8–12 reps · rest 60–90 s
Strength4–5 sets × 4–6 reps · rest 2–3 min
Endurance2–3 sets × 15–20 reps · rest 30–45 s

Variations of this move

Alternatives for the same muscle