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Exercises › Biceps › Close-Grip EZ Bar Curl

Close-Grip EZ Bar Curl

Close-Grip EZ Bar Curl is a beginner isolation barbell exercise that mainly works your biceps, with help from your forearms.

💪 Biceps🏋️ Barbell📈 Beginner🔗 Isolation🎯 3 sets of 10-15 reps
Close-Grip EZ Bar Curl: starting position
Starting position
Close-Grip EZ Bar Curl: end position
End position

How to do the close-grip ez bar curl

  1. Stand up with your torso upright while holding an E-Z Curl Bar at the closer inner handle. The palm of your hands should be facing forward and they should be slightly tilted inwards due to the shape of the bar. The elbows should be close to the torso. This will be your starting position.
  2. While holding the upper arms stationary, curl the weights forward while contracting the biceps as you breathe out. Tip: Only the forearms should move.
  3. Continue the movement until your biceps are fully contracted and the bar is at shoulder level. Hold the contracted position for a second and squeeze the biceps hard.
  4. Slowly begin to bring the bar back to starting position as your breathe in.
  5. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Muscles worked

Primary: BicepsSecondary: Forearms

Sets and reps

Do 3 sets of 10-15 reps with 60-90 seconds of rest, using a weight you can control through the full range. Add reps first, then weight.

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Close-Grip EZ Bar Curl alternatives

Exercises that train the same main muscle, including options with other equipment.

Barbell CurlBarbell · BeginnerDumbbell CurlDumbbell · BeginnerPreacher CurlMachine · BeginnerCable CurlCable · BeginnerReverse Plate CurlsOther · BeginnerHammer CurlDumbbell · Beginner

FAQ

What muscles does the close-grip ez bar curl work?

It mainly works your biceps; your forearms assist.

How many sets and reps of close-grip ez bar curl should I do?

Do 3 sets of 10-15 reps with 60-90 seconds of rest, using a weight you can control through the full range. Add reps first, then weight.

Is the close-grip ez bar curl good for beginners?

Yes. It is a beginner-friendly movement: start light and focus on the form steps above.

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