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Preacher Curl

Preacher Curl is a beginner isolation machine exercise that mainly works your biceps.

💪 Biceps🏋️ Machine📈 Beginner🔗 Isolation🎯 3 sets of 10-15 reps
Preacher Curl: starting position
Starting position
Preacher Curl: end position
End position

How to do the preacher curl

  1. To perform this movement you will need a preacher bench and an E-Z bar. Grab the E-Z curl bar at the close inner handle (either have someone hand you the bar which is preferable or grab the bar from the front bar rest provided by most preacher benches). The palm of your hands should be facing forward and they should be slightly tilted inwards due to the shape of the bar.
  2. With the upper arms positioned against the preacher bench pad and the chest against it, hold the E-Z Curl Bar at shoulder length. This will be your starting position.
  3. As you breathe in, slowly lower the bar until your upper arm is extended and the biceps is fully stretched.
  4. As you exhale, use the biceps to curl the weight up until your biceps is fully contracted and the bar is at shoulder height. Squeeze the biceps hard and hold this position for a second.
  5. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Muscles worked

Primary: Biceps

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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Preacher Curl alternatives

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

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

FAQ

What muscles does the preacher curl work?

It mainly works your biceps.

How many sets and reps of preacher 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 preacher curl good for beginners?

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

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