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Close-Grip EZ Bar Curl

Close-Grip EZ Bar Curl is an isolation strength movement working the biceps with the forearms assisting, 2 muscle groups in all. Rated beginner; needs a barbell. 52 of the other 872 exercises here hit the same primary muscle, closest being Alternate Hammer Curl.

Barbell beginner strength isolation pull
Close-Grip EZ Bar Curl — starting position, working the bicepsClose-Grip EZ Bar Curl — end position, working the biceps

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

RoleMuscles
Primary biceps
Secondary forearms
Equipmentbarbell
Difficultybeginner
Type isolation

No barbell? Train the same muscles with these

Ordered by how likely you are to own the 6 options.

Harder than the Close-Grip EZ Bar Curl

Superset the Close-Grip EZ Bar Curl with

Opposing triceps work — alternate sets without extra rest.

Common questions

What muscles does the Close-Grip EZ Bar Curl work?

The Close-Grip EZ Bar Curl primarily works the biceps, with the forearms as secondary movers. Alternate Hammer Curl, Alternate Incline Dumbbell Curl, and Barbell Curl train the same muscle, across 8 equipment types.

What equipment do you need for the Close-Grip EZ Bar Curl?

A Barbell. Without a barbell, Alternate Hammer Curl, Alternate Incline Dumbbell Curl, and Concentration Curls train the same muscle, and 1 of the catalogue's options for this muscle need no equipment.

Is the Close-Grip EZ Bar Curl suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Close-Grip EZ Bar Curl is rated beginner. High Cable Curls, Drag Curl, and Standing One-Arm Cable Curl are the progressions from here.

Where should the Close-Grip EZ Bar Curl go in a workout?

Late — the Close-Grip EZ Bar Curl is isolation work, so it follows your compounds. Supersetting it with Decline EZ Bar Triceps Extension and Standing Overhead Barbell Triceps Extension cuts session time without extra rest.

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