Preacher Curl
The preacher curl is an isolation exercise that primarily trains the biceps, with the brachialis assisting. Equipment: barbell, dumbbells and bench. Suited to beginner lifters.
- Primary muscles
- Biceps
- Secondary muscles
- brachialis
- Muscle group
- arms
- Equipment
- barbell, dumbbells and bench
- Movement pattern
- Isolation
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Also searched as
- preacher curls, ez bar preacher curl, machine preacher curl
Complete preacher curl guides
- Proper formPreacher Curl: Proper Form, Step by StepDefinitive preacher curl form guide: setup, step-by-step execution, breathing, tempo, common mistakes and fixes. Safety-first cues for clean biceps work.
- Muscles workedPreacher Curl: Muscles Worked and Best AlternativesClear, practical breakdown of which muscles the preacher curl trains, where it fits in a program, and 4 effective alternatives for different equipment and injury scenarios.
- Sets and repsHow Many Sets and Reps for the Preacher Curl?Clear, evidence-aligned set, rep, frequency, and progression guidance for preacher curls by goal. Practical rules for when to add reps or weight, plus safety and limitations.
- Common mistakesThe Most Common Preacher Curl Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)Fix the 6 most common preacher curl mistakes—elbow drift, cheating, poor seat height, short ROM, wrist collapse, and overload—with clear fixes to protect gains and joints.
- At-home alternativesPreacher Curl Alternatives at Home (Minimal Equipment)Four practical at-home substitutes for the preacher curl using dumbbells, bands, or bodyweight, what each preserves and loses, programming tips, safety, and when to return to a gym.
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