BicepsForearmsBarbellDumbbellbeginner

Preacher Curl

The preacher curl eliminates cheating by bracing your upper arms against a pad. This strict isolation forces the biceps to do all the work, especially targeting the short head.

How to Perform

1

Sit at the preacher bench with your upper arms flat against the pad.

2

Grip the bar or dumbbells with an underhand grip.

3

Curl the weight up to shoulder level without lifting your arms off the pad.

4

Lower slowly — the eccentric on preacher curls is extremely effective.

5

Do not hyperextend at the bottom — stop just short of full lockout.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Lifting the elbows off the pad to cheat the weight up.

Hyperextending the elbow at the bottom, risking a bicep tear.

Using too much weight and cutting the range of motion short.

Muscle Activation

Biceps90%
Forearms20%

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