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Reviewed March 2026

EZ Bar Preacher Curl

BicepsEZ BarIntermediateIsolation

Primary

Biceps

Secondary

Brachialis, Forearms

Equipment

Ez Bar

Difficulty

Intermediate

Type

Pull

Written byMySetPlan Training Team

NASM-CPT, CSCS certified trainers. Every guide is built from peer-reviewed research and real coaching experience.

An isolation exercise that lets you focus on one muscle group, the EZ Bar Preacher Curl targets your biceps through a pulling movement pattern. Use for strict bicep isolation with reduced wrist strain.

Everything You Need to Know About the EZ Bar Preacher Curl

The EZ Bar Preacher Curl is a intermediate difficulty exercise that targets your Biceps brachii. It's a popular choice for building strength and muscle in these areas. When should you use it? Use for strict bicep isolation with reduced wrist strain. This timing makes the most of your workout and helps you get better results. Who is this for? Intermediate lifters or those with wrist sensitivity. Whether you're just starting out or working toward a specific goal, this exercise fits into your routine.

What muscles does the EZ Bar Preacher Curl work?

Primary

Biceps brachii

Secondary

Brachialis

Stabilizers

Wrist flexors

Step-by-step: EZ Bar Preacher Curl

  1. 1

    Sit at preacher bench with EZ bar.

  2. 2

    Rest upper arms on pad, grip inner or outer angles.

  3. 3

    Start with arms extended, not hyperextended.

  4. 4

    Curl bar up toward shoulders.

  5. 5

    Squeeze biceps at top.

  6. 6

    Lower slowly under control.

What are the best tips for the EZ Bar Preacher Curl?

EZ bar reduces wrist strain.

Different grip widths target different areas.

Keep chest against pad.

Mistakes to watch for on the EZ Bar Preacher Curl

Hyperextending at bottom.

Hyperextending at the top of the EZ Bar Preacher Curl transfers load from your Biceps brachii onto your joints. Stop just short of full lockout to keep constant tension on the muscle.

Lifting off the pad.

On pulling movements like the EZ Bar Preacher Curl, this mistake typically means your arms are doing work that should come from your Biceps brachii. Initiate every rep by engaging your Biceps brachii first, then let your arms follow.

Using momentum instead of controlled muscle contraction.

Bouncing or using momentum during the EZ Bar Preacher Curl takes work away from your Biceps brachii and puts your connective tissue at risk. Control the weight through the full range — if you can't, lower the load.

Who should do the EZ Bar Preacher Curl?

Intermediate lifters or those with wrist sensitivity.

How to Program the EZ Bar Preacher Curl

Strength4-6 reps

Lower reps with heavier weight builds raw strength. Your muscles and nervous system adapt to handle more load over time. This range is best for strength-focused goals.

Muscle Growth8-12 reps

This rep range keeps your muscles under tension long enough to trigger growth. Most people see the best muscle-building results in this zone. It balances strength and muscle size.

Endurance15-20 reps

Higher reps with lighter weight builds muscular endurance and improves conditioning. This range is good for joint health and building work capacity.

General guideline: 3 sets of 10-12 reps. Rest 60 seconds.

What are good alternatives to the EZ Bar Preacher Curl?

Other Variations

  • Wide Grip EZ Bar Preacher
  • Close Grip EZ Bar Preacher

This Exercise Is in Your Plan

MySetPlan picks the right exercises for your goals — like the EZ Bar Preacher Curl — and builds them into a monthly program. Every set, every rep, planned out.

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Safety Notes

  • Dont lock out elbows.
  • Control the weight.