Primary
Biceps
Secondary
Brachialis, Forearms
Equipment
Barbell
Difficulty
Intermediate
Type
Pull
See how Spider Curl Barbell could fit a workout
The example below shows one possible placement. Your purchased plan is built from your assessment, and Ely checks every exercise before approving it.
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This page is not medical advice or a rehabilitation protocol. Ely's personal review applies to purchased workout plans and does not replace an in-person assessment by a licensed healthcare professional.
Barbell spider curls (also called spider curl barbell) place you face-down on an incline bench with arms hanging straight down holding a barbell. This position eliminates momentum and creates maximum tension at peak contraction. The barbell allows heavier loading than dumbbell spider curls.
When to use it
Use for short head emphasis with heavier loading.
Who it's for
Intermediate lifters wanting peak contraction focus.
Lie face down with your chest near the top of a 45-degree incline bench. Let your arms hang straight down perpendicular to the floor. Keep upper arms completely stationary—only your forearms should move as you curl toward your face.
Also targets: Brachialis, Forearms
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Lie face down on incline bench at 45 degrees.
Let arms hang straight down holding barbell.
Keep upper arms perpendicular to floor.
Curl barbell up toward face.
Squeeze hard at peak contraction.
Lower under control.
Barbell allows heavier loads than dumbbells.
Focus on peak contraction.
Keep arms vertical throughout.
Use barbell spider curls when you want heavier loading in the spider curl position. They work well after primary bilateral curls as a secondary movement for short head emphasis and peak contraction.
Letting elbows drift.
Letting your elbows drift away from the intended path during the Spider Curl Barbell can change which muscles carry the load. Use the elbow position described in the setup cues and keep it consistent through each rep.
Using too much weight.
Loading more weight than you can control on the Spider Curl Barbell often creates compensations that shift work away from your Biceps brachii. Reduce the load until each rep follows the intended path.
Swinging the bar for optimal results.
Bouncing or using momentum during the Spider Curl Barbell makes the movement harder to control and can shift work away from your Biceps brachii. Use a load you can move smoothly through the intended range.
Intermediate lifters wanting peak contraction focus.
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.
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.
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.
This is one example of how Spider Curl Barbell could sit inside a complete workout. Your plan may use different movements after Ely checks your assessment.
Sample workout
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Spider Curl Barbell
The Spider Curl Barbell primarily targets the Biceps brachii, making it an effective exercise for biceps development. Secondary muscles worked during the Spider Curl Barbell include Brachialis, providing additional training stimulus. Stabilizer muscles engaged include Core.
The Spider Curl Barbell is rated as intermediate difficulty, meaning it requires some training experience. Intermediate lifters wanting peak contraction focus. Focus on proper technique and consider starting with easier variations.
For the Spider Curl Barbell, the recommended approach depends on your goals. 3 sets of 10-12 reps. Rest 60 seconds. For strength, use 4-6 reps. For muscle growth, perform 8-12 reps. For endurance, complete 15-20 reps.
The Spider Curl Barbell typically requires a barbell, which most home gyms don't have. For a home-friendly alternative targeting the same muscles, check the variations section above.
Good alternatives to the Spider Curl Barbell include: Spider Curl, Preacher Curl, Concentration Curl. These exercises target similar muscle groups as the Spider Curl Barbell and can be used as substitutes based on your equipment availability, gym setup, or training preferences.