EZ Barbell Biceps Curl
The EZ bar curl delivers the same heavy biceps overload as a straight-bar curl with a wrist-friendlier grip angle.
Equipment
Barbell (EZ bar)
Difficulty
intermediate
Sets & reps
3-4 sets · 8-12 reps
Muscles worked
Biceps, Forearms
A biceps curl performed with an angled EZ bar, which is easier on the wrists than a straight barbell while still allowing heavy loading.
How to do it
- Stand holding the EZ bar at the angled grips, hands roughly shoulder-width apart.
- Keep your elbows pinned to your sides.
- Curl the bar up toward your shoulders, squeezing your biceps at the top.
- Lower back down under control to full arm extension.
- Keep your torso still throughout — avoid rocking to lift the weight.
Coaching tips
- The angled grip reduces wrist strain compared to a straight bar, useful if curls bother your wrists.
- Use the wider or narrower grip position on the bar to slightly shift emphasis between biceps heads.
- Keep the tempo controlled on both the lift and the lowering phase.
Common mistakes
- Using momentum from the lower back to heave the bar up.
- Only curling through a partial range of motion.
Frequently asked questions
Why use an EZ bar instead of a straight bar?
The angled grip is more comfortable for the wrists and elbows during heavy curls, making it a common substitute for lifters who feel wrist strain with a straight bar.
Start tracking your workouts free
GymMonster is free on iOS and Android — or open it right inside Telegram, no download needed. Log your first set in under a minute.
