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Exercise guide

Close-Grip EZ Bar Curl

How to do the Close-Grip EZ Bar Curl with correct form, the muscles it works, and where it fits a training plan you actually stick to.

IsolationBarbellBeginnerPull
Primary muscles

Biceps

Secondary

Forearms

Equipment

Barbell

Step by step

How to do the Close-Grip EZ Bar Curl

  1. 1

    Stand up with your torso upright while holding an E-Z Curl Bar at the closer inner handle. The palm of your hands should be facing forward and they should be slightly tilted inwards due to the shape of the bar. The elbows should be close to the torso. This will be your starting position.

  2. 2

    While holding the upper arms stationary, curl the weights forward while contracting the biceps as you breathe out. Tip: Only the forearms should move.

  3. 3

    Continue the movement until your biceps are fully contracted and the bar is at shoulder level. Hold the contracted position for a second and squeeze the biceps hard.

  4. 4

    Slowly begin to bring the bar back to starting position as your breathe in.

  5. 5

    Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

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Every Close-Grip EZ Bar Curl set you log feeds Ascend's anatomy heatmap, so your biceps volume is visible at a glance, and counts toward your bodyweight-strength tier.

Related

More biceps exercises

FAQ

Close-Grip EZ Bar Curl: common questions

What muscles does the Close-Grip EZ Bar Curl work?

The Close-Grip EZ Bar Curl primarily works the Biceps. It also recruits the Forearms as supporting muscles.

Is the Close-Grip EZ Bar Curl suitable for beginners?

Yes. The Close-Grip EZ Bar Curl is a beginner-level exercise, so it's a solid choice if you're new to training. Start light and focus on the movement pattern before adding load.

What equipment do I need for the Close-Grip EZ Bar Curl?

To do the Close-Grip EZ Bar Curl you'll need a barbell.

Is the Close-Grip EZ Bar Curl a compound or isolation exercise?

The Close-Grip EZ Bar Curl is an isolation exercise, it targets the biceps through a single joint, which makes it useful for focused, targeted work.

How do I do the Close-Grip EZ Bar Curl with correct form?

Stand up with your torso upright while holding an E-Z Curl Bar at the closer inner handle. The palm of your hands should be facing forward and they should be slightly tilted inwards due to the shape of the bar. The elbows should be close to the torso. This will be your starting position. Follow the full step-by-step above for the complete movement.

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