Wide-grip barbell curl

The wide-grip barbell curl is a variation of the classic barbell curl with the grip wider than shoulder width. It is thought that this helps build the inner or "short" head of the biceps muscles. This movement is usually performed for moderate to high reps, such as 8-12 reps per set.

Benefits

  1. Builds bigger and stronger biceps
  2. Allows you to use more weight than a narrow grip does
  3. Places the primary stress on the short (inner) head of the biceps
9.3
Average

Wide-grip barbell curl Images

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Wide-grip barbell curl Instructions

Wide-grip barbell curl muscle diagram
  1. Stand up with your torso upright while holding a barbell at the wide outer handle. The palm of your hands should be facing forward. The elbows should be close to the torso. This will be your starting position.
  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. 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. Slowly begin to bring the bar back to starting position as your breathe in.
  5. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Variations:

  • You can also perform this movement using an E-Z bar or E-Z attachment hooked to a low pulley. This variation seems to really provide a good contraction at the top of the movement.
  • You may also use the closer grip for variety purposes.

Alternative Exercises for Wide-grip barbell curl

Dumbbell Bicep Curl thumbnail image Dumbbell Bicep Curl thumbnail image

Dumbbell Bicep Curl

Muscle Targeted: Biceps
Equipment Type: Dumbbell
8.9
Average
Dumbbell Alternate Bicep Curl thumbnail image Dumbbell Alternate Bicep Curl thumbnail image

Dumbbell Alternate Bicep Curl

Muscle Targeted: Biceps
Equipment Type: Dumbbell
8.7
Average