Arms
The main area this variation is designed to train.
Exercise guide
Preacher Curl
Learn how to do the Preacher Curl exercise, which muscles it works, the equipment you need, and common mistakes to avoid.
Barbell
Use this to decide whether the movement fits your current setup.
Beginner
A quick checkpoint for how simple or technical the movement usually feels.
Arms
Secondary support can come from other nearby stabilizers depending on how you perform the movement.
Strength
Movement pattern: curl. This is more of an isolation-focused exercise.
Learning and repeating well
Use this page to understand the setup first, then track the movement consistently in Logbook once it fits your program.
Instructions
How to do Preacher Curl
Keep the setup simple, use a controlled pace, and repeat the same movement pattern each rep.
- To perform this movement you will need a preacher bench and an E-Z bar. Grab the E-Z curl bar at the close inner handle (either have someone hand you the bar which is preferable or grab the bar from the front bar rest provided by most preacher benches). The palm of your hands should be facing forward and they should be slightly tilted inwards due to the shape of the bar.
- With the upper arms positioned against the preacher bench pad and the chest against it, hold the E-Z Curl Bar at shoulder length. This will be your starting position.
- As you breathe in, slowly lower the bar until your upper arm is extended and the biceps is fully stretched.
- As you exhale, use the biceps to curl the weight up until your biceps is fully contracted and the bar is at shoulder height. Squeeze the biceps hard and hold this position for a second.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Benefits
- Builds strength and control through the arms region.
- Makes it easier to focus on one area when you want extra practice or volume.
- Gives you a repeatable way to track progress inside Logbook over time.
Common mistakes
- Using more weight or speed than you can control cleanly.
- Cutting the range of motion short and rushing through the reps.
- Changing your body position between reps instead of keeping the movement repeatable.
Related workouts
Workout templates that use this exercise.
If you want to see this movement inside a more complete training session, start here.
3-Day Full Body Split
A three-day split that spreads total weekly work across three full-body sessions.
View workout4-Day Upper Lower Split
A simple four-day split that gives each half of the body two quality sessions each week.
View workout5-Day Bodybuilding Split
A traditional five-day bodybuilding split for lifters who enjoy focusing on one or two regions per session.
View workoutBack and Biceps Workout
A straightforward back and biceps workout with vertical pulls, rows, and direct arm work.
View workoutRelated exercises
More exercises in the same lane.
Use these when you want a similar movement pattern, a different setup, or more exercise options for the same target area.
Barbell Curl
Barbell Curl is a beginner strength that mainly trains your arms using barbell.
View exerciseBarbell Curls Lying Against An Incline
Barbell Curls Lying Against An Incline is a beginner strength that mainly trains your arms using barbell.
View exerciseClose-Grip Barbell Bench Press
Close-Grip Barbell Bench Press is a beginner strength that mainly trains your arms using barbell.
View exerciseClose-Grip EZ Bar Curl
Close-Grip EZ Bar Curl is a beginner strength that mainly trains your arms using barbell.
View exerciseFAQ
Common questions about Preacher Curl.
Use these answers as a practical starting point, then adjust based on your setup, comfort, and goals.
What muscles does Preacher Curl work?
Preacher Curl mainly works the arms. It can also involve supporting muscles around the same region depending on your setup and range of motion.
Is Preacher Curl beginner-friendly?
Yes. This exercise is listed as beginner-friendly, which usually means the setup and learning curve are more manageable.
What equipment do I need for Preacher Curl?
You will usually need Barbell for this variation.
How should I progress Preacher Curl?
Start by making the reps smoother and more repeatable. Once the whole set looks controlled, add a small amount of load or one extra rep at a time.
Track this exercise for free in Logbook.
Once the movement is in your plan, use Logbook to record sets, reps, load, and progress without guessing what happened last week.
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