Wide Grip Barbell Curl: How-to, Tips & More

The Wide Grip Barbell Curl is a beginner isolation exercise for your biceps. You do it with barbell. It is a good fit when your goal is both strength and muscle growth.

Muscles worked

Biceps muscle

Biceps

Primary

How to do the Wide Grip Barbell Curl

  1. Stand tall and hold the barbell with an underhand grip, hands just outside shoulder width.
  2. Curl the bar up to your chest, keeping your elbows at your sides.
  3. Squeeze at the top.
  4. Lower slowly until your arms are straight.

Wide Grip Barbell Curl tips

  • A wide grip shifts the work toward the inner biceps.
  • Do not lean back to finish the rep.

Sets and reps

Most lifters do well with 8 to 12 reps per set, and 8 to 12 reps is where this exercise tends to work best. Use a weight that leaves one or two reps in reserve on every set, and add weight once you can complete all your sets at the top of the range. It also works well in a superset with an exercise for the opposite muscles. You can finish with a drop set when you want extra volume.

Equipment

Barbell

Type

Isolation

Wide Grip Barbell Curl alternatives

More biceps exercises

Frequently asked questions

What muscles does the Wide Grip Barbell Curl work?

The Wide Grip Barbell Curl mainly works your biceps.

How many sets and reps should I do?

A good starting point is 8 to 12 reps per set, and many lifters get the best results between 8 to 12 reps. Use a weight that leaves one or two reps in reserve.

Is the Wide Grip Barbell Curl good for beginners?

Yes. The Wide Grip Barbell Curl is considered beginner and is a good choice if you are new to training. Start light and focus on form.

What equipment do I need for the Wide Grip Barbell Curl?

You need barbell.

Wide Grip Barbell Curl demonstration

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