Preacher Curl

Learn how to do preacher curl with a clear setup, controlled movement, and a technique you can repeat.

BicepsBarbell6 technique steps

See the movement

Silent movement demonstration. Use the step-by-step instructions below for the setup and technique.

How to do preacher curl

  1. Sit on a preacher bench with your upper arms resting on the pad and your chest against the support.
  2. Grasp the barbell with an underhand grip, slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
  3. Keeping your upper arms stationary, exhale and curl the barbell up towards your shoulders.
  4. Pause for a moment at the top, squeezing your biceps.
  5. Inhale and slowly lower the barbell back down to the starting position.
  6. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Preacher Curl exercise illustration

Preacher Curl: muscles worked

Primary focus: biceps.

Better reps before more weight.

Start with a version you can control. Record the same setup and range each time. Add reps or a small load increase when you can repeat the movement without changing the technique.

Plan your next set

Frequently asked questions

How do you do preacher curl?

Sit on a preacher bench with your upper arms resting on the pad and your chest against the support. Grasp the barbell with an underhand grip, slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Keeping your upper arms stationary, exhale and curl the barbell up towards your shoulders.

What muscles does preacher curl work?

Preacher Curl primarily trains the biceps. The exact demand depends on your setup, range, and chosen load.

What is the best technique for preacher curl?

Keep the torso steady and choose a grip you can repeat comfortably. Bend at the elbow rather than swinging the weight with your whole body. Control the return and avoid snapping the elbow straight at the bottom.

What can I do instead of preacher curl?

Related options include Barbell Curl, Incline-Bench Barbell Curl, Alternate Incline Dumbbell Curl. These can have different equipment, range, and movement demands. Open the guides below to compare the setups before choosing a replacement.

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