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EZ-Bar Reverse-Grip Bicep Curls

Beginner
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An EZ-bar curl variation performed with a pronated grip to target the forearms and brachialis for arm size and grip strength.

About Exercise

Equipment

EZ Bar

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Forearms, Biceps

Accessory Muscles

Shoulders

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Hypertrophy
Strength

Training Style

Bodybuilding
Weightlifting

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Forearms

9/10

Flexors, Extensors

Biceps

8/10

Brachialis, Long Head, Short Head

Shoulders

2/10

Anterior Delts

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart holding an EZ-bar with a pronated (overhand) grip at shoulder width, arms fully extended.

  1. Brace core and keep elbows pinned to your sides.
  2. Curl the bar upward toward shoulders by flexing elbows.
  3. Squeeze the forearms and brachialis at the top.
  4. Lower the bar under control to the starting position.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Knuckles up
  • Elbows tucked
  • Wrists straight
  • Control the drop

Breathing

Exhale as you curl the weight up; inhale as you lower it back down.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

Full extension at the bottom to full flexion at the top without elbows drifting forward.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Start light to protect wrists
  • Keep wrists neutral to avoid strain

Spotting

Stand behind the lifter; assist lifting the bar only if movement stalls.

Common Mistakes

  • Swinging torso
  • Flaring elbows
  • Curling wrists excessively
  • Using momentum

When to Avoid

  • Wrist injuries
  • Elbow tendonitis
  • Acute forearm strain

Flexibility Needed

  • Wrist extension flexibility
  • Shoulder flexion for arm positioning

Build Up First

  • Master basic bicep curl form
  • Grip strength competency

Also known as

Reverse EZ-Bar Curl, Pronated EZ-Bar Curl, Overhand EZ-Bar Curl, EZ-Bar Reverse Curl

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