Barbell Curl – Straight Bar

Learn how to do Barbell Curl – Straight Bar with proper form. Watch the 4K video demonstration, see which muscles are worked, and follow step-by-step instructions.

4K
MET 4 Biceps Forearms Short bar

Barbell Curl – Straight Bar is a Short bar exercise that primarily targets the Biceps, with secondary activation of the Forearms. It has a MET value of 4, meaning a 70 kg person burns approximately 140 kcal in a 30-minute session.

How to Do Barbell Curl – Straight Bar

How to perform this exercise correctly

1 - Stand with a barbell gripped at about shoulder width.

2 - Arms are straight and tucked against your body.

Nice, you're in the starting position

3 - Now, keeping this position, curl only your forearms up until your biceps are fully contracted.

4 - While controlling the movement, return to the starting position.

Feel free to rewatch the video to fully understand the movement.

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Muscles & equipment

Primary muscleBicepsSecondary muscleForearms
EquipmentStraight Bar

Calorie Calculator

MET 4
Estimated burn
140 kcal

kcal = MET × weight (kg) × time (hours)

Quick Facts: Barbell Curl – Straight Bar

Type
Short bar exercise
Primary muscle
Biceps
Secondary muscles
Forearms
MET value
4
Calories (30 min, 70 kg)
≈ 140 cal
Video quality
4K with male and female demonstrations

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Cable Biceps Curl – Low Pulley
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Cable Curl
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Cable Curl

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Cable Curl – Rope
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Cable Curl – Rope

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FAQ: Barbell Curl – Straight Bar

What muscles does Barbell Curl – Straight Bar work?

Barbell Curl – Straight Bar primarily targets the Biceps, with secondary engagement of the Forearms.

How do you do Barbell Curl – Straight Bar correctly?

How to perform this exercise correctly 1 - Stand with a barbell gripped at about shoulder width. 2 - Arms are straight and tucked against your body.

Is Barbell Curl – Straight Bar good for beginners?

Barbell Curl – Straight Bar has a MET value of 4, indicating a moderate intensity exercise appropriate for most fitness levels. Always consult a qualified personal trainer before starting a new exercise program.

What equipment do you need for Barbell Curl – Straight Bar?

Barbell Curl – Straight Bar requires: Short bar.

What are the benefits of Barbell Curl – Straight Bar?

Barbell Curl – Straight Bar strengthens the Biceps, engages the Forearms, builds functional strength using Short bar. Incorporate it into your training program for balanced muscle development and improved performance.

What exercises are similar to Barbell Curl – Straight Bar?

Similar exercises to Barbell Curl – Straight Bar include Alternating Dumbbell Curl, Concentration Curl – Dumbbell, Dumbbell Biceps Curl, Dumbbell Hammer Curl. These alternatives target the same muscle groups and can be used to add variety to your training program.

Is Barbell Curl – Straight Bar better than Alternating Dumbbell Curl?

Both Barbell Curl – Straight Bar and Alternating Dumbbell Curl target the Biceps. Barbell Curl – Straight Bar uses Short bar, while Alternating Dumbbell Curl offers a different movement pattern. The best choice depends on your goals, available equipment, and training program. Many coaches include both for well-rounded development.

Alternative Exercises

Alternating Dumbbell Curl
MET 3.5

Alternating Dumbbell Curl

  • No equipment
Concentration Curl – Dumbbell
MET 3.5

Concentration Curl – Dumbbell

  • Dumbbells
Dumbbell Biceps Curl
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Dumbbell Biceps Curl

  • Dumbbells
Dumbbell Hammer Curl
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Dumbbell Hammer Curl

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EZ Bar Curl
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EZ Bar Curl

  • EZ Bar

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