FormTwin › Exercises › Preacher Curl

What muscles does the Preacher Curl work?

The preacher curl isolates the biceps by resting the arms on an angled pad, removing momentum and emphasising the lower half of the curl.

Primary muscles worked

Secondary muscles worked

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How to do the Preacher Curl

  1. Sit at the preacher bench with the pad under your armpits.
  2. Grip the bar or dumbbell with your upper arms flat on the pad.
  3. Lower the weight until your arms are nearly straight.
  4. Curl up by squeezing the biceps, without lifting off the pad.
  5. Lower slowly, resisting the stretch at the bottom.

Common mistakes

Variations

Dumbbell preacher curlEZ-bar preacher curlMachine preacher curl

Frequently asked questions

What muscles does the preacher curl work?

The preacher curl isolates the biceps, with the brachialis and forearm flexors assisting. Because the pad locks your upper arm in place, it removes momentum and emphasises the stretched, lower portion of the curl.

Preacher curl vs regular bicep curl?

A standing curl lets you use momentum and works the biceps through the whole range; the preacher curl fixes the elbow and hits the lower half harder, with a strong stretch. Doing both builds fuller biceps.

Why do my elbows hurt on preacher curls?

The fully extended, loaded stretch at the bottom stresses the elbow tendons. Don't drop into the stretch — lower under control, and avoid locking the arms out completely with heavy weight.

Related exercises

DeadliftBack SquatBench PressPull-UpPush-Up

This guide is general fitness information, not medical advice. Muscle involvement varies with form, grip and individual anatomy. Consult a professional before starting a new program.