Barbell curls

ALBOB · 02-10-2006, 06:11 PM

It's been years since I've done barbell curls, only DB curls. Now I'm in need of a change. What difference will I see between a close grip and a wide grip on the bar?

kenwood · 02-10-2006, 06:18 PM

cg will prolly work outer bi's and wg will prolly work inner....some...wait for p-funk's or cowpimps reply

Rocky_B · 02-10-2006, 08:59 PM

I almost prefer barbell curls at times for biceps. I find if you take a semi-wide grip and tuck your elbows in, you can isolate it well, and really get a good pump.

**gopro** · 02-10-2006, 09:19 PM

A close grip will simply recruit the outer bicep head to a greater degree and vice versa.

dougnukem · 02-11-2006, 10:41 AM

That, and I feel a closer grip puts more strain on your wrist. Just my .02 worth.

mrmark · 02-11-2006, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gopro

A close grip will simply recruit the outer bicep head to a greater degree and vice versa.

Is it true that by doing different angles of bicep curl works the different parts of the bicep?

I ask this because I posted a thread the other day regarding declined bench press and a lot of people said it doesnt matter what angle you, it hits the chest regardless.

**gopro** · 02-11-2006, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrmark

Is it true that by doing different angles of bicep curl works the different parts of the bicep?

I ask this because I posted a thread the other day regarding declined bench press and a lot of people said it doesnt matter what angle you, it hits the chest regardless.

Barbell curls hits the entire muscle regardless, but where you take your grip will force a different recruitment pattern as well as one head of the muscle to be more strongly affected.

The same goes for decline press vs incline press...the entire chest is hit, but more emphasis can be placed on the upper or lower chest.

When you do lat pulldowns, a wide overhand grip will recruit the back musculature differently than a close or underhand grip.

Yes, body positioning, angle of push/pull, and grip will affect the muscles differently.

There are those on here that will argue, which is their right, but after almost 20 years in this game, and training probably about 1000 people, I am sure of my "theory."

**CowPimp** · 02-11-2006, 10:01 PM

When you take a closer grip on the bar, generally your shoulders are extended further back giving the long head of your bicep a greater stretch and shifting some of the emphasis that way. Incline DB curls are a great way to achieve a similar thing.

With a wider grip you naturally tend to flex your shoulders up, which causes additional slack in the long head of the bicep and screws up the length-tension relationship. Therefore, the short head gets a little additional emphasis. Preacher curls are a great way to achieve this result.

**gopro** · 02-11-2006, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CowPimp

When you take a closer grip on the bar, generally your shoulders are extended further back giving the long head of your bicep a greater stretch and shifting some of the emphasis that way. Incline DB curls are a great way to achieve a similar thing.

With a wider grip you naturally tend to flex your shoulders up, which causes additional slack in the long head of the bicep and screws up the length-tension relationship. Therefore, the short head gets a little additional emphasis. Preacher curls are a great way to achieve this result.

Good post.

ALBOB · 02-12-2006, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gopro

The same goes for decline press vs incline press...the entire chest is hit, but more emphasis can be placed on the upper or lower chest.

** GASP **

Did you just say you can isolate your upper pecs?!?!?

BLASPHEMER! Where's The Chicken Daddy when you need him?

**gopro** · 02-12-2006, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALBOB

** GASP **

Did you just say you can isolate your upper pecs?!?!?

BLASPHEMER! Where's The Chicken Daddy when you need him?

Not isolate my friend...emphasize!

Now stop trying to start trouble and go to your room and behave!

ALBOB · 02-13-2006, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gopro

Not isolate my friend...emphasize!

Now stop trying to start trouble and go to your room and behave!

That'd be a first.

02-10-2006, 06:11 PM	#1
ALBOB IDIOT SAVANT Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: An alternate reality. Posts: 10,178	Barbell curls It's been years since I've done barbell curls, only DB curls. Now I'm in need of a change. What difference will I see between a close grip and a wide grip on the bar?
	Rules? You mean we have RULES for that???

02-10-2006, 08:59 PM	#3
Rocky_B Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 446	I almost prefer barbell curls at times for biceps. I find if you take a semi-wide grip and tuck your elbows in, you can isolate it well, and really get a good pump.
	IMA BEAST

02-10-2006, 09:19 PM	#4
gopro NGA/IFPA Pro Bodybuilder Moderator Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Ft. Lauderdale Florida Posts: 10,523	A close grip will simply recruit the outer bicep head to a greater degree and vice versa.
	Monthly columnist for Muscular Development and Ironman magazines. GOLIATH LABS Sponsored Athlete/Board Rep www.prrstraining.com Time to GROW Without Plateau! Personal Training Gopro is available for online personal training, dietary guidance, and contest prep coaching. Send me a PM or e-mail if interested. Thank you.

02-11-2006, 10:41 AM	#5
dougnukem The American Dream Elite Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Fort Walton Beach, FL Posts: 1,802 Photos: 6	That, and I feel a closer grip puts more strain on your wrist. Just my .02 worth.
	Do you like drama? Comedy? Non-stop action? Then look no further than a Life of a Father, Husband, Soldier, and Gym Rat Or maybe you'd like to venture into Myspace?

02-11-2006, 10:01 PM	#8
CowPimp Fueled by Testosterone Moderator Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Silver Spring, MD Posts: 15,434	When you take a closer grip on the bar, generally your shoulders are extended further back giving the long head of your bicep a greater stretch and shifting some of the emphasis that way. Incline DB curls are a great way to achieve a similar thing. With a wider grip you naturally tend to flex your shoulders up, which causes additional slack in the long head of the bicep and screws up the length-tension relationship. Therefore, the short head gets a little additional emphasis. Preacher curls are a great way to achieve this result.
	The only time it's bad to feel the burn is when you're peeing... CowPimp Picks Up Heavy Shit MySpace YouTube Videos

02-10-2006, 06:18 PM	#2
kenwood Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 4,878 Photos: 1	cg will prolly work outer bi's and wg will prolly work inner....some...wait for p-funk's or cowpimps reply

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