Wide-Grip Standing Barbell Curl

Wide-Grip Standing Barbell Curl is a strength - wide supinated elbow flexion exercise involving Biceps brachii, Brachialis. Use these steps to learn the movement and work with your coach to choose a suitable level.

Last updated: · DynPerformance

Primary muscles
Biceps brachii, Brachialis
Secondary muscles
Brachioradialis, Forearm flexors, Anterior deltoid (stabilization)
Exercise type
Strength - wide supinated elbow flexion

Exercise technique

  1. Grip

    Hold the bar underhand wider than shoulder width within wrist comfort.

  2. Base

    Stand balanced with soft knees.

  3. Upper arms

    Fix elbows close to the torso.

  4. Curl

    Raise the bar by moving only the forearms.

  5. Top

    Squeeze briefly at the highest point available without upper arms moving forward.

  6. Lower

    Lower slowly and extend elbows under control.

  7. Breathing

    Exhale while lifting and inhale while extending.

Key technique points

Common mistakes

Excessive width

Do not force elbows and wrists into uncomfortable angles.

Raising elbows

Do not finish the curl through shoulder elevation.

Rocking the torso

Do not accelerate the wide bar through hips and lower back.

Curling the wrists

Do not increase travel through hand flexion.

Bouncing at the bottom

Do not rebound from the thighs into the next repetition.

Expecting isolation

Do not force grip width in an attempt to completely isolate one biceps portion.

Frequently asked questions

Wide-Grip Standing Barbell Curl: why is “Excessive width” a mistake?

Do not force elbows and wrists into uncomfortable angles.

Wide-Grip Standing Barbell Curl: why is “Raising elbows” a mistake?

Do not finish the curl through shoulder elevation.

Wide-Grip Standing Barbell Curl: why is “Rocking the torso” a mistake?

Do not accelerate the wide bar through hips and lower back.

Wide-Grip Standing Barbell Curl: why is “Curling the wrists” a mistake?

Do not increase travel through hand flexion.

Wide-Grip Standing Barbell Curl: why is “Bouncing at the bottom” a mistake?

Do not rebound from the thighs into the next repetition.

Wide-Grip Standing Barbell Curl: why is “Expecting isolation” a mistake?

Do not force grip width in an attempt to completely isolate one biceps portion.

What should I focus on when doing Wide-Grip Standing Barbell Curl?

Limit width according to wrist comfort. Do not force elbows inward. Do not bend wrists backward. Do not use hip momentum. Do not hit the chest with the bar. Keep upper arms in the same position.

Related exercises

Add this exercise to your program with your coach

If you have a health condition, consult a qualified professional.