Preacher Curl Mistakes to Avoid
Fully locking out at the bottom — the preacher position puts extreme stress on the elbow tendons at full extension. Keep a slight bend at the bottom always.
Armpits not on the pad — sitting too low means your arms slide and you can cheat. Armpits should be snug against the top of the pad.
Lifting off the pad — rising up to use momentum. Stay seated with arms glued to the surface.
Going too heavy — the locked position and elbow-vulnerable bottom make this a moderate-weight exercise. Quality over load.
Preacher Curl FAQ
Are preacher curls good for biceps?
Excellent — the locked position eliminates cheating and emphasizes the short head. They're one of the best curl variations for bicep development, especially the inner head.
EZ bar or dumbbell for preacher curls?
EZ bar is most common and allows bilateral loading. Dumbbells allow unilateral work and wrist freedom. Both are effective. EZ bar is the standard.
Why do my elbows hurt on preacher curls?
The extended position at the bottom stresses the elbow tendons. Never fully lock out — keep a slight bend at the bottom. Reduce weight if pain persists.
Preacher curl vs incline curl?
Opposite emphasis. Preacher targets the short head (arms in front, shortened position). Incline targets the long head (arms behind, stretched position). Do both for complete bicep development.