TETSUBarbell Curl vs Ez-Barbell Standing Wide Grip Biceps Curl
The Barbell Curl and the Ez-Barbell Standing Wide Grip Biceps Curl both train the biceps as their primary muscle. The Barbell Curl uses a barbell while the Ez-Barbell Standing Wide Grip Biceps Curl uses an ez bar. Here is how they compare and when to pick each.
Side-by-side comparison
| Barbell Curl | Ez-Barbell Standing Wide Grip Biceps Curl | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary muscle | biceps | biceps |
| Body part | upper arms | upper arms |
| Supporting muscles | forearms | forearms |
| Equipment | barbell | ez bar |
| Steps in our guide | 6 | 5 |
How each one starts
Barbell Curl — first steps
- Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a barbell with an underhand grip, palms facing forward.
- Keep your elbows close to your torso and exhale as you curl the weights while contracting your biceps.
Ez-Barbell Standing Wide Grip Biceps Curl — first steps
- Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold the ez barbell with an underhand grip, hands wider than shoulder-width apart.
- Keep your elbows close to your torso and your upper arms stationary throughout the movement.
Full step-by-step guides are linked below.
Which should you choose?
The Barbell Curl lets you load the heaviest weights and progress in small, steady jumps. The Ez-Barbell Standing Wide Grip Biceps Curl angles your grip to take stress off the wrists and elbows. If your gym has both options, neither is a wrong choice: pick the one that feels strongest through a full range, and swap after 6 to 8 weeks to keep the biceps adapting.
Full form guides
Common questions
Is the Barbell Curl better than the Ez-Barbell Standing Wide Grip Biceps Curl?
Neither is universally better — both train the biceps as the primary mover. The Barbell Curl lets you load the heaviest weights and progress in small, steady jumps, while the Ez-Barbell Standing Wide Grip Biceps Curl angles your grip to take stress off the wrists and elbows. Choose based on your equipment and which movement you can progress consistently.
Can I do both the Barbell Curl and the Ez-Barbell Standing Wide Grip Biceps Curl in the same program?
Yes, but usually not in the same session — they overlap heavily on the biceps. A common setup is one as your main movement and the other on a second training day, or alternating them block by block.
Do the Barbell Curl and the Ez-Barbell Standing Wide Grip Biceps Curl work the same muscles?
Yes — the primary muscle is the same (biceps) and both rely on the same supporting muscles: forearms.
Track it in Tetsu
Tetsu tracks both movements separately, keeps your PRs per exercise, and tells you which one is actually progressing. Free to start.