TETSUBarbell Reverse Curl vs Bodyweight Side Lying Biceps Curl
The Barbell Reverse Curl and the Bodyweight Side Lying Biceps Curl both train the biceps as their primary muscle. The Barbell Reverse Curl uses a barbell while the Bodyweight Side Lying Biceps Curl is bodyweight-only. Here is how they compare and when to pick each.
Side-by-side comparison
| Barbell Reverse Curl | Bodyweight Side Lying Biceps Curl | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary muscle | biceps | biceps |
| Body part | upper arms | upper arms |
| Supporting muscles | forearms | forearms |
| Equipment | barbell | bodyweight |
| Steps in our guide | 6 | 4 |
How each one starts
Barbell Reverse Curl — first steps
- Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a barbell with an overhand grip, palms facing down.
- Keep your upper arms stationary and exhale as you curl the barbell upward, contracting your biceps.
Bodyweight Side Lying Biceps Curl — first steps
- Lie on your side with your legs extended and your head supported by your arm.
- Hold your upper arm against your side and bend your elbow to curl your forearm towards your shoulder.
Full step-by-step guides are linked below.
Which should you choose?
The Barbell Reverse Curl lets you load the heaviest weights and progress in small, steady jumps. The Bodyweight Side Lying Biceps Curl needs no equipment and scales through leverage, tempo and reps. 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 Reverse Curl better than the Bodyweight Side Lying Biceps Curl?
Neither is universally better — both train the biceps as the primary mover. The Barbell Reverse Curl lets you load the heaviest weights and progress in small, steady jumps, while the Bodyweight Side Lying Biceps Curl needs no equipment and scales through leverage, tempo and reps. Choose based on your equipment and which movement you can progress consistently.
Can I do both the Barbell Reverse Curl and the Bodyweight Side Lying 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 Reverse Curl and the Bodyweight Side Lying 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.