TETSUBarbell Reverse Curl vs Ez Barbell Seated Curls
The Barbell Reverse Curl and the Ez Barbell Seated Curls both train the biceps as their primary muscle. The Barbell Reverse Curl uses a barbell while the Ez Barbell Seated Curls use an ez bar. Here is how they compare and when to pick each.
Side-by-side comparison
| Barbell Reverse Curl | Ez Barbell Seated Curls | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary muscle | biceps | biceps |
| Body part | upper arms | upper arms |
| Supporting muscles | forearms | forearms |
| Equipment | barbell | ez bar |
| Steps in our guide | 6 | 7 |
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.
Ez Barbell Seated Curls — first steps
- Sit on a bench with your feet flat on the ground and your back straight.
- Hold the ez barbell with an underhand grip, palms facing up, and your hands shoulder-width apart.
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 Ez Barbell Seated Curls angle 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 Reverse Curl better than the Ez Barbell Seated Curls?
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 Ez Barbell Seated Curls angle 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 Reverse Curl and the Ez Barbell Seated Curls 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 Ez Barbell Seated Curls 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.