Which cambers on an EZ-curl bar should I use for curls?

Q: Which cambers on an EZ-curl bar should I use for curls?

A: A more important question is, Should you be curling with an EZ-curl bar in the first place? For one thing, the bar prevents the full degree of supination of your wrists that’s required to fully involve your biceps, so it’s an inferior biceps exercise relative to straight-bar curls or to dumbbell curls on which you fully supinate your wrists. (A fully supinated wrist has your thumb turned outward as much as possible, so your palm faces directly upward.)

If you insist on using the EZ-curl bar, you can use the inside pair of cambers, or bends, for close-grip curls, or you can use the outer pair for wider-grip curls. You can use it for reverse curls, with your palms facedown as you curl, but for regular curls your hands are only partially supinated, with your palms facing somewhat upward.

Depending on the precise position of the cambers—and the individual—the different grip positions may or may not be comfortable and safe. Never use a hand position that causes discomfort to your wrists or elbows.

If you’re using the EZ-curl bar because it’s more comfortable for you due to a wrist or elbow problem, I would urge you to get that problem sorted out. If you’re using it because you think it’s a good choice for your biceps, however, you’re mistaken. Use a curl that enables you to fully supinate your wrists instead.

—Stuart McRobert
www.Hardgainer.com

 

Editor’s note: Stuart McRobert’s first byline in IRON MAN appeared in 1981. He’s the author of the new BRAWN series, Book 1: How to Build Up to 50 Pounds of Muscle the Natural Way, available from Home Gym Warehouse (800) 447-0008 or www.Home-Gym.com.