After choosing a suitable EZ curl bar, the key is to combine it effectively with weights and accessories. Which grip position suits your exercise? How do you calculate your training weight? And which plates allow for sufficient range of motion? Here you will find answers for the practical use of your curl bar.
EZ curl bar or straight barbell: Which grip suits you?
The most important difference lies in the orientation of the hands. With bicep curls using a straight barbell, the palms face largely upward in an underhand grip. The angled grip sections of an EZ curl bar allow for a less externally rotated forearm position.
Which version is more comfortable depends on your individual mobility and the specific grip geometry. Therefore, an EZ curl bar is not inherently better for muscle building. The decisive factor is that you can perform your chosen exercise with a secure grip, comfortable hand positioning, and controlled movement. Choose a grip width that matches the bar’s intended grip sections. An especially narrow or wide position is not automatically more advantageous.
Which exercises are suitable for an EZ curl bar?
The curl bar is primarily used for bicep and tricep exercises. Different grip positions and body postures allow for several variations:
- Standing bicep curls: Hold the bar with an underhand grip and lift it by bending your elbows. Avoid using your upper body to generate momentum to assist the movement.
- Preacher curls on a curl bench: Your upper arms rest on the designated pad. The grip width and bar shape must match the bench, and the rack should also be easily accessible.
- Reverse curls: Grip the bar with an overhand grip. Select the weight for this variation separately, as the load from your regular bicep curls is not automatically suitable.
- Lying tricep extensions: On a suitable weight bench, move the bar by bending and extending your elbows. Ensure that the grip position and plate size allow for sufficient range of motion.
For every variation, the following applies: The training weight must match the respective exercise. If the chosen load can only be managed with significant compensatory movements, you should reduce it.
How do you calculate the actual training weight?
The total weight includes the bar, all loaded weight plates, and the collars. You should therefore always include the dead weight of an EZ curl bar in your calculations. Example: A 12 kg curl bar with a 5 kg plate on each side equals 22 kg plus the weight of the collars.
When switching to a different EZ curl bar, the total load may change despite using identical plates. Therefore, in addition to the plates used, note down the bar model or its dead weight. This will help you keep track of your training progress.
Why are small weight plates useful for arm training?
With low training weights, even a small additional plate can cause a large jump in resistance. If you add 1.25 kg per side, the total load increases by 2.5 kg. This turns 10 kg into 12.5 kg – an increase of 25 percent.
With small weight plates, you can adjust the load in finer increments. This helps if the next larger weight step negatively affects your controlled execution. Load both sides evenly and factor the bar's dead weight into your planning.
Which weight plates are suitable for an EZ curl bar?
In addition to the correct bore diameter, the outer diameter and the plate thickness are important. Especially during tricep extensions or movements close to the body, large plates can restrict the range of motion.
A general limit like "maximum 10 kg plates" is not very meaningful: weight plates with the same weight can have different dimensions. Therefore, select plates based on their actual size and the planned exercise. The plate thickness also determines how much weight fits onto the sleeve. Add the thickness of the intended plates per side and account for the space required for the collar. The setup must remain within both the usable sleeve length and the specified load capacity.
Which collars fit the curl bar?
Collars must match the diameter and the design of the sleeve. Smooth sleeves require suitable clamp or spring collars. Star collars require a matching threaded sleeve. Before purchasing, check if collars are already included. They must sit completely on the sleeve and reliably secure the plates. Check their fit even if you intend to use existing collars on a new bar.
Does an EZ curl bar fit your weight rack?
The total length of the bar alone is not sufficient for evaluation. The decisive factor is whether the distance between the racks matches the suitable resting areas between the sleeves. The bends of an EZ curl bar can further limit the usable resting positions. Therefore, compare the measurements of the bar and the rack before combining them. The curl bar must rest stably and be easy to lift and replace safely. Particularly compact models do not automatically fit on the wide racks of a power rack.
For preacher curls, it is also important that you can return the bar to the intended rack in a controlled manner from your training position.