Exercise guide · intermediate
Barbell Curl Narrow Grip
The barbell curl with a narrow grip targets the biceps with emphasis on the long head of the bicep. The close hand placement shifts focus to the outer portion of the biceps, helping to build peak and overall upper arm thickness.
- Equipment
- barbell
- Typical range
- 8–15 reps
- Also works
- forearms, shoulders
01 · Set up
Take a stable position that lets the resistance travel toward your lower ribs.
Begin with long arms, a quiet torso, and your shoulders relaxed away from your ears.
02 · Perform
Drive your elbows behind you and bring the handle or weights toward your lower ribs.
Keep the torso still while the shoulder blades move toward the spine.
Reach back to long arms under control without shrugging or losing your supported position.
Coaching tips
- Drive elbows behind you.
- Keep shoulders away from ears.
- Return to long arms.
Common mistakes
- Rocking the torso for momentum.
- Shrugging during the pull.
- Stopping before the back has shortened.
What it should feel like
Expect the biceps to do most of the work, without sharp or joint-focused pain.
Stop or modify when
Stop or shorten the range for sharp, sudden, worsening, or joint-focused pain.
Reviewed alternatives