Physical fitness is a core aspect of a healthy lifestyle and diverse exercises are designed to work out different parts of the body. Among the most crucial are those that target the biceps – the prominent muscles on the front of the upper arm that add to the overall contour of the body. Understanding the anatomy and function of the biceps can enhance your ability to effectively strengthen these muscles. Bicep curls with a bar are a classic workout aimed at amplifying arm strength and improving bicep size and shape. This workout, however, hinges on impeccable execution. A meticulous grasp of the correct posture, hand and bar positions form an integral part of the exercise, and the right knowledge arms you with the skills to avoid injuries while maximizing the results of the workout.
Understanding Anatomy and Function of Biceps
Bicep Anatomy Basics
The bicep brachii muscle, typically known as the bicep, is a large muscle that lies on the upper arm’s front side. It is a two-headed muscle consisting of a long head and a short head that work together as a single muscle. The muscle starts from two points in the shoulder and comes together to form a single, thick bundle in the upper part of the arm, which attaches at the elbow. Given its structure and placement, the primary function of the bicep is to enable arm flexion and forearm supination, i.e., to lift and turn your arm.
The bicep muscle is what pops out when you flex your arm and what you see bulging through a tight T-shirt sleeve. It is what provides the physical force required when you pick up heavy objects, make a muscle, or do any lifting or pulling exercises.
Functions of Biceps
Primarily, the biceps have two major roles, namely flexing the elbow and supinating the forearm. These functions allow you to do everything from lifting a suitcase to turning a door handle. Additionally, to a lesser degree, they assist in moving your arm forward and up.
Elbow flexion is the bending or decreasing angle between the upper arm and the forearm, just like when you bring your hand towards your shoulder. On the other hand, Forearm supination is the act of rotating the forearm so the palm faces upwards, like when you’re holding a soup bowl.
Understanding Bicep Curls with Barbells
A bicep curl is an exercise that targets your bicep muscles primarily. By leveling up your regular bicep curl to a barbell curl, you recruit more muscle fibers, laying the foundation for new muscle growth and increased strength.
To perform a bicep curl with a bar, hold the barbell with your hands shoulder-width apart, palms facing upwards. Keep your back straight and your elbows close to your torso. This is your starting point.
Now, keeping your upper arms stationary, exhale and curl the weights while contracting your biceps. Continue to raise the weight until your biceps are fully contracted, and the bar is at shoulder level. Hold this contracted position for a brief moment as you squeeze your biceps. Then, inhale and slowly begin to lower the bar back to the starting position.
This resistance exercise’s primary purpose is to isolate the bicep muscles and make them work in a focused, intensive way. By understanding the anatomy and function of your biceps, you can ensure that you perform bicep curls with bars correctly, maximizing results while minimizing the risk of injury.
Proper Technique for Bicep Curls with Bar
Getting Started with Your Stance
Begin by standing upright with your feet shoulder-width apart. Maintain a little bend in your knees to relieve pressure from the lower back. Keep your back straight, and engage your core. Remember, stability is key when performing bicep curls with a bar. So keep your body rooted firmly to the ground.
Grip and Bar Positioning
Hold the barbell with a supinated grip (palms facing upwards). Your hands should be shoulder-width apart. This grip will optimally engage your biceps throughout the exercise. The barbell should be resting in your hands, not on your fingers, ensuring you have full control of the weight.
Executing the Bicep Curl
Raise the barbell by flexing your elbows and keep your upper arms stationary throughout the lift. Continue to raise the bar until your biceps are fully contracted and the barbell is at shoulder level. Hold the contracted position for a moment, as you squeeze your biceps for maximum engagement.
Lowering the Bar with Control
Slowly begin to lower the barbell back to the starting position. It’s vital to maintain control during this part of the movement to not only keep the tension on your biceps but also to prevent any potential injury. Avoid completely straightening your arms at the bottom of the movement to keep tension on the muscles, and to avoid unnecessary stress on the elbow joints.
Breathing Pattern
Establishing a proper breathing pattern in your workout routine can greatly enhance your performance and prevent unnecessary fatigue. For bicep curls, inhale as you lower the barbell and exhale forcefully as you lift it.
Maintaining Correct Posture
Throughout the exercise, ensure that you’re keeping your elbows close to your body at all times. This will help maximize bicep engagement and minimize the involvement of other muscles. It’s necessary to keep your upper body still during the exercise – the movement should only be happening in your elbows. Avoid swinging your body or the weights, as this indicates that the weight might be too heavy, or your form is incorrect. Remember, lifting with proper form is more important than lifting heavy.
By following these steps and techniques, you can perform bicep curls with a bar most effectively and safely.
Photo by victorfreitas on Unsplash
Mastering the art of the bicep curl with bar involves more than just lifting weights. A deep intimate understanding of the structure and functions of your bicep muscles can provide a significant advantage in your fitness journey. Moreover, adhering to the correct posture, employing the right grip, and following precise breathing patterns in the course of the exercise can aid in injury prevention and ensure optimum yields from the workout. By giving equal priority to theory and practice, you can make major strides in your aspiration to develop stronger, prominent biceps, elevating your overall health and fitness. The power to a stronger you, lies in your hands – or more specifically, in your biceps.
