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Exercise guide
Machine Preacher Curl
A preacher curl performed on a plate-loaded or selectorized machine, locking the elbows on a pad and providing a fixed strength curve.
What this exercise works
- Muscles
- biceps brachii · brachialis
- Goals
- hypertrophy
- Equipment
- Preacher curl bench
- Category
- Strength
- Difficulty
- beginner
Demonstration
Step 1
Step 2
How to perform the movement
- Sit at a preacher curl machine and adjust the seat so your armpits sit at the top of the pad.
- Place the upper arms flat on the pad and grip the handles.
- Start with the arms extended — but not locked — at the bottom.
- Curl the handles up by flexing the elbows; squeeze hard at the top.
- Lower slowly back to the starting position and repeat.
Technique cues and common mistakes
- Do not let the elbows lift off the pad at the top.
- Stop just short of full extension at the bottom to protect the elbow tendons.