How to Do Close-Grip Standing Barbell Curl
Step-by-step instructions, muscles worked and workouts that use the close-grip standing barbell curl.

| Main muscles | Biceps |
| Also works | Forearms |
| Equipment | Barbell |
| Level | Beginner |
| Type | Strength |
How to do it
- Hold a barbell with both hands, palms up and a few inches apart.
- Stand with your torso straight and your head up. Your feet should be about shoulder width and your elbows close to your torso. This will be your starting position. Tip: You will keep your upper arms and elbows stationary throughout the movement.
- Curl the bar up in a semicircular motion until the forearms touch your biceps. Exhale as you perform this portion of the movement and contract your biceps hard for a second at the top. Tip: Avoid bending the back or using swinging motions as you lift the weight. Only the forearms should move.
- Slowly go back down to the starting position as you inhale.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Form tips
- Start light and own the movement before adding weight.
- Control the lowering phase — don't drop into it.
- Keep breathing; exhale on the hardest part.
- Stop if you feel sharp pain (different from muscle burn).
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