Atlas
Spider Curl: starting position Spider Curl: end position

Elbow Flexion · Biceps

Spider Curl

A elbow flexion exercise that works the biceps. Beginner level, using barbell & rack.

BeginnerBarbell & rackGym

Muscles worked

PrimaryBiceps

Biceps short head.

Setup and loading

EZ bar or dumbbells.

How to do the spider curl step by step

  1. Lie face down on the angled side of the preacher bench.
  2. Let your arms hang straight down holding the bar.
  3. Curl the bar up and squeeze at the top.
  4. Lower slowly.

Form cues

  • Arms vertical
  • Peak contraction at the top

Common mistakes

  • Swinging your arms
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Sets and reps for your goal

Hypertrophy

3 x 10-15 · rest 60 s

3-4 sets of 6-12 reps (up to 15-20 on isolation exercises) at 65-80% of your max. Rest 1 to 2 minutes.

Get close to failure (0-3 reps in reserve) and control the lowering for 2-3 seconds. Accumulate 10-20 sets per muscle per week.

A guide for healthy adults. Adjust the load to your level and see a professional if you have an injury.

Check your form

Film yourself from the side or ask someone to watch, then tick what you get right.

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Sports it suits

Gear for this exercise

  • Olympic barbell and platesTo keep progressing on the big lifts with heavy loads.

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Variations and similar exercises

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