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Lever Bicep Curl
A machine curl with a fixed lever arm that locks the elbow path, giving the biceps consistent tension without needing to stabilize a free weight.
ArmsMachineElbow flexion
GoLightWeight medialever-bicep-curl
Demonstration coming soon
Primary
Biceps brachii
Secondary
BrachialisForearm flexors
Equipment
Machine
Pattern
Elbow flexion
Setup
- 01Adjust the seat so the pad meets the upper arms and the elbows line up with the machine's pivot.
- 02Sit tall with the chest against the pad and feet planted.
- 03Grip the handles with an underhand grip and arms nearly straight.
- 04Check that the starting position gives a slight stretch, not a locked hang.
Execution
- 01Curl the handles up by bending the elbows through the machine's arc.
- 02Squeeze the biceps hard at the top of the range.
- 03Lower under control until the arms are almost fully extended.
- 04Keep constant tension by stopping just short of the stack resting.
Checkpoints
- -Elbows stay aligned with the machine pivot on every rep.
- -Upper arms stay on the pad without sliding up.
- -The chest stays against the pad; no leaning back.
- -The lowering phase takes at least as long as the lift.
Common mistakes
- -Setting the seat too low so the elbows sit above the pivot.
- -Heaving with the shoulders to start the lever moving.
- -Letting the stack slam down between reps.
- -Cutting the bottom range and only training the squeeze.
Programming notes
- -Use 3 to 4 sets of 10 to 15 reps; machines suit higher rep isolation work.
- -Great for drop sets and rest pause since no stabilization is needed near failure.
- -Place it after free weight curls or rows in the session.
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