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Lever Preacher Curl

A machine preacher curl that fixes the upper arms on a pad and the resistance on a lever arc, isolating the biceps with a strong stretch at the bottom.

ArmsMachineElbow flexion
GoLightWeight medialever-preacher-curl

Demonstration coming soon

Primary

Biceps brachii

Secondary

BrachialisForearm flexors

Equipment

Machine

Pattern

Elbow flexion

Setup

  1. 01Set the seat so the armpits fit snug over the top edge of the pad.
  2. 02Lay the upper arms flat on the pad with elbows at the machine pivot.
  3. 03Grip the handles underhand at about shoulder width.
  4. 04Sit tall with the chest against the pad and feet planted.

Execution

  1. 01Curl the handles up through the machine's arc by bending the elbows.
  2. 02Squeeze the biceps at the top without the elbows leaving the pad.
  3. 03Lower slowly to a near full stretch at the bottom.
  4. 04Reverse before the stack touches down to keep tension.

Checkpoints

  • -Upper arms stay in full contact with the pad.
  • -The torso stays against the pad; no rocking backward.
  • -The bottom of each rep reaches a deep, controlled stretch.
  • -Wrists stay neutral, not curled in at the top.

Common mistakes

  • -Bouncing out of the stretched position, which strains the distal biceps.
  • -Setting the seat too high and losing pad contact.
  • -Rocking the torso back to lift heavier weight.
  • -Half reps that skip the bottom range where the preacher earns its keep.

Programming notes

  • -Use 3 to 4 sets of 8 to 12 reps; the fixed path suits controlled failure training.
  • -Emphasize a 2 to 3 second lower; the stretch position drives most of the growth stimulus.
  • -Slot it after a heavier standing curl or as the main curl on machine focused days.

Related exercises

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