Biceps Curl Machine
Biceps curl machine
The biceps curl machine, also known as the preacher curl machine, and sometimes as the Scott curl machine, is the most effective way to target the bicep muscle for great bicep development and strength. It can be difficult to truly isolate the bicep, and many exercises done for biceps do little to promote bicep strength and development; as incorrect form leads to other muscle groups doing most of the work. This machine is very effective for bicep development, as it does not allow for any other muscle group to assist in lifting the weight; all the work must be done by the bicep.
The originator of the idea for the bicep curl machine was Mr. Universe, Larry Scott, and he was a man with truly incredible biceps. He understood that to really work the bicep, the muscle must be isolated, and that is what the biceps curl machine effectively does.
Muscles targeted by the biceps curl machine
The reason the biceps curl machine is so effective is that it allows only the bicep to lift the weight. The only muscle targeted with the biceps curl machine is the bicep.
Appearance and dimensions of the biceps curl machine
The biceps curl machine consist of a bench seat, with an angled down platform at the chest or armpit level of the seated user. At an arms extended reach below this angled platform are two hand grips on an EZcurl bar. Beside the seat is the weight stack and the lifter can easily adjust the weight to be lifted through a variable pinning system.
The machine is heavy gauge steel painted white, and the padded bench and arm platform are a thick padded black. The dimensions of the machine are 80 cm 100 cm 150 cm, and the weight of the unit is 80 kg.
How to use the biceps curl machine
The lifter first selects the quantity of weight to be lifted by adjusting the metal pin into the correct number of weighted platforms along the pulley system.
The lifter then sits on the stool facing the angled bench. The seat is adjustable, and the height should be set so that the armpit fits snuggly into the top of the downward angled padded platform.
The arms are pointed up and the bar is grasped in a palms up position, with the top of the forearms pressed firmly against the downward angled pad.
The bar is grasped, and lifted upwards in a smooth motion, until the hands are almost at the chest. Exhale as you raise the weight, and at the top of the range of motion, squeeze the bicep for a second, before inhaling as you smoothly lower the weight.
There should be no pause at the bottom of the range of motion, to keep the stress on the bicep muscle. Additionally, you should remain motionless except for the movement of your arms. Any additional motion, rocking or shrugging, takes the focus of the exercise off of the bicep and reduces the effectiveness of the exercise.
Many people prefer the machine based bicep curl over the dumbbell curl, as the enforced motion of the machine does not let you cheat as easily, and it is more effective at keeping the stress on the targeted muscle. Additionally, there is no need to balance the dumbbells, and all the concentration can go into focusing on moving the weight
Incorrect form can lead to injury
The biceps curl machine is very safe, and it is difficult to injure yourself on the machine due to the correct enforced form imposed by the movement of the machine.
The bicep curl is a strenuous exercise for the biceps, and you should make sure that you are stretched and limber prior to beginning the bicep curl. Attempting the bicep curl, especially with a challenging weight, before warming up, could lead to as muscle strain or tear.
If you feel pain while doing this movement, immediately stop, as this could indicate a tear, or a case of tendonitis.
Variable technique while using the biceps curl machine
The biceps curl machine is a pulling exercise, and many people like to alternate sets of a pulling exercise like the bicep curl, with a pushing exercise like the tricep press. By alternating sets of these different types of exercises, you can increase the aerobic effect of a resistance training work out, and also have a more efficient work out
Why you should consider a biceps curl machine
The biceps curl machine is bar none the best way to develop big powerful biceps. Other bicep exercises may allow you to lift more weight, but this is invariably as a result of other muscle groups involved, and the actual benefit to the bicep is minimal. Maximize your bicep workout with a biceps curl machine.
The biceps curl machine is completely safe, and very easy to use. The set up is user friendly enough for first time users to master the exercise quickly, but challenging enough for any serious weight trainer.
The smooth pulley action and range of motion of the machine, forces you to conform to proper technique, and using the bicep curl machine will show you dramatic gains in the strength size and definition of your biceps. The bicep curl machine is a must for any professional gym.