Appears in642 Workouts*

Barbell Hammer Olympic Curl

Build bigger biceps with the Barbell Hammer Olympic Curl! A powerful variation for serious arm gains.

The Barbell Hammer Olympic Curl mainly works the biceps, with help from the forearms. You'll need: barbell or weight plates.

Barbell Hammer Olympic Curl demo video 2
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Required Equipment

Barbell
Barbell
Weight Plates
Weight Plates

Barbell Hammer Olympic Curl Muscles Worked

Primary

Biceps (biceps brachii); Side Biceps (brachialis)

Secondary

Forearm Flexor (brachioradialis)

How to do the Barbell Hammer Olympic Curl

  1. Begin by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, with a slight bend in your knees for stability.

  2. Hold an Olympic barbell with weights attached using a neutral grip (palms facing each other), with your hands positioned about shoulder-width apart.

  3. Keep your elbows close to your torso throughout the movement; they should not flare out to the sides.

  4. Brace your core and keep your spine in a neutral position.

  5. Exhale as you lift the barbell towards your chest, keeping your wrists stiff and the palms facing towards each other in the hammer position.

  6. Contract your biceps fully at the top of the movement without moving your upper arms away from your body.

  7. Inhale as you slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position, maintaining control throughout the descent.

  8. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions and sets, ensuring to maintain proper form and not to use momentum to lift the weight.

Make sure to start with a manageable weight to ensure you can perform the exercise with correct form. It's important to avoid swinging the weights or using momentum, as this can lead to injury and reduces the effectiveness of the exercise on the targeted muscles.

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Barbell Hammer Olympic Curl FAQs

What muscles does the Barbell Hammer Olympic Curl work?

The Barbell Hammer Olympic Curl mainly works the biceps, with help from the forearms. The main muscles are the biceps brachii and brachialis.

What equipment do you need for the Barbell Hammer Olympic Curl?

Barbell or weight plates.

What workout day should the Barbell Hammer Olympic Curl go on?

It belongs on pull day in a push/pull/legs routine.

What are some Barbell Hammer Olympic Curl variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Barbell Curl, Barbell Standing Wide-Grip Bicep Curl, Barbell Wide-Grip Curl and Cheat Curl.

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