The EZ curl bar — what is it and why use it?

What is it?

An EZ curl bar is a type of barbell with a curved shape that allows for a more comfortable and natural grip when performing arm exercises. It reduces strain on the wrists and forearms, making movements more comfortable to perform. Additionally, the angled grip of the EZ curl bar can help target the bicep muscles more effectively, allowing for better muscle development.

History of the EZ Curl Barbell

The EZ Curl bar was introduced around the 1950s during the golden era of bodybuilding and was developed as a tool to help prevent overuse injuries, allowing bodybuilders to train more frequently and effectively. This allowed bodybuilders to develop stronger and more defined bicep and triceps muscles, which is an important part of achieving the muscular, aesthetic physique that is often associated with bodybuilding.

“All the Gym Bros of the world owe a debt of gratitude to Lewis Dymek. A man named Lewis G. Dymek invented the Dymek Curling bar (better known as the “EZ Curl” bar) and was granted the patent for it on May 23, 1950. As the story goes, Dymek injured his wrist and training with a straight bar was too painful, so he invented this unusual bar to work around it. The idea caught on...soon many strength equipment companies began selling their own version of this piece of equipment and today you’ll find an EZ Curl Bar in pretty much every gym in the world.” (Quoted from oldtimestrongman.com)

Ways to use it

An EZ curl bar can be used for a variety of exercises, not just regular bicep curls. Some of the common exercises that can be performed with an EZ curl bar include triceps extensions, skull crushers, lying triceps extensions and preacher curls. These exercises strengthen the muscles located in the arms; the biceps, triceps and forearms. Additionally, the EZ curl bar can be used for other exercises that target different muscle groups, such as chest press, shoulder press and bent over rows. These exercises can help to build overall upper body strength and improve muscle tone.

EZ Curl Barbell Arm Workout

Here is a sample arm workout that can be performed with an EZ curl bar:

• Bicep curls: 3 sets of 8-12 reps (To perform bicep curls, hold the EZ curl bar with an underhand grip and curl the bar up towards your chest, then lower the bar back down to the starting position.)
  
  
• Reverse curls: 3 sets of 8-12 reps (To perform reverse curls, hold the EZ curl bar with a overhand grip and curl the bar up towards your shoulders, then lower the bar back down to the starting position.)
  
  
• Preacher curls: 3 sets of 8-12 reps (And for preacher curls, sit on a preacher bench and hold the EZ curl bar with an underhand grip, then curl the bar up towards your chest and lower the bar back down to the starting position.)
  
  
• Skull crushers: 3 sets of 8-12 reps (To perform skull crushers, lie on a bench and hold the EZ curl bar with an overhand grip, then lower the bar down towards your forehead and then extend your arms back up.)
  
  
• Overhead extensions: 3 sets of 8-12 reps (Hold the EZ curl bar with an overhand grip, with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart above your head. Lower the bar behind your head, keeping your elbows straight and your upper arms close to your ears and then raise the bar back to starting position.)
  
  
• Close grip bench press: 3 sets of 8-12 reps (For close grip bench press, lie on a bench and hold the EZ curl bar with a close grip, then press the bar up and down.)

It is important to maintain good form throughout these exercises to avoid injury and maximize the effectiveness of each movement. Make sure to keep your core engaged and your back straight and avoid swinging or using momentum to lift the weight. Start with a light weight and gradually increase the amount you're lifting as you become more comfortable with the EZ curl bar.

Take a short rest of 30-60 seconds between sets. This arm workout can be performed 1-2 times per week, depending on your training schedule and goals. It is important to remember to warm up before starting the workout, and to cool down and stretch afterwards. This will help to prevent injuries and improve your overall performance.

Get your own EZ curl bar here and experience the benefits for yourself.