Arms
The main muscle group listed for this exercise.
Exercise guide
Close-Grip Standing Barbell Curl
Close-Grip Standing Barbell Curl is a beginner-friendly arm exercise performed with a barbell.
Barbell
The equipment listed for this variation.
Beginner
The recorded setup and movement complexity.
Arms
No secondary muscle group is listed for this variation.
Strength
Movement pattern: elbow flexion. This is an isolation exercise.
Beginner
This level reflects the setup and movement complexity recorded for this exercise.
Instructions
How to do Close-Grip Standing Barbell Curl
- Hold a barbell with both hands, palms up and a few inches apart.
- Stand with your torso straight and your head up. Your feet should be about shoulder width and your elbows close to your torso. This will be your starting position. Tip: You will keep your upper arms and elbows stationary throughout the movement.
- Curl the bar up in a semicircular motion until the forearms touch your biceps. Exhale as you perform this portion of the movement and contract your biceps hard for a second at the top. Tip: Avoid bending the back or using swinging motions as you lift the weight. Only the forearms should move.
- Slowly go back down to the starting position as you inhale.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Related workouts
Workout templates that use this exercise.
If you want to see this movement inside a more complete training session, start here.
3-Day Full Body Split
A three-day split that spreads total weekly work across three full-body sessions.
View workout4-Day Upper Lower Split
A simple four-day split that gives each half of the body two quality sessions each week.
View workout5-Day Bodybuilding Split
A traditional five-day bodybuilding split for lifters who enjoy focusing on one or two regions per session.
View workoutRelated exercises
More exercises in the same lane.
Use these when you want a similar movement pattern, a different setup, or more exercise options for the same target area.
Barbell Curl
Barbell Curl is a beginner-friendly arm exercise performed with a barbell.
View exerciseBarbell Curls Lying Against An Incline
Barbell Curls Lying Against An Incline is a beginner-friendly arm exercise performed with a barbell.
View exerciseClose-Grip EZ Bar Curl
Close-Grip EZ Bar Curl is a beginner-friendly arm exercise performed with a barbell.
View exerciseFinger Curls
Finger Curls is a beginner-friendly arm exercise performed with a barbell.
View exerciseRelated tools
Related calculators for this exercise.
Use these calculators when you want to connect the exercise itself to calories, protein, strength targets, or training volume.
FAQ
Common questions about Close-Grip Standing Barbell Curl.
What muscles does Close-Grip Standing Barbell Curl work?
Close-Grip Standing Barbell Curl primarily trains the arms.
Is Close-Grip Standing Barbell Curl beginner-friendly?
Yes. It is listed as beginner-friendly.
What equipment do I need for Close-Grip Standing Barbell Curl?
This variation uses a barbell.
Track this exercise for free in Logbook.
Once the movement is in your plan, use Logbook to record sets, reps, load, and progress without guessing what happened last week.