Biceps Exercises Ranked (BEST TO WORST!)

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There are so many biceps exercises, but which ones should you be focusing your efforts on if you want to build bigger biceps? In this video, I’m going to give you the most popular bicep exercises ranked from worst to best and help you to determine which ones you should be doing and which you can probably do without.

With that said, we have to lay out the criteria for the biceps exercise selection, which you will find laid out in the video.

Now, let’s break down the ranking categories and see where each bicep exercise sits on the list.

WORST
1. Concentration Curls
2. Reverse Curls
3. Biceps Pushup

The concentration curl kicks off this list in the worst category. Why? Well, the concentration curl is non-athletic version of the curl where you are completely seated and off your feet.

The reverse curl is a great curling movement, but not a great biceps exercise. It comes down to the simple anatomy and bio-mechanics; the reverse curl does not target the biceps, but instead the brachioradialis.

The biceps pushup will always remain at the bottom of the list for me for one simple reason… it doesn’t hit your biceps. At all. You’re better off skipping this one entirely if you want bigger arms.

BETTER
4. Inverted Chin Curls
5. Zottman Curls
6. Preacher Curls
7. Cable Curls

Inverted chin curls are a solid bodyweight option to train your biceps, but can be hard to overload. This can be an issue because the movement will become too easy unless you can start adding weight via a weighted vest.

Zottman curls allow for the biceps to achieve their main function of elbow flexion, but the limiter of this exercise is the lack of eccentric overload on the biceps with eccentric portion being the strongest function of the biceps. By pronating the hands, the eccentric focus goes to the brachioradialis instead.

Preacher curls often give a false sense of security because you are bracing your elbows against the pad, giving the impression that you can handle more weight. Unfortunately, this line of thinking is risky.

Cable curls are great for achieving a good contraction on the biceps at the top of the movement. Unfortunately, at the bottom of the movement, you lose tension on the biceps due to the line force being in direct line with the muscles.

BETTER STILL
8. Spider Curls
9. Drag Curls
10. Cable Flex Curls / Lip Buster Curls
11. Waiter Curls

Spider curls are awesome for developing mind-muscle-connection with the biceps in their peak contracted state. Not only that, but there is a freedom of movement that you don’t find in some other bicep exercises.

Drag curls are the first option on this list to target the long head of the biceps. This is done by getting the elbows back behind the body, which allows for more stretch on the long head of the biceps.

Cable flex curls (also known as the lip buster curl), using a higher anchor point elaborates on the cable curl by getting the shoulder into flexion, an important secondary component of biceps function.

The waiter curl is an awesome option for getting peak contraction of the biceps that is achievable by keeping the wrists back into extension based on the way you have to hold to dumbbell throughout the exercise.

ALMOST BEST
12. Incline DB Curls
13. Chinups
14. Barbell Curls

The incline db curl is an exercise that I consider to be the best for getting the biceps into that all-important stretch position that is not possible with other biceps exercises outside of the drag curl.

Chinups are probably the best bang for your buck bodyweight bicep builders. Another great benefit is the ease of accessibility since it’s just a reliance on a simple pullup bar.

The barbell curl is a versatile biceps movement in that you can load this exercise well, progressively overload it, and perform it strict or in cheat fashion. Both options, strict or cheat, have different benefits but will get you big biceps.

BEST
15. Alternating Standing DB Curls

The alternating standing db curl is ranked number one on this list due to its effectiveness and versatility. You can offset the dumbbell to achieve maximum load under supination, add external rotation to benefit the shoulders at the same time, and even adding bands to accommodate overlapping strength curves.

For more videos on exercises to build bigger biceps and the biceps workouts / biceps exercises, be sure to subscribe to our channel here on youtube via the link below and remember to turn on your notifications so that you never miss a new video when it’s published.
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Timestamps

Worst:
1:16 - Concentration Curls
2:23 - Reverse Curls
3:13 - Bicep Pushups

Better:
4:13 - Inverted Chin Curls
5:00 - Zottman Curls
5:47 - Preacher Curls
6:55 - Cable Curls

Better Still:
8:14 - Cable Flex Curls
8:52 - Drag Curls
9:44 - Spider Curl
10:34 - DB Waiter Curls

Almost Best:
11:47 - Incline DB Curls
12:45 - Chinups
13:50 - Barbell Curls

Best:
15:01 - Alt. Standing DB Curls

rudybrooks
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Worst:
1:16 - Concentration Curls
2:23 - Reverse Curls
3:13 - Bicep Pushups

Better:
4:13 - Inverted Chin Curls
5:00 - Zottman Curls
5:47 - Preacher Curls
6:55 - Cable Curls

Better Still:
8:14 - Cable Flex Curls
8:52 - Drag Curls
9:44 - Spider Curl
10:34 - DB Waiter Curls

Almost Best:
11:47 - Incline DB Curls
12:45 - Chinups
13:50 - Barbell Curls

Best:
15:01 - Alt. Standing DB Curls

alper_kurt
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after some years of getting out of the military i felt like i wouldn't be the same after and certain movements caused pain. felt like it was a bit past me. and actually gained about 90lbs. but watching this content is what got me back into lifting. following these tier list has helped alot to boost confidence. so far i am back down to 219 about 50 lbs down. and a noticeable difference in pec back and arms. i know it is just a comment in here but thank you for showing different ways to lift even with injuries

matthewzimmerman
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Hey Jeff! I’ve watched many of the Ranked series videos and they changed my workouts completely. I was impressed on how much energy and time I was throwing away in exercises that don’t contribute as much or have limitations or come with execution risks. A total eye opener! The way you narrate and explain while performing the exercises are very helpful to understand the science and physics behind each one of them. Kudos and keep it up! I am sure I will be getting better results now. Thanks!

miguelbornacini
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Best:
15:00 - Alt. Standing DB Curls
Almost Best:
11:46 - Incline DB Curls
12:44 - Chinups
13:49 - Barbell Curls

playGEMJI
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Would love to see a Forearm Exercises Ranked!

jasperdel
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Just finished arm day! Happy to see all of my exercises are at the top of the list. But that shouldn’t surprise me. I built my workout routine off this channel!

tristanelliott
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I really love these ranking videos - they make weight lifting so much more accessible

PolkCountyWIProgressive
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Man, I just started lifting weight and your channel is incredibly helpful primarily for the accurate demonstrations and all the explanations of the muscle functions and movements always with a concern towards safety. Thank u so much and congrats on your work! Cheers from Brazil

rody
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I'd be interested in seeing a series on stretching ranked. It could either be by body region or overall. There are so many ways and scenarios in which to stretch it'll be interesting to see.

DominoChild
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Been going to the gym consistently for the last 6 months. Went through a rough time that lasted 2/3 years and the gym has helped me a lot. It gives me a routine and the compliments are nice!

williamwallace
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Please keep doing these! I love seeing the breakdowns between the different muscle groups. It really helps with prioritizing when you don't always have a lot of time to be in the gym

brendanmorin
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I'm 70 years old and an utter and complete newbie to fitness. I was blessed to stumble upon your channel and you've educated me well enough to take on the job of getting fit with assured physical safety and full confidence of reaching my fitness goals. I purchased your Xero and ATX programs (no kidding!) but I'm sure it'll be three or four years before I can actually do them. At this point (about 3 weeks into training) I'm well started on the task of straightening out my posture and am having wonderful success!

Bless you for your care and for the work you're doing.
P.S. - Say hi to Jesse for me. :))

danbear
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That bicep tear happened to me because I was curling 50+ pounds one handed… 8 months to recover and still don’t trust my arm fully. Careful boys!

eldiabolico
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Great content and videos Jeff, I’m 52 years old I finished AX-1 but I’m repeating it with the TNT workouts I finally feel like there’s hope for me gaining muscle and getting in the shape

jaybman
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My favorite bicep exercise is the alternating bicep curl, because it’s simple, easy and I target both the peak and short heads. I’ve seen your other videos Jeff regarding how to build biceps and what are some of the common mistakes but my question is, how do we know if our form is correct? As an example, I do the waiter, incline, and drag for my peak, but for cross body curls, do I keep my elbows back and curl across? Or do I bring it forward show more of the peak? Your videos are the best and always deliver but I find myself struggling at times to get the form right with different things exercises, like the rear delt row. A follow up question, do you plan to do videos on how to do the exercises correctly? Thank you Jeff.

TheAdrianbravo
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I enjoy this series a lot. Keep these coming. 👍

zeroman
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Hammer curl: "Am I a joke to you?"

nellogagliardi
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Love the time & effort you invest to pass on your immense knowledge and experience to Fitness enthusiasts across the world. The presentation style is fantastic too. Much Appreciated!!

TheJJames
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In on this one brother! My favorite are cable curls on a seated row machine where you're leaning back. Those absolutely torch the biceps!

PeteRubish