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Barbell Drag Curl

Drag the bar up along the torso by pulling the elbows back, keeping the bar close to bias the biceps peak.

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See your setup in four steps

Demo video from YouTube, played in its own player.

Muscles worked
Biceps
Equipment
Barbell
Movement
Pull

Sets and reps

  • For strength: 3 to 5 sets of 3 to 6 reps, resting 2 to 3 minutes between sets.
  • For muscle: 3 to 4 sets of 6 to 12 reps (up to 15 on smaller lifts), resting 1 to 2 minutes, ending each set 1 to 3 reps short of failure (RPE 7 to 9).
  • Add a rep or a small amount of weight once every set reaches the top of the range at the same effort.

General ranges, not medical advice. Stop if anything hurts.

Alternatives

Other exercises for the biceps, for when the barbell is taken or you want a change.

Questions

What muscles does the Barbell Drag Curl work?
The Barbell Drag Curl mainly works the biceps.
What equipment do you need for the Barbell Drag Curl?
A barbell.
How many sets and reps of the Barbell Drag Curl?
For strength: 3 to 5 sets of 3 to 6 reps, resting 2 to 3 minutes between sets. For muscle: 3 to 4 sets of 6 to 12 reps (up to 15 on smaller lifts), resting 1 to 2 minutes, ending each set 1 to 3 reps short of failure (RPE 7 to 9). Add a rep or a small amount of weight once every set reaches the top of the range at the same effort.
What can I do instead of the Barbell Drag Curl?
Band Bicep Curl, Cable Bayesian Curl, Cable Bicep Curl and Cable Incline Curl work the same main muscle.

Program it for your clients

Coaches add the Barbell Drag Curl to any workout in CoachVana, set the sets, reps, load and rest, and clients see this demo as they train.

Get started

See your setup in four steps

Your first 3 clients are free. 0% commission on everything you sell.