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Exercises

Straight Barbell Curls (narrow grip)

Evidence-grounded — sourced from Fysiqal's fitness knowledge graph· 1 min read
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In one line

Narrow-grip straight-bar curl that works the short head, long head, brachialis and brachioradialis as primary muscles.

Detail

Performed with a straight barbell at a narrow grip. The source notes it is better to use a straight bar (as opposed to an EZ-curl bar) because it places more emphasis on the biceps. The bar should be gripped at "carrying angle" width. This exercise is distinct from the standing barbell curl entry and is grouped with the seated/incline curls.

Key facts

  • Primary Muscles: Short Head, Long Head, Brachialis, Brachioradialis.
  • Secondary Muscles: none listed.
  • Straight bar emphasises the biceps more than an EZ-curl bar.

Connections

  • biceps-brachii — short and long heads.
  • brachialis / brachioradialis — listed as primary here.
  • carrying-angle — grip the bar at carrying-angle width.
  • momentum-injury-risk — avoid body swing (see cheat system).
SourceReference manual
p.40p.232p.280
Cited authorities in source: Ellison (1991).
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Educational content only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional for individualized guidance, especially around injury, pregnancy, or medical conditions.

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Atlas Connections

Biceps Brachii
The strongest flexor of the elbow joint (long and short heads); flexes the elbow, supinates the forearm, and weakly flexes the shoulder; a 2-joint muscle (ROM 135°).
Brachialis
The only pure flexor of the elbow joint; pulls on the ulna, which does not rotate.
Brachioradialis
A forearm flexor that flexes the elbow and both supinates and pronates the forearm.
Carrying Angle of the Elbow
Because the trochlea extends longer than the capitulum, the extended supinated forearm deviates laterally from the humerus — the carrying angle (cubital angle), ~5° in men and 10–15° in women.
Intensity
The amount of weight (resistance) lifted — also shaped by speed, reps, sets, rest interval, and workout duration.
Momentum as an Injury Risk
Momentum-assisted lifting increases stress on joint structures and injury potential while decreasing the demand on the target muscles.