Exercise / 364Animation available
Drag Curl demonstration

Illustration by RepDB

Strength / Barbell

Drag Curl

A barbell curl where the elbows travel backward and the bar drags up the torso, eliminating front-delt assistance and emphasizing the long head of the biceps.

Equipment

Barbell

Experience

intermediate

Movement

isolation

Primary musclesSecondary muscles

Brachialis

Instructions

  1. 01

    Stand holding a barbell with an underhand grip, hands shoulder-width apart.

  2. 02

    Start with the bar at the thighs and elbows at the sides.

  3. 03

    Curl the bar by sliding (dragging) it straight up along your body.

  4. 04

    As the bar rises, let the elbows travel backward so the bar stays in contact with your torso.

  5. 05

    Stop when the bar reaches mid-chest; the biceps will be fully shortened.

  6. 06

    Lower under control along the same path and repeat.

Choose a load and range you can control. These instructions are general guidance, not a substitute for individual coaching.