Arm day lifestyle for many of us. Most new lifters solely know a number of workout routines — and the barbell and the most well-liked one is that this staple and its multitude of variations. One variation that’s usually disregarded chilly is the drag curl. Why? As a result of it’s exhausting.
The drag curl in contrast to numerous different biceps curl variations takes physique English and the deltoids out of the motion to focus extra on the biceps. Plus, in the course of the peak contraction, your elbows are behind your physique which units you up for an intense bicep contraction. The strict vary of movement provides your biceps the time beneath rigidity they deserve for extra flex attraction.
Right here we are going to go into what the drag curl is, do it, muscle groups educated, advantages of coaching biceps, programming, and a few variations and alternate options.
WHAT IS THE DRAG CURL?
This drag curl has you arrange with the barbell proper towards your physique. Moderately than curling up towards your shoulders, you’re dragging the barbell as much as your physique whereas your elbows go behind you. This strict and shorter vary of movement takes the shoulders out to focus extra on the biceps.
The momentum from different muscle groups right here is minimal to extend the time beneath rigidity on the biceps for a extra intense pump. Due to these elements, the load you’ll use might be much less however the advantages on your biceps might be value it.
HOW TO DO THE DRAG CURL
- Start by gripping a barbell with a palms-up shoulder-width grip with the barbell throughout your thighs.
- Preserve your chest up, shoulders down, and look straight forward.
- Pull your elbows again to contract your bicep and “drag” the barbell as much as your physique in the direction of your shoulders.
- Cease on the decrease chest/higher ab degree and pause then slowly decrease the bar alongside the identical path again to the beginning place. Reset and repeat.
MUSCLES TRAINED
- Biceps: Each the lengthy and quick head of the biceps are the prime movers with the drag curl.
- Forearms: Each curl variation entails the forearm muscle groups to help elbow flexion and for gripping functions.
- Brachialis: That is the muscle beneath the biceps. This muscle is a powerful elbow flexor that assists the biceps with elbow flexion and this muscle helps add width to the higher arm.
BENEFITS OF THE DRAG CURL
Moreover self-importance, there are different necessary the reason why to incorporate biceps curl variations just like the drag curl into your programming.
- Improved shoulder stability: The biceps are a double-headed muscle, which attaches to the scapula and shoulder joint and assists the rotator cuff with shoulder stability, notably by way of the anterior deltoid. The rotator cuff secures the humerus to the shoulder joint and the biceps secures the shoulder joint to the humerus and this compression from either side of your shoulder joint advantages your shoulder stability.
- Nice for shoulder rehab: The biceps play a minor position in shoulder flexion as a result of the biceps and anterior deltoid are educated when your shoulder goes into flexion. Plus, the higher again muscle groups contract isometrically to maintain you in good posture and forestall the shoulders from rolling ahead whereas performing curls. Because of this biceps curls are programmed into the later phases of a rehab program as a option to strengthen the rotator cuff and the higher again.
- They allow you to carry extra weight: Workout routines that contain the biceps — like chinups, pullups, and rows — profit from stronger biceps and improved grip power. Wouldn’t or not it’s a disgrace on your biceps to offer out earlier than you’ve exhausted your shoulders and again?
DRAG CURL FORM TIPS
The purpose of the drag curl is to attenuate shoulder involvement so the biceps can get all of the love. Though a easy transfer to carry out, listed here are a number of concerns that will help you get the perfect out of the drag curl train.
- Restrict momentum: Don’t begin the motion out of your decrease physique and resist the urge to lean backward and to make use of physique English to get the load up. This negates the advantages of this train as a result of the dragging movement ought to be sluggish and deliberate.
- Keep away from rolling the anterior shoulder: The ROM is much less is than in a normal curl however please keep away from rolling the shoulder too far ahead to realize further ROM right here. Extra is just not higher right here. Plus, preserving a slight bend within the knees takes the stress off the low again if this can be a drawback space for you.
DRAG CURL PROGRAMMING SUGGESTIONS
The biceps is a muscle group that assists in my pulling workout routines, and it’s best educated after your predominant power workout routines for the day. Doing so means that you can carry extra weight. Listed here are a number of programming solutions to pump up your biceps with drag curls.
Biceps Triset Finisher
Doing three biceps workout routines back-to-back to again on the finish of your coaching will give your biceps all they’ll deal with. For instance
1A. Drag curls: 3 units of 8-12 reps
1B. Focus Curls: 3 units of 8-12 reps both sides
1C. Hammer curls: 3 units of 12-20 reps
Mechanical Biceps Dropset
Mechanical drop units have you ever beginning with essentially the most tough train for a selected muscle group and pairing it with a more easy variation and taking each to technical failure. For instance, beginning with drag curls after which performing barbell cheat curls. Burn child burn.
DRAG CURL VARIATIONS AND ALTERNATIVES
The barbell and EZ-bar drag curl are variations that may permit you to carry essentially the most weight. But when these instruments irritate your joints, don’t despair. Carry out these variations as a substitute.
