That said, studies like this one from PeerJ show muscle activation between straight barbell curls and EZ bar curls are relatively equal. You can get a greater range of motion in your biceps when your hands are fully supinated (as one of the bicep's function is supination of the forearm). In regards to curls, specifically, people make claim that while EZ bars are safer for the wrists than straight bars, they are less effective than straight barbells for muscle activation because they somewhat limit range of motion. As for effectiveness of the muscle activation, EZ bars generally provide similar muscle activation as straight bars for their intended exercises (like curls, extensions, rows). One thing is for sure, an EZ bar is effective at keeping your wrists safe as it puts them in a more natural position than a straight bar. Overall, the EZ bar puts your wrists in the strongest and safest position possible. Not only does the EZ bar allow those with wrist issues a safer option, it can help people prevent any wrist injury or pain associated with straight barbells in the first place. Dymeck invented the EZ curl bar back in the late 1940s as he injured his wrists and using a straight bar was too painful afterward. This is exactly why the EZ bar was created. The angled handle allows for a more neutral, semi-supinated grip, which is much more comfortable and safer on the wrists than a straight barbell. The main function of the EZ bar is to provide users with different wrist positions. Just because its called an EZ bar doesn’t mean the exercises are easy! EZ bar exercises like the ones we have for you below can be very challenging when using an appropriate weight load. The name can include “curl” (EZ curl bar) and this is because it is most often used for curls.even though it is very common to use it for exercises like rows and tricep extensions as well. WHY IS IT CALLED AN EZ BAR?ĮZ stands for “easy” and it is named that because it is easier on the wrists and it's shorter nature is better for certain exercises (like curls, tricep extensions, upright rows, pullovers) than a barbell. Olympic EZ bars can generally hold up to 300lbs without bending, whereas a standard EZ bar, which is considerably lighter in weight, can hold around 100-200lbs.Īs such, for most exercises that you'd do with an EZ bar, weight load is not an issue. Related: EZ Bar Weight & Size Chart from Top Sellers HOW MUCH WEIGHT CAN AN EZ BAR HOLD? However, for home gyms, adjustable EZ bars are, of course, ideal. The only time it makes sense to get a standard EZ bar is if you own a range of 1” plates. We recommend that you buy an Olympic EZ bar, especially if you already have an Olympic barbell and 2” plates. Standard EZ bars will not have a rotating sleeve as the sleeve is just the handle separated by a stopper. Weight: Average is around 22lbs, but they range from 15-30lbsĪny good EZ curl bar will have knurling on the handle at various points where you should hold it for better grip AND smoothly rotating sleeves (which reduces torque created by the plates and stress on your wrist and elbows). Sleeve (aka Collars): 7-10.5 inch in length, 2 inches in diameter Handle: ~31.5 inches in length, 28-30mm in diameter Since Olympic EZ bars are the most common (and best), and can handle the most weight, let’s discuss sizes for those. Standard EZ curl bars have 1 inch diameter sleeves and Olympic EZ curl bars have 2 inch diameter sleeves (just like an Olympic barbell, so it can be loaded with Olympic weight plates, which are the same plates that you find in gyms). Generally speaking, there are two main types of EZ curl bars - Standard and Olympic. There are no set size and weight standards for EZ bars (as they are not used in any official sport capacity). If you have an EZ bar or have access to one, you are going to love this.Īn EZ bar is a short variation of a barbell with an angled, undulating handle.ĮZ bars come in different sizes (both in length and diameter) and the angles of the handles vary among manufacturers and sellers. In this article, you are going to learn the best exercises that you can do with an EZ bar and we are going to give you step-by-step instruction on how to perform these movements effectively, as well as what exact muscles are being worked. While it is mostly used for curls and tricep extensions, it can be also used for a range of exercises to target your entire body. The EZ Bar (aka Curl Bar, aka EZ Curl Bar) is a special kind of barbell that can help improve your strength and hypertrophy goals.
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