Biceps exercise
Barbell Drag Curl
Curl where the bar travels close to your torso as your elbows move back (drag curl).
- Primary muscleBiceps
- EquipmentBarbell
- TypeIsolation
- LevelBeginner
- Biceps
- Barbell
How to do the Barbell Drag Curl
4 steps, in the order you do them.
- Stand tall with the barbell in an underhand grip, resting against your thighs.
- Drag the barbell up against your torso as your elbows move back.
- Go up to your lower chest and squeeze your biceps.
- Lower along the same path, keeping the bar close to your body.
Muscles worked
Common Barbell Drag Curl mistakes
What goes wrong most often when you do the Barbell Drag Curl, and how to fix it.
The bar moves away from your body and it becomes a regular curl.
Drag the bar up against your thighs and abs, pulling your elbows back as it rises.
Your shoulders shrug toward your ears at the top.
Keep your shoulders down. The bar stops at your lower chest, not your neck.
Your torso leans forward to let the bar pass.
Stand tall with your chest up. If the bar bumps into you, pull your elbows farther back.
Alternatives to the Barbell Drag Curl
They work the biceps with other equipment, including options for training at home.
Mobbe
Log every set and watch your numbers climb.
Mobbe saves every set, shows you your record and builds your full routine. Your first routine is free, with no limits.
More biceps exercises
Barbell Preacher CurlBiceps · Barbell and bench
Alternating Dumbbell Bicep CurlBiceps · Dumbbells
Bayesian Cable CurlBiceps · Cable machine
Preacher CurlBiceps · EZ bar and bench
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does the Barbell Drag Curl work?
The Barbell Drag Curl works mainly the biceps.