Drag curls

[Deleted member 33117]

In as much as shoulder flexion during barbell curls is cheating, drag curls are cheating as well. When targeting the elbow flexors for maximum recruitment and tension with a barbell curl, a fixed shoulder extension (not hyperextension) is superior to either shoulder flexion or hyperextension.

Exactally, and I've come to the same conclusion. I've added a considerable amount of size to my bicepts in the last year by simply making sure I move nothing but my elbow joint while doing barbell curls (this means raising the bar no higher than one's nipples).

 

[Nelson Montana]

That's were technique comes in. When you get the feel of this movement right, the shoulder should actually be very relaxed. Contracting the biceps at the top of the movement increses the effectiveness but it's tough.

Bottom line; if it hits the biceps more, it hits them more. I also believe if any movement doesn't feel right, don't do it. But as they say, don't knock it till you try it.

 

[Silent Method]

I'm saying the movement limits elbow flexors recruitment and maximum tension. Thus, the exercise feels harder - but is not "hitting the biceps more."

 

[Silent Method]

I need to clarify my above statement.

The drag curl will actually increase the tension generated in the elbow flexors brachialis and brachioradialis as shoulder hyperextension will limit the tension potential of the biceps brachii. If full elbow ROM is to be used, tension will be further reduced in the elbow flexors as shoulder hyperextension aids in overcoming the inertia of the barbell.

Again, if you wish to place more emphasis on the biceps with a barbell curl, a fixed shoulder extension is superior to the shoulder hyperextension of the drag curl.


If you like doing drag curls, that's fine. Taking some focus off the biceps brachii and increasing the focus on the brachialis is a perfectly legitimate variation. Lets just be clear about what's really going on when we do the exercise.