Exercise guide · Biceps & Forearms

Machine Preacher Curl

The Preacher Curl (Machine) is a supported biceps isolation exercise. The angled arm pad limits upper-arm movement while the machine guides resistance through elbow flexion and extension.

Targets: Biceps
Equipment: Machine
Type: Isolation

Step by step

How to do the Machine Preacher Curl

Adjust the seat so your upper arms rest fully on the pad and your elbows align closely with the machine's pivot marker, if it has one. Select a grip that keeps your wrists comfortable.
Sit firmly with your chest near the pad, feet planted, shoulders relaxed, and hands wrapped securely around the handles.
Begin with the elbows extended only as far as you can control without hyperextending them or losing upper-arm contact with the pad.
Curl the handles toward your shoulders by bending the elbows. Keep your upper arms planted instead of lifting them to gain range.
Pause before the forearms lose meaningful resistance or the handles contact the stops, then lower slowly to the controlled start position.

Form cues

Upper arms stay heavy on the pad
Elbows align with the machine pivot
Curl without lifting the shoulders
Control the last part of the lowering phase

Common mistakes

Setting the seat so the elbows float above the pad or sit far from the pivot
Rocking the torso backward to start each repetition
Lifting the upper arms off the pad at the top
Dropping quickly into full elbow extension under load

Muscles worked

Primary

Biceps

Secondary

None significant

Safety: Do not force the elbows past their comfortable straight position, especially under a heavy load. Adjust the machine or choose another curl if its fixed path causes wrist or elbow pain.

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