What is the difference between a straight barbell and a curved barbell?
In addition to our common straight barbell, there is also a curved barbell. So what is the difference between these two barbells?
Take curling as an example. Generally speaking, straight bar curls can lift more weight than curved bar curls. In the standing (or sitting) curl, the straight bar emphasizes the short head of the biceps, because the short head is in a very powerful position. The curved bar is just the opposite. The main stimulus is the long head of the biceps, which is not the easiest place to exert force during the standing curl. Using these two barbells for curls can maximize the growth of both heads of the biceps, and this will make your entire upper arm have a larger growth.
When training for muscle gain, generally choose straight barbells in fitness equipment for exercise, bench press for exercising pectoralis major, and shoulder press for exercising deltoid muscle. However, if you use straight barbell for training, the movements are not standard or too frequent. All exercises can easily lead to wrist injuries.
In contrast, straight barbells and curved barbells can do the same training actions: such as barbell squats, barbell rowing, and so on. All in all, in general, in the gym, you will find that the straight barbell is more widely used, and can be used to practice all parts of the body, especially for heavy weight exercises; while the curved barbell protects the wrist and increases the angle change, which is especially suitable for sculpting the details of the arm. If you are at home, you might as well have both. If you really need to give up one, it is recommended to use a straight rod.
