Great biceps are not built solely with heavy weights – control of movement, arm positioning, and the quality of each set play an important role. The Scott Bench – Preacher Curl Bench from the Apollon Fitness group enables the execution of one of the most famous isolation movements for elbow flexors, with upper arm support that restricts unnecessary movement during curls.
That is precisely why the preacher curl has been a staple in bodybuilding arm training for decades.
Why is the Preacher Curl so popular for biceps?
With the preacher curl, the upper arm is supported on a pad, which reduces the possibility of using body momentum and directs focus toward controlled elbow flexion.
The main muscles involved in this movement are the biceps brachii, brachialis, and other elbow flexors. Research into muscle activity has shown that the position of the shoulder and elbow changes the way the bicep works throughout different parts of the curl.
That is why the Scott Bench – Preacher Curl Bench is not just another bench; it enables a specific position for arm curl training.
Can the Preacher Curl really contribute to bicep growth?
Yes. Recent studies have directly tracked hypertrophy following preacher curl training.
In an eight-week study comparing the preacher curl and the incline bicep curl, both groups achieved growth in elbow flexors, but regional differences were observed. The preacher curl produced greater increases in muscle thickness in the distal part of the arm, while the incline curl was more favorable for the proximal part.
This is interesting evidence that the choice of different bicep exercises can influence regional muscle development, so there is no need to build your entire arm workout around just one type of curl.
Is the bottom part of the movement important?
Very.
Research on the preacher curl comparing different parts of the range of motion showed that training in the initial part of the curl, when the elbow flexors are in a more elongated position, can produce more favorable adaptations than training limited only to the final part of the movement.
That is why, on the Preacher Curl Bench, it makes little sense to use excessive weight if it causes you to cut short any high-quality part of the repetition.
Controlled lowering and an appropriate range of motion can be much more valuable than uncontrollably lifting a heavier load.
Is heavier weight always better for biceps?
No. A ten-week study of the preacher curl showed that different load profiles led to increases in bicep thickness and strength.
For bodybuilding, it is therefore more important that the weight allows for quality execution, progressive overload, and a sufficient training stimulus than simply moving as many kilograms as possible.
On a Scott bench, ego lifting can particularly easily ruin the very thing that makes the exercise useful – a controlled curl with a stable upper arm position.
Preacher Curl or classic bicep curl?
You don't have to choose just one.
Different curls place the bicep in different positions and change the load profile throughout the movement. Precisely for this reason, combining the preacher curl with other variations can make sense in a program intended for complete arm development.
The Scott Bench – Preacher Curl Bench from the Apollon Fitness group can be an important part of the bicep zone in commercial gyms, bodybuilding centers, and seriously equipped training spaces.
Because when the goal is developed biceps, it is not enough to just bend the arm – it is important how you control every centimeter of the curl.
