What Is An EZ Bar? - The Best Tool To Build Bigger Arms

An EZ bar, also known as an EZ curl bar, is a special type of barbell specifically designed to provide a more comfortable position for your wrists and elbows.

The ergonomic-friendly design allows you to perform curls, extensions, and other upper body exercises with less torque on your joints.

The cambered sections of the shaft allow for multiple different grips for bicep and tricep exercises.

In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about EZ curl bars including their dimensions, benefits, different types, and more.

Let’s get started!

Benefits Of An EZ Bar

The main benefit of an EZ curl bar is that you can perform different upper-body movements without putting as much torque on your wrists and elbows.

Compared to an Olympic or standard barbell, which forces you into a supinated grip (palms facing up), the angled grips of an EZ barbell reduce strain and allow you to train without any wrist or elbow pain.

Types Of EZ Curl Bars

There are multiple different types of EZ bars, similar to how there are different types of straight bars.

man using a super curl bar with a neutral grip position for hammer curls

Hear a few of the most common ones and what they’re for.

Standard EZ Curl Bar

This type of EZ bar doesn’t have rotating sleeves, has a 1″ diameter throughout the shaft/sleeves for standard weight plates, and has a lower weight capacity than a typical Olympic EZ curl bar can.

Olympic EZ Curl Bar

This type of curl bar is what most people are used to using.

Just like an Olympic Bar, an Olympic EZ bar has rotating sleeves to help reduce torque while performing different exercises, and has 2″ sleeves that can be loaded with heavy duty Olympic weights.

Rackable EZ Curl Bar

This type of EZ bar is very similar to an Olympic one, however, it is longer to allow you to rack it into a squat rack.

The increased length of the sleeves allow you to load more weight plates as well.

Super EZ Curl Bar

You can find super EZ bars available in standard 1″ as well as Olympic curl bar options.

The biggest difference between these and other EZ bars is the much steeper bends on the shaft.

This allows you to perform an EZ bar curl even closer to a neutral grip position and is great for extensions, skull crushers, etc.

Fixed Curl Bar

A fixed curl bar is commonly found in most commercial gyms and isn’t loadable like an EZ bar.

They tend to have rubber coated ends to protect the weights, and allow you to perform drop sets or other set intensifiers easier than a loadable EZ bar.

Tricep/Hammer Curl Bar

This type of bar has multiple uses for both tricep work and hammer curls, as the name implies. The unique shape and length of the bar allow you to balance it much easier than a longer barbell.

Swiss Bar

A Swiss bar, also known as a multi-grip or football bar – usually has angled and neutral grip handles that make exercises like swiss barbell curls and extensions easier.

So while it might not be your typical EZ curl bar, I think a Swiss bar is close enough to count.

This type of bar usually has multiple different grips and is primarily built for neutral/angled grip pressing and rowing variations.

As you might expect, this makes this type of specialty barbell much more versatile than you might expect.

Anatomy of an EZ Bar

Design and Shape

EZ bars are designed with an angled grip that offers a semi-supinated grip. This is basically halfway between having your palms facing up and a neutral grip position.

man performing preacher curls and showing the unique bends of an ez bar

The shape of the cambers on an EZ bars shaft allows for a much more natural position for your wrists and elbows while doing EZ bar curls, extensions, and upright rows.

EZ bars are also significantly shorter than an Olympic barbell, which makes balancing the bar much easier overall.

Dimensions Of An EZ Curl Bar

EZ Curl Bar Weight – Curl bars can weigh anywhere from 5-35lbs, depending on the type and brand.
EZ Curl Bar Length – The length of a bicep curl bar is also going to depend on the above factors. Bars like rackable EZ bars are generally around 74” long, a regular Olympic curl bar is between 47”-55” long, and tricep/hammer curl barbells are super short around 34” long.
EZ Curl Bar Diameter – Many EZ bars are around 25-28mm like women’s and men’s Weightlifting/Multipurpose bars respectfully. Some are a bit thicker around 30mm, but overall they’re going to be similar to thinner Olympic barbells.

Best Exercises To Do With An EZ Bar

closeup of man doing preacher curls for biceps

There are a couple of basic exercises that are commonly done using an EZ bar.

Bicep/Reverse Curls

Doing an EZ bar curl allows you to train the brachialis much more than a supinated grip curl will allow. You can also flip your hands over for a pronated grip that will train the forearms as well.

Tricep Extensions/Skull Crushers

I don’t know about you, but my elbows get cranky if I try to do any extensions or skull crusher variations with an Olympic bar.

The angled grip of the EZ bar allows for a more comfortable and isolated movement, and keep your elbows happy.

Upright Rows

Some people have issues performing upright rows in general, so trying them with an EZ bar might make them more comfortable, so you can build bigger shoulders.

Worst Exercises To Do With An EZ Bar

While EZ bars have unique benefits for some exercises, there are a couple that you should steer clear of.

Deadlifts

Any Deadlift variation is going to be a bad fit, as the EZ bars camber will drag up your shins and thighs while performing them. Plus, the loading capacity compared to a straight bar is nowhere near as heavy.

Squats

Using an EZ bar has the same issues for Squats as the Deadlift.

Most curl barbells aren’t rackable so setting up with enough weight to overload on squats just isn’t going to happen.

Plus, the curved shaft on your upper back isn’t going to be stable and on top of that, you just can’t use enough weight in general.

Hip Thrust/Glute Bridge

This is another movement that is better suited for a straight bar. The glutes are the largest muscle group in the body and the loadable sleeve length isn’t going to be enough just like the previous two movements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who invented the EZ curl bar?

The EZ Curl bar, also known as the Dymeck Curl bar, was invented by a man named Lewis G. Dymeck.

He originally had an injured wrist, which is why he thought up the idea for this bar in the first place.

After all, working around injuries is important for long term progress.

He was granted the patent for it on May 23, 1950, and now 70+ years later, we can do the EZ bar curl thanks to him!

You can find out more about the history of the barbell here if you want to learn more!

Why is it called an EZ bar?

They’re known as an EZ bar because they’re “easy” on the wrists and elbows. You can train your upper body musculature much easier with the ergonomic friendly grip that an EZ curl bar allows for.

Can you deadlift with an EZ bar?

While you definitely can do Deadlifts with an EZ Bar, it’s not recommended.

The cambered shaft and knurling is going to drag up your shins and thighs, and on top of that, you really can’t load up regular curl barbells with the load required for heavy Deadlifts.

So while you technically can do EZ bar Deadlifts, it’s not suited well for them at all.

What is the point of an EZ bar?

The primary purpose of an EZ bar is to reduce the strain on the wrists and elbows during certain weightlifting exercises, such as bicep curls and skull crushers. The curved shape of the bar allows for a more natural grip, which can help to minimize discomfort and prevent injuries.

What is the correct way to hold an EZ bar?

The correct way to hold an EZ bar depends on the exercise being performed. However, as a general rule, you should grip the bar in a way that feels comfortable and allows you to maintain proper form throughout the exercise.

For bicep curls, the most common grip is with your palms facing up and your hands spaced slightly less than shoulder-width apart on the angled sections of the bar. Your elbows should be kept close to your sides throughout the movement.

For tricep extensions and skull crushers, the most common grip is with your palms facing down and your hands positioned on the straight sections of the bar, with your hands spaced slightly less than shoulder-width apart.

For preacher curls, your hands should be positioned closer together on the angled sections of the bar, and your grip should be adjusted to allow your elbows to rest comfortably on the preacher bench.

When performing any exercise with the EZ bar, it’s important to avoid using a grip that is too narrow or too wide, as this can put unnecessary strain on your wrists, elbows, and shoulders.

Is an EZ curl bar necessary?

An EZ curl bar is not necessary for weightlifting or fitness training, but it can be a useful tool for certain exercises.

If you have a history of wrist or elbow injuries, or if you find that using a straight bar causes discomfort or pain, an EZ curl bar may be a worthwhile investment.

Ultimately, the decision to use an EZ bar should be based on your individual needs and preferences, and you should always prioritize proper form and safety when performing any weightlifting exercise.

Conclusion

Now I turn it over to you!

Did this guide help you learn everything you need to know about an EZ bar?

Let me know if you have any questions in the comment section below that I didn’t answer.

Until next time,

-Dante

Benefits Of An EZ Bar