A whole array of lifting bars are available to bodybuilders, and aside from the regular straight barbell and dumbbell’s the so-called EZ Curl Bar is easily the most popular.
As the name implies, the EZ Curl Bar was created to make curling exercises easier, as many people found that using a straight barbell was awkward or even slightly painful on the elbows.
But, does the EZ curl actually work properly for curls?
Of course, you can certainly curl an EZ bar. And yes, it is more comfortable. But, the problem is, the bar places the palms in a more neutral position, making it something like an in-between hammer curl.
What’s wrong with that, you ask?
Well, the hammer curl an exercise not really for the biceps, but for the brachioradialis of the forearm. The less supine (upwards) the palm is turned, and the more prone it becomes (downwards) the less the involvement of the biceps and the more the brachioradialis takes over.
That means, compared to a straight barbell, the EZ Curl Bar isn’t as effective for biceps curls, as it was originally created for. But…
However, it may be called the EZ ‘Curl’ Bar, but, it can be used to make other exercises such as triceps extensions less awkward without compromising the integrity of the exercise.
For this reason, I would recommend owning one and putting it to use in ways other than curls.