5 Dangers of Preacher Curls

Preacher curls are very popular in gyms across America. Bodybuilders and trainers have longed believed that preacher curls were the key to helping to bring out that biceps peak, a result of hitting the fibers which most illustrated the split biceps head. While it’s true that much of this peak comes from genetics and low body fat, in this world of instant results, there is nothing more satisfying to the new bodybuilder than seeing his biceps bulge while curling a monster 50 pounds on the preacher bench. But it’s not all flexing and peaking. There are some inherent dangers that come into play. Let’s examine a few of them.

ROM

It should be noted that many trainers believe there is some danger in allowing the weight to extend all the way down when using preacher curls. This really does place a great deal of weight and strain upon the lower biceps where the connection is made near the elbow joint. This insertion point isn’t designed to hold that much weight at such an angle, so there is some danger present in that situation. Avoid going so low, and you preserve the integrity of these tendons. Additionally and incidentally, your range of motion is improved when you don’t go all the way down. The muscle receives continuous tension for the entire set.

Various angles

If you’ve ever used an incline bench in any gym in America, you’re probably aware of the bench standards (or benchmarks, pun intended) which exist for the machine. Preacher curl benches have no such standards. They’re all different. Keep an eye on your angle, range of motion, and weight so you never injure yourself on an oddly angled bench.

Balance

The use of a bench to sit upon and a raised pad to lean upon means that many bodybuilders don’t place a great deal of emphasis upon balance when completing this movement. When you bench press or complete squats, it’s undeniable how important balance can be. If you lean too far during a set of squats, you will be on the floor with 285 pounds landing upon you. Likewise, if you lose balance while benching, you’ll very shortly be gasping for air while you let the weight slide down. A lack of balance can lead to tendon strains and poor results. Train slowly, methodically, and with great focus.

Watch your toes

Use a pin on the bar when you’re doing curls. This should be common sense, but some bodybuilders never seem to have the time to protect the toes of their fellow gym goers when using this very unbalanced exercise.

Wrist action

The use of a straight curl bar for preacher curls has led many bodybuilders into the sad, lonely world of carpal tunnel syndrome. Don’t take that path. Use the EZ-curl bar. You’ll notice better supination and an increase in biceps peak flexing.

If you’re looking to train around a shoulder injury, or just conduct a biceps workout without placing much emphasis on the shoulder, you should start with the preacher curl. This movement, barring all of the dangers above, is excellent for not only bringing out the peak, but also protecting the shoulders.


Source; http://bodybuilding-training-guides.blogspot.com