Do you want to know more about the spider curl? Then, you can use this exercise to build bigger bicep muscles. Bicep curls are the most straightforward way to grow the bicep. However, there are many variations to choose from. For example, we can select from the humble dumbbell curl to the preacher curl.
Each curl performed correctly grows the biceps larger. The bicep is a minor muscle. Thus, it shares the characteristics of other smaller muscle groups. Smaller muscle groups burn out quickly. Also, they are more sensitive to pain.
But they recover quickly from workouts. These muscles also play a supportive role in compound exercises. However, if you can isolate them, you can see significant gains. Thus, the spider curl is a great exercise to build the bicep muscle.
The spider curl is one of the most effective curls. It has a surprising history. We know that not all exercises are equal. While some activities belong to your workout, others require consideration. Some exercises you should only perform on special occasions (see a periodization plan). In this article, we will discuss the bicep curl in depth. Let’s get started!
What is the Spider Curl?
The spider curl is a recent adaptation of a classic innovation. At the same time, no one knows who exactly invented it. However, we do know it came from the preacher’s curl. A genius created the preacher curl in the 1960s.
The creator of the preacher curl was Vince Gironda, the legendary “Iron Expert.” Thus, a new curl was born by inventing a unique at-the-time bench. The bench would later be called the preacher curl bench. Using a preacher curl bench with an EZ bar proved to be a great way of isolating the bicep.
Evolution –
Over the years, the bench and the unique type of curl developed. The modern incarnation of the preacher curl is the spider curl. However, it uses an altered variation of the preacher bench. Instead of forcing the arms into a rigid position, it uses a spider curl bench that works the arms at 45°.
Thus, this position allows for more increased tension on the bicep. In addition, the spider curl prevents the body from assisting the bicep with the movement. Also, this results in more work for the bicep and more gains for you.
Spider Curl Exercise –
Muscles Worked:
- The short head of the biceps
Equipment Needed:
- A bench set to 45°
- Dumbbells, a Barbell, or an EZ Bar
How to Perform:
- Lie face down on a standard bench set at 45° (or on a proper spider curl bench)
- Hold the dumbbells, barbell, or Ez Bar at arm’s length below the bench for your grip,
- Make sure your arms are shoulder-width apart with your palms facing up.
- Lift slowly, flexing your biceps as you do.
- At the top of the curl, hold for a moment.
- Slowly lower the weight back down to a resting position.
Tips:
- Keep your arms perpendicular (90 degrees) to the ground and straight.
- Only move your forearm.
- Don’t drop the weight down.
- Control the movement as you lower the weight.
Isolation Lift –
Should you add the spider curl exercise to your workout? The spider curl is a detailed exercise that explicitly works the short head of the bicep. The standard curls often miss or neglect this part of the bicep. Also, with this in mind, we recommend adding the spider curl to the end of your routine.
The main difference between the spider curl and other curls is the degree to which the bicep moves the weight. Different angles create different pressure on the muscles. Because the bicep is smaller, you can use three sets of 10-15 reps with a 30 to 60-second rest time for optimal muscle gains. A
Finally, it is essential to state that the tricep is the largest muscle of the arm. It is two times larger than the bicep. Therefore, you must perform compound lifts like the bench press and dip to get bigger arms. Also, you can use compound exercises like pull-ups and chin-ups to work the bicep even more.
Adopt a good workout program. One you might consider is a post-exhaustion workout program. The workout program will help you work the spider curl into your workouts without disrupting your overall fitness goal. Besides your training, you need a diet, progressive overload, periodization, and a rest and recovery plan to get better results.
The Last Word on Using the Spider Curl to Grow Bigger Arms
So why is the spider curl so effective at building larger arms? The simple truth is it forces the bicep to perform most of the work. In short, the spider curl prevents you from cheating. This curl removes gravity from the equation. Thus, the spider curl stops the rest of the body from helping the bicep perform the lift. By sitting on a bench in a relaxed state, only the biceps can move the bar.
The science of bodybuilding clearly states muscle hypertrophy happens when a muscle gets worked and broken down. Thus, this forces the bicep to respond to the workout. The spider curl is a great bicep exercise for bodybuilders. It’s like the basic bicep curl, but it targets the bicep in your arm. Thus, it forces you to use better form.
Also, if you do spider curl correctly, you can get bigger powerful bicep muscles with fewer reps. The only reps that count are the ones you do with the correct form. Try it! Let us know what you think in the comments. What has been your experience?
