Exercise guide
Close-Grip Standing Barbell Curl
The Close-Grip Standing Barbell Curl trains the biceps with the hands positioned only a few inches apart. The forearms support the narrow underhand grip as the elbows bend. Because a straight bar fixes the hand position, wrist comfort should determine how narrow the grip becomes.
Training context
Keeping the Close-Grip Barbell Curl controlled
The upper arms should remain beside the torso while the forearms lift the bar. Leaning backward or driving the hips forward changes the movement and reduces the value of the narrow setup.
A very close grip can place unnecessary stress on the wrists. Widen the hands or use an EZ-bar if the straight bar position feels uncomfortable.
Technique overview
Keep the torso still as the bar rises
Stand tall with the bar held palms-up and the elbows near the sides. Curl toward the shoulders without swinging or allowing the elbows to travel forward. Pause briefly, then lower steadily to a comfortable arm extension. End the set before torso movement is needed to lift the bar.
Treat this as an overview and use a range, pace, and setup you can control.