Elbow pain during barbell bicep curl

Hey everyone,

Just started working out, I'm currently in my second week. Did my research before starting so I haven't had too many issues so far. However, I definitely think I should ask about this before going much longer. Definitely want to prevent injury.

I'm following All Pro's Beginner Routine so if possible I really would not like to have to change the weight or reps (dunno if there are any other solutions, that's why I'm here though!)

When I do barbell bicep curls, I experience some pain in the region of my left elbow. This mostly occurs when I start exerting myself with the exercise (sometimes end of first set, usually middle to end of second set). It's not an unbearable pain but it is undeniably there and I don't want to hurt myself. I don't think I'm using too much weight because I calculated my 10RM to be 32lb and I'm currently curling 30lb for 2 sets of 9. I've also double and triple checked my form and I don't think that's the problem either. One thing I have determined is that by simply lowering the bar about 1 inch less than proper form dictates I should (i.e. lowering it to about waist-level instead of just below waist-level) I can mitigate or even remove the pain, but I don't know whether that's just because the exercise is less exerting when I'm not quite doing the full range of motion or what and I don't want to stray from proper form anyway.

What's this all about?

I neevr did have elbow pain until i started doing curls with the barbell, now I have it right under the bottom side of it... Some people say its not good to do straight barbell curls espically if you go heavy on them.. I went back to preacher curls.. I also had trouble with skull crushers in my elbows so they may just be getting worn somewhat.. I would warm up with a few sets before going heavy on them or switch it over to the preacer bar for a few weeks and see if the pain goes away... hope you get it lined out man

[QUOTE=Oceanbreezeez;740234513]Hey everyone,

Just started working out, I'm currently in my second week. Did my research before starting so I haven't had too many issues so far. However, I definitely think I should ask about this before going much longer. Definitely want to prevent injury.

I'm following All Pro's Beginner Routine so if possible I really would not like to have to change the weight or reps (dunno if there are any other solutions, that's why I'm here though!)

When I do barbell bicep curls, I experience some pain in the region of my left elbow. This mostly occurs when I start exerting myself with the exercise (sometimes end of first set, usually middle to end of second set). It's not an unbearable pain but it is undeniably there and I don't want to hurt myself. I don't think I'm using too much weight because I calculated my 10RM to be 32lb and I'm currently curling 30lb for 2 sets of 9. I've also double and triple checked my form and I don't think that's the problem either. One thing I have determined is that by simply lowering the bar about 1 inch less than proper form dictates I should (i.e. lowering it to about waist-level instead of just below waist-level) I can mitigate or even remove the pain, but I don't know whether that's just because the exercise is less exerting when I'm not quite doing the full range of motion or what and I don't want to stray from proper form anyway.

What's this all about?[/QUOTE]

Pain in your elbow during heavy barbell curls can and most likely is a result of week flexor/extensor muscles in the wrist or bad hand positioning on the barbell. Some people just can't do barbell curls. I would suggest doing curls with an EZ bar (the curvy ones) that puts your wrist in a better position. Do a couple of more warmup sets too with lighter weight. Work on doing wrist curls too to strengthen those muscles. slowly work your way to barbell curls with lighter weights.

I started lifting again two months ago. Left elbow pain came quick with dumbbell curls. My form sucked outright. Once I eliminated the rotational aspect all was well. It all but disappeared once I began my bicep workout with 25 reps on the preacher. Then I do 5 sets of 7 on the preacher with an ez-bar. Standing db sets and seated concentration curls finish me off. I want to add some pullups in the future.

Good luck.

[QUOTE=DubfromGA;743263193]I started lifting again two months ago. Left elbow pain came quick with dumbbell curls. My form sucked outright. Once I eliminated the rotational aspect all was well. It all but disappeared once I began my bicep workout with 25 reps on the preacher. Then I do 5 sets of 7 on the preacher with an ez-bar. Standing db sets and seated concentration curls finish me off. I want to add some pullups in the future.

Good luck.[/QUOTE]

Don't fully extend your arm when you go down on the curls. Otherwise I think there is too much pressure on the elbow joint.