Over the years, many top professional and amateur bodybuilders have consulted with me - most of them in peak muscular shape. Still, they come to Cincinnati, Ohio, to learn techniques that will further refine their physiques. Most people, upon seeing a top-level bodybuilder, would feel that such athletes are flawless. Why would they even need help — at this pinnacle in their development? Plus, what kind of help could possibly transform their already near-perfect bodies? Regardless of your level of training and development, you can still improve your physique, and that applies to anyone. Let’s face it, we’re all “works-inprogress.” People who observe my one-on-one work with champions are amazed that I can find flaws in the most highly trained physique. Having worked with bodybuilders and judging bodybuilding contests for three decades, have sharpened my ability to scrutinize physiques.

Hopefully after reading this article you will have a new understanding of this basic movement. The barbell curl is a staple in most exercise programs, and is easily executed, but is still done incorrectly many times. To complete this exercise grasp the bar with a shoulder width under hand grip. With the elbows to the side, raise the bar until the elbow is fully flexed. Then lower the bar until the arms are fully extended, this is to ensure full range of motion and to stretch the muscle after contraction. Notice I said until the elbow joint is fully flexed, I said nothing about flexing the shoulder joint. When the elbow is fully flexed, the elbow should not have to travel forward. This would allow the forearm to be perpendicular to the floor and cause a release of tension in the muscles between repetitions.