A curl bar and a straight bar are not used for your hair, such as a curling and straightening iron. These pieces of equipment are used for strength training. As if the contents of a gym are not confusing enough with the variety of workout machines available, you also have a choice when using free weights.
Free Weights
Barbells are free-weight equipment used for strength-training exercises. You increase the resistance amount of a barbell by sliding weight plates onto the ends of the bar. Although you can use a straight bar and a curl bar in the same ways, you select the type of bar based on the exercises you perform, weight amount you use and comfort level.
Straight Bar
An Olympic straight barbell measures approximately 6 feet long and weighs 45 lbs. Your gym may offer shorter lengths and lighter weights in straight bars that you can use for your smaller muscle groups. The straight bar is perfectly straight and when you hold onto the bar, your wrists and hands are in a flat, neutral position.
Curl Bar
You may hear the curl bar referred to as an EZ-curl bar. The flattened "W" shape of the bar places your wrists in a position that is more comfortable than when using a straight bar. When you grasp a curl bar, your thumbs are positioned higher than your pinkies. This placement reduces the strain on your wrists. An Olympic curl bar weighs 25 lbs., and you can add weight plates on the ends to increase the amount of resistance.
Biceps
One of the exercises that requires a choice between a straight and curl bar is a standing biceps curl. The American Council on Exercise suggests a straight bar for your biceps curl exercise. If you experience pain in your wrists when you use a barbell, substitute a curl bar. Although using a curl bar activates more of the lower end of your bicep muscle, you will still benefit from the arm strengthening workout and reduce your discomfort.
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