My first experience using a fat bar for curls was in 2012. The university gym had a straight fat bar – at the time I was not doing much accessory work, but the fact that a fat bar not only works your biceps, but also grip strength made fat bar curls appealing. I wanted to stop using straps or hooks for deadlifts (I was of the opinion that if I could not hold onto the weight without help, I had no business lifting it) and thought fat bar curls would work well.
I usually performed fat bar curls after doing weighted chins as my primary bicep movement. The combination of the two destroyed my arms and gave me an amazing pump. When the university built a new fitness center the following year, one of the frustrating things was that they got rid of my beloved fat bar. When I found out that Fringe Sport not only offered a fat bar, but a fat bar that was also configured as an EZ curl bar, I was very interested. An EZ Curl bar has a closer-to-neutral grip than a straight bar, which has been easier on my wrists than a straight bar. In addition to the increase in grip strength there are some of the other reported benefits of fat bar training including the alleviation of joint pain and/or increased joint stability, increased muscular irradiation and neural drive, and better distribution of the weight throughout your body. My understanding is that all of these benefits are the result of thick bars stimulating underdeveloped and/or more muscles. You can read more about fat bar training here and here.
First Impressions
I don’t typically write an a “first impressions” post until I have some time to use a product. Unfortunately I’ve had this bar EZ Curl Axle Bar for over two months and have yet to use it. Just a couple of days after receiving it I suffered a distal bicep tendon rupture and have another 6 weeks until I’ll be able to really train with it. I have noticed that the bar seems to be solidly constructed. All of the welds are complete without any gaps or blow-throughs. The finish on the bar is nice. I’ve loaded weight plates onto the bar and fit is good too.
Future Testing
Once I am able to use the bar, I will be interested in observing:
- if I prefer a fat bar in an EZ curl configuration over a straight bar for curls
- how well the finish of the bar holds up to iron plates
- if the configuration of the bar is good for OHP (won’t have to move my head out of the way)
