Top 5 Arm builders

[Chillen]

Originally Posted by 5kgLifter

It's not about "being allowed to" it's about whether it's any good or useful; and the sentence above has you saying it's a waste of time...I have to differ on that viewpoint. Some people will never be able to do dips and/or chins, which leaves them curls etc.

Its about applying some practical common sense; for example: When doing rows (say bent over BB rows, traditional style): Which exhausts first? The upper back (which is a larger muscle) or the tinie-weenie bicep in the execution of the movement? Now, its true, the biceps (will of course) get stronger as time and progression moves on, but in the mean time, the muscle in the back isn't being worked....as much as it could be, if the bicep was stronger. Why wait--while the back isnt being worked like it could be (in this example I am giving). Apply som direct work, and having a stronger bicep is nearly never wrong, in bent over rows, in my opinion.

[5kgLifter]

Originally Posted by Chillen

Its about applying some practical common sense; for example: When doing rows (say bent over BB rows, traditional style): Which exhausts first? The upper back (which is a larger muscle) or the tinie-weenie bicep in the execution of the movement? Now, its true, the biceps (will of course) get stronger as time and progression moves on, but in the mean time, the muscle in the back isn't being worked....as much as it could be, if the bicep was stronger. Why wait--while the back isnt being worked like it could be (in this example I am giving). Apply som direct work, and having a stronger bicep is nearly never wrong, in bent over rows, in my opinion.

But, this is my point, I cannot do chins (just not medically viable) therefore common sense dictates that curls and/or other exercises that I can do are my remaining options.

I have no issues with people suggesting compounds such as chin-ups as the better exercise, if a person is able to do them, but to suggest that curls shouldn't be done until chin-ups can be accomplished is like throwing out the baby with the bath water.

We're not all fit/healthy enough to be able to do chin-ups, so curls have to suffice, in that instance.

[Chillen]

Originally Posted by 5kgLifter

But, this is my point, I cannot do chins (just not medically viable) therefore common sense dictates that curls and/or other exercises that I can do are my remaining options.

I have no issues with people suggesting compounds such as chin-ups as the better exercise, if a person is able to do them, but to suggest that curls shouldn't be done until chin-ups can be accomplished is like throwing out the baby with the bath water.

We're not all fit/healthy enough to be able to do chin-ups, so curls have to suffice, in that instance.

And, I agree, of course, young lady. Individual particulars and circumstances, dictate what is done, and this trumps all things that are or may be deemed traditional.

Good post.

[Soldier]

I had a really complex statement about efficient use of time and working multiple muscles vs. isolation movements, but it ended up sounding silly to me.

In the end, I think that chins are a better overall strength builder AND a better biceps strength builder than curls, and I think that the efforts made to first be able to perform chins and then increase the number you can do will serve you far better then doing any curl movements. I know I sound like I've drank the anti-curl koolaid, but that isn't the case. I think they have their place, but I also think a beginner's gym time can be better spent.

For the record, Chillen, I understand your points and don't necesarily disagree.

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by Soldier

You also don't do curls!

I can curl 135 cold for reps. I do them once every couple of months.

I could never do chins or pulls. At 190 and strong, at 220 and strong or at 270 and strong. I have been crazy strong at curls when I did do curls. I think at one time I could easily strict curl 175-185 at a bodyweight of 205.

I personally have never had enough bodyweight strength to do pullups or chins. This is not to say I don't regret working on them. I do. But I recall only once in my life being able to do a single pullup, and that was a kip.

I am a big advocate of chin ups. I think they are a great choice if someone can do them to begin with.

[jslep]

I LOVE TO DO CURLZ FOR DEM GIRLZ!!!!

.........is that wrong?

[Off Road]

Rows and curls helped me to be able to do chin-ups...just sayin'

I've been known to do barbell curls, but they are usually the first thing to get thrown out when feeling tired.

[Soldier]

Very interesting btb. 5kg, I hope you don't think I'm trying to be uncaring. I definitely understand that some people are stronger and weaker at different things, and I DEFINITELY understand if someone has a medical reason they can't do something. I have general guidelines I follow when giving advice, but it's always a relative thing and must be malleable to different situations in order to best serve the individual person.

[BendtheBar]

I usually tell folks if they can do chin ups (palms toward face), then use them for biceps. Curls are not bad either for an isolation lift. they are one of the few isolation lifts that can actually allow for substantial progression.

When I look at isolation lifts for arms, the question I ask is this...does this lift allow for much progression? If not, it's dead to me.

[dmaipa]

I do direct arm work, but it has never been a focus of mine. I add in arm work when I feel like it because along with everyone else I feel they get plenty of work with compound movements. I do specific arm work when I feel they need extra work.