🏋️ 10 best barbell biceps exercises for pulling strength

After a long weekend of nonstop food, naps, and shopping, it's time to snap back to reality. Luckily for BarBend Newsletter subscribers, that reality includes the best workout tips and strength sports news on the web. Let's get started.

If you’re stuck on a deadlift or row plateau, you might want to focus on some accessory exercises to boost your pulling power. These 10 barbell biceps moves should fit the bill.

Air bikes and rowers provide cardio workouts that most other equipment just can’t match. We put both machines under the microscope to find which is best for you.

And if you need to watch a jaw-dropping feat of strength to break out of your post-holiday slump, strongman Ivan Makarov pressing 418 pounds over his head will do the trick.

Exercise Tips

Better Biceps Through Barbells

In addition to looking great, the biceps play a vital role in your pulling strength. So if you’re an avid deadlifter, you’d be wise to carve out some time each week to blast your bis in order to crush your next PR. But to do that, you’ll first need to pick the right exercises.

There’s no shortage of biceps exercises to choose from, but to increase your pulling power, you’ll want to focus on barbell-specific moves. Many of these exercises allow you to pack on more weight than their dumbbell and cable alternatives, and they’re all super easy to learn. We picked 10 below that you should prioritize.

Face-Off

Air Bike vs. Rower

The air bike and the rower — two cardio machines that are both beloved and dreaded. They’re beloved because they’re quick and dirty ways to push yourself to the limit while getting stronger and better conditioned. And they’re dreaded because, well, neither machine takes it easy on you. They both provide a top-tier cardio workout, but which one is better?

As with most gym equipment, the answer really boils down to your goals. Bodybuilders, powerlifters, and CrossFitters all have different needs, and the wrong type of cardio can actually be a detriment to them. We’re taking all of that into account when we pit these two machines against each other.

PR Alert!

Ivan Makarov's Monster Press

Throughout his extended strongman career, Ivan Makarov has risen in acclaim for his ability to do one thing at an elite level: deadlift staggering amounts of weight. As the 2021 World Deadlift Champion (WDC), a recent majority of Makarov’s career competitive appearances have largely focused on the deadlift, with most of his social media updates focusing on his pulling progress. One exception would be his commitment to overhead strength.

Makarov recently shared footage of himself successfully locking out an unbelievable 190-kilogram (418.9-pound) strict overhead press with a barbell. According to the strongman’s post, the lift is a personal record, and it’s something that needs to be seen to be believed.

Everything Else

Olympia-Quality Wheels

• With just weeks to go before the Olympia, bodybuilders Hadi Choopan and Chris Bumstead teamed up for a blistering leg workout.

• Jim Lorimer — co-founder of the Arnold Sports Festival — passed away late last week at the age of 96. Read more about his impact on the fitness and bodybuilding worlds.

• The Pre-Kaged Elite is one of the most potent pre-workout powders on the market — but is it worth the price? Read our review to find out.

Sound Off!

Cardio of Choice

The Results Are In

Dressed for Success

In the November 21, 2022, edition of The BarBend Newsletter, we asked you to vote on the best Thanksgiving food. Here are the results:

1. Stuffing/dressing (34.7%)

2. Turkey (20.2%)

3. Mashed potatoes (15.3%)

4. Dessert (13.7%)

5. Yams/sweet potatoes (10.5%)

6. Veggies (5.6%)