ZERO FLEX APPEAL

Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure you’re gunning to grow and not just putting on a show

THE SWINGER

There isn’t a muscle in his body that he won’t bring into play in order to curl that iron. “Using momentum might allow more weight to be lifted, but takes the focus away from the biceps,” says Clarke. Keep your torso upright, braced and still.

THE TOP DROPPER

Nails the first half of each rep, but once he hits the top, it’s all downhill – dropping the bar at terminal velocity back to hip height. “If you don’t control the eccentric phase, you won’t get the most out of the move.” Maintain tension throughout.

THE DRAG RACER

Gets the bar from

A to B, but takes a direct path, pushing his elbows back and dragging the barbell up his body. It’s a movement that isn’t without merit, but it’s better to screw your elbows to your torso and picture them as hinges, following a controlled arc.