Why are biceps so hard for me?

[elsie3]

Hi Guys:

Not to whine (too late), but I'm always wondering why biceps are so hard for me. As background, I'm 5'2" with a "stockyish" (not a real word, I know) build and I show muscle easily. My arms are defined and my biceps are, quite frankly, as big or bigger than I would like.
BUT, biceps work is always harder for me than the other muscle groups. I always end up having to go lighter or do fewer reps; and I don't have to do that with the other muscle groups.

Like I said, I don't really want bigger biceps, but I'm wondering if anyone here has the same problem or any ideas why this is. I know that I'm using my biceps for other exercises and that they're pre-fatigued by the time I get to the real biceps work. But I still think it's strange that I find biceps so much harder by comparison.

Thanks,

Carol F

 

[Aquajock]

I always do biceps last, and yes by the time I get into BicepsLand my bis AND my forearms are fried (I never do split-set routines). Biceps are recruited in a surprising number of lifts as assisters (including palms-facing-each-other pec flyes and underhand-grip barbell rows).

Also, I find barbells not good for biceps work for me, because they keep my hands in an artificially fixed position that actually works against my being able to lift past a certain weight load.

Maybe just reshuffle your lift sequence every now and then so that you do the biceps earlier in the routine?

A-Jock

 

[karenc1]

I don't have an answer except that I've noticed that I can match Cathe on all weights just about every time except triceps. So triceps are hard for me. I think each of us has our own challenges and I guess biceps are your challenge. Lucky for you, you still have great development in them. I would like my triceps to develop more which is why I am determined to one day match Cathe in tricep work. And even though I match Cathe in bicep work, they are REALLY hard sets IMO. Especially in that ME workout. (those crazy eights!!) Oh yeah, those Pyramid Upper bicep sets, YEOWCH!!!
x( /karen

 

[karenc1]

I think Annette's answer is very helpful! (way better than mine) I'm amazed by the level of knowledge available from the workout crowd here. /karen

 

[elsie3]

Thanks guys! I feel much better. And I have noticed that bicep work with the barbell is harder for me than with the dumbells. I appreciate your input.

Carol F

 

[starlight6]

As if to prove the point further...biceps with the barbell are way easier for me.

Also, I find hammer curls way easier than regular barbell curls.

And has anybody tried curling from the side? Yowza!

My weakness is shoulders.

Ruth

 

[Beth-B-Fit]

Ruth,

You are not alone! Biceps are what I consider my weakest lifting muscle...we won't get into my ab work...!!! For example, in Pyramid Upper Body I lift only 5-8-10. But Cathe does say in that routine that if you lift what challenges you then that's what you should be lifting. So I don't feel too bad about it and am glad I finally moved up from 3-5-8!

So just lift what's hard for you and it'll work for you.

Beth