The SZ barbell was originally called the Dymeck Curling Bar, after its inventor Lewis G. Dymeck, who patented this special variation of the barbell in 1948. It later got the more catchy name EZ Bar in English (pronounced EZ for “easy”). Easy does not mean that the curls are "easy" with this bar. Easy refers to the fact that the semi-supinated (when gripping from below) or semi-pronated (when gripping from above) grip positions are less stressful on the wrists of the exerciser than fully supinated (palms facing the ceiling) or Pronated (palms facing the floor) grip positions that are only possible with straight barbells. In German, the EZ Bar is called SZ Hantel, probably because of its wavy shape, which is a bit reminiscent of the letter or character ß.
SZ dumbbells can be found in almost every gym. Often they lie directly on the weight rack of the Scottbank. Bodybuilder Larry Scott, who won the very first Mr. Olympia in 1965, popularized the Scott curl. This is a bicep curl performed on the incline bench, originally known as the preacher bench, later known as the scott bench. Larry Scott often performed Scott curls with the EZ dumbbell. Not only Scott's impressive arm development is a reason to integrate the SZ dumbbell into your training.
Here are three more reasons to use the SZ dumbbell:
1. Curved shape - As already mentioned, the special shape of the SZ dumbbell makes it possible to grip diagonally from above or below. This creates a mix between a more natural hand position – as can be achieved with dumbbell curls – and more stability – as is the case with barbell curls. Thus, SZ dumbbell curls or SZ tricep stretches are gentler on the wrists and at the same time allow the use of heavier weights.
2. Shorter - Due to its short length, the SZ dumbbell is ideal, for example, as an additional weight for back extensions with a dumbbell on your neck if you have little space in the gym. Curls or tricep stretches can also be performed in a space-saving manner.
3. Lighter - With a weight of approx. 10 kg, the SZ dumbbell is also significantly lighter than a conventional barbell. Even shorter barbell bars weigh 10-15 kg, but are longer than the SZ dumbbell. Due to the low weight, the SZ dumbbell for squats is suitable as an intermediate step between a broomstick and a 20 kg barbell to learn the movement over the full range of motion.
After the barbell and the dumbbell, the EZ dumbbell is the most popular, widespread and well-known dumbbell. Due to its handiness, lighter weight and more comfortable hand positions, it has secured its place in gyms around the world. Use the listed advantages of this special dumbbell and vary your training with the different grip positions and widths to set new growth stimuli.
Good luck with training with the SZ dumbbell!
Image: WBFF Pro Daniel Harder at SZ Scott Curls at YPSI.