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Exercise Guide

How to do cable curl

Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.

The cable curl is a popular isolation exercise for the biceps brachii. Unlike dumbbells, the cable provides constant tension from the bottom of the movement to the peak contraction. By adjusting the weight and attachment, you can vary the intensity. It is ideal for high-repetition sets aimed at achieving a muscle pump and refining the shape and size of the upper arms.

Stats

TIER
1
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Cable
TARGET MUSCLES
Biceps

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Cable Machine: Stand facing a low-pulley cable machine.
  2. Attachment: Attach a straight bar, EZ-curl bar, or rope handle to the low pulley.
  3. Grip and Stance: Hold the attachment with an underhand grip (palms facing up) at shoulder-width or slightly wider. Stand tall with feet shoulder-width apart and core engaged.
  4. Body Position: Position yourself a few inches away from the machine so there's tension on the cable even with your arms extended.

The Lift:

  1. Initiate the Curl: Keeping your elbows tucked by your sides, curl the attachment up towards your shoulders.
  2. Peak Contraction: Squeeze your biceps at the top of the movement, holding the contraction briefly.
  3. Controlled Lowering: Slowly lower the attachment back to the starting position, resisting the urge to drop or relax at the bottom.

Tips:

  • Elbow Position: Ensure your elbows remain stationary and tucked close to your body throughout the movement.
  • Slow and Controlled: Avoid using momentum. Focus on the contraction of your biceps.
  • Full Range of Motion: Extend your arms fully at the bottom, but avoid hyperextending your elbows.
  • Grip Variation: Experiment with different attachments and grip widths to find what works best for you.

Common mistakes: Moving the elbows forward or backward to assist the lift and using the back to swing the weight up.

Alternatives

Bench

dumbbell seated curl

Biceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell standing curl

Biceps
Cable

cable curl

Biceps
Preacher Curl Machine

machine preacher curl

Biceps
Preacher Curl

ez-barbell close grip preacher curl

Biceps
Bench

dumbbell concentration curl

Biceps
Cable

cable one arm curl

Biceps
Crossover Cable

cable overhead curl

Biceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell prone incline curl

Biceps
Bench

dumbbell incline biceps curl

Biceps
Cable

cable biceps curl (sz bar)

Biceps
Ez Barbell

ez-barbell standing preacher curl

Biceps
Cable

cable hammer curl(rope)

Biceps
Barbell

barbell wide grip curl

Biceps
Bench

ez-barbell seated curl

Biceps
Barbell

barbell reverse curl

Biceps
Barbell

barbell preacher curl

Biceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell seated alternate biceps curl

Biceps
Bench

ez-barbell spider curl

Biceps
Cable

cable reverse curl

Biceps
Preacher Curl

dumbbell zottman preacher curl

Biceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell reverse grip biceps curl

Biceps
None

lying biceps curl with towel

Biceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell alternate biceps curl

Biceps
Resistance Band

band alternating bicep curl

Biceps
Barbell

barbell curl

Biceps
Bench

dumbbell incline hammer curl

Biceps
Preacher Curl

dumbbell preacher curl

Biceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell bicep curl

Biceps
Resistance Band

band standing hammer curl

Biceps