Back to Library
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:
- Cable Machine: Stand facing a low-pulley cable machine.
- Attachment: Attach a straight bar, EZ-curl bar, or rope handle to the low pulley.
- 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.
- 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:
- Initiate the Curl: Keeping your elbows tucked by your sides, curl the attachment up towards your shoulders.
- Peak Contraction: Squeeze your biceps at the top of the movement, holding the contraction briefly.
- 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