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Exercise Guide

How to do cable hammer curl(rope)

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

The cable hammer curl using a rope attachment is an isolation exercise that targets the brachialis and brachioradialis, along with the biceps. The neutral grip provided by the rope emphasizes the thickness of the outer arm and forearm. Using a cable ensures constant tension through the lift, leading to better muscle fiber recruitment and enhanced arm definition, making it a staple for comprehensive arm development.

Stats

TIER
2
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 rope handle to the low pulley.
  3. Grip and Stance: Hold the rope handle with a neutral grip (palms facing each other), thumbs on top of the rope. 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 upper arms stationary and elbows tucked by your sides, curl the rope handle up towards your shoulders.
  2. Peak Contraction: At the top of the movement, as the handles approach your shoulders, rotate your wrists outward slightly (supination) to maximize bicep contraction.
  3. Controlled Lowering: Slowly lower the handle 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 and forearms.
  • Full Range of Motion: Extend your arms fully at the bottom, but avoid hyperextending your elbows.
  • Wrists and Forearms: Keep your wrists straight throughout the exercise and focus on engaging your forearms during the supination at the top.

Common mistakes: Not pulling the rope apart at the top of the movement, using momentum to swing the weight, and allowing the elbows to travel forward.

Alternatives

Bench

dumbbell seated curl

Biceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell standing curl

Biceps
Cable

cable curl

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Preacher Curl Machine

machine preacher curl

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Preacher Curl

ez-barbell close grip preacher curl

Biceps
Bench

dumbbell concentration curl

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Cable

cable one arm curl

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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