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Exercise Guide

How to do cable one arm curl

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

The cable one arm curl is an isolation exercise that provides continuous tension on the biceps by using a cable machine. Unlike dumbbells, the cable keeps the muscle under load throughout the entire movement, including the bottom stretch. Using one arm at a time allows you to focus on the mind-muscle connection and correct any strength imbalances between your left and right arms.

Stats

TIER
1
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Cable
TARGET MUSCLES
Biceps

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Cable Position: Set a cable pulley to its lowest position. Attach a single handle.
  2. Stand Position: Stand sideways to the cable machine with your feet shoulder-width apart for stability.
  3. Grip: With your arm relaxed at your side, grasp the handle with an underhand grip (palm facing up).
  4. Slight Lean: You can lean very slightly away from the machine to put natural tension on the cable.

The Lift:

  1. Initiate the Curl: Keeping your upper arm and elbow tucked next to your body, curl the handle upwards towards your shoulder.
  2. Squeeze at the Top: Contract your bicep hard at the top of the movement.
  3. Controlled Descent: Slowly lower the handle back to the starting position, resisting the weight's pull.
  4. Repeat: Perform the desired number of repetitions, then switch arms.

Tips:

  • Isolate the Bicep: Focus on keeping your upper arm stationary, using only your bicep to curl the weight.
  • Full range of motion: Extend your arm fully at the bottom of each rep for a complete stretch.
  • Mind-muscle connection: Concentrate on squeezing your bicep throughout the movement.

Common mistakes: Moving the upper arm/elbow forward and back rather than keeping it pinned to the side.

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