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Exercise Guide

How to do cable overhead curl

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

The cable overhead curl, also known as the Hercules curl, is a unique bicep isolation exercise performed between two high pulleys. By keeping your arms elevated and curling toward your head, you place the biceps in a shortened position for an intense peak contraction. This exercise is excellent for developing the bicep peak and improving the overall shape and definition of the upper arms.

Stats

TIER
1
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Crossover Cable
TARGET MUSCLES
Biceps

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Cable Position: Attach a rope handle to a cable machine and adjust the pulley to a high position (above head height).
  2. Kneeling Position: Kneel down facing the cable machine, keeping your back straight and core tight.
  3. Grip: Grab one end of the rope in each hand with an underhand grip (palms facing up). Position the center of the rope behind your head.

The Lift:

  1. Initiate: Keeping your upper arms still, curl the rope handles towards your forehead.
  2. Slight Extension: At the top of the movement, slightly separate the ends of the rope for a greater peak contraction.
  3. Squeeze: Briefly squeeze your biceps.
  4. Controlled Descent: Slowly reverse the movement, returning to the starting position with control. Do not let the weight slam down.
  5. Reset: Breathe and prepare for the next repetition.

Tips:

  • Maintain Tension: Keep the tension on your biceps throughout the movement without fully locking out your elbows.
  • Engage your core: Focus on keeping a strong core to protect your lower back.
  • Adjust stance: If kneeling is too challenging, you can modify to a standing position.

Common mistakes: Allowing the elbows to drop during the curl and not reaching a full peak contraction.

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