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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:
- Cable Position: Attach a rope handle to a cable machine and adjust the pulley to a high position (above head height).
- Kneeling Position: Kneel down facing the cable machine, keeping your back straight and core tight.
- 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:
- Initiate: Keeping your upper arms still, curl the rope handles towards your forehead.
- Slight Extension: At the top of the movement, slightly separate the ends of the rope for a greater peak contraction.
- Squeeze: Briefly squeeze your biceps.
- Controlled Descent: Slowly reverse the movement, returning to the starting position with control. Do not let the weight slam down.
- 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