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Exercise Guide

How to do cable reverse curl

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

The cable reverse curl is a highly effective movement for developing the forearms and the brachialis muscle. Because it uses a cable, the resistance remains constant throughout the entire range of motion, unlike a barbell which loses tension at the top. This exercise is essential for anyone looking to increase their grip strength and build thicker, more muscular forearms to complement their upper arm development.

Stats

TIER
3
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 straight bar, EZ-curl bar, or rope handle to the low pulley.
  3. Grip and Stance: Hold the attachment with an overhand grip (palms facing down), hands shoulder-width apart or slightly narrower. 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 attachment up towards your shoulders.
  2. Peak Contraction: Flex your wrists and forearms at the top of the movement, squeezing your biceps and forearms for a brief moment.
  3. 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 and forearms.
  • Full Range of Motion: Extend your arms fully at the bottom, but avoid hyperextending your elbows.
  • Wrist and Forearm Focus: While your biceps will be engaged, concentrate on the contraction of your wrists and forearms during the lift.

Common mistakes: Curling the wrists upward too early and allowing the elbows to drift forward away from the body.

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