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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:
- Cable Machine: Stand facing a low-pulley cable machine.
- Attachment: Attach a straight bar, EZ-curl bar, or rope handle to the low pulley.
- 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.
- 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:
- Initiate the Curl: Keeping your upper arms stationary and elbows tucked by your sides, curl the attachment up towards your shoulders.
- Peak Contraction: Flex your wrists and forearms at the top of the movement, squeezing your biceps and forearms for a brief moment.
- 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
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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
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Cable
cable one arm curl
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Crossover Cable
cable overhead curl
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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
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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