PlanWorkouts

Exercise 0868 · REF G08RZcQ

Cable Curl exercise animation

Cable Curl

Category
Upper Arms
Equipment
Cable
Target
Biceps

The cable curl keeps tension on the biceps through the entire rep, including the bottom stretch and top squeeze where a dumbbell or barbell curl tends to lose resistance. That constant load is the main reason lifters prefer it as a finishing exercise after heavier curling movements. Standing too close to the stack shortens the range and quietly cuts the stretch out of the rep — stepping back a bit fixes it.

How to Do the Cable Curl

  1. Stand facing the cable machine with your feet shoulder-width apart.
  2. Grasp the cable attachment with an underhand grip, palms facing up.
  3. Keep your elbows close to your sides and your upper arms stationary.
  4. Exhale and curl the cable attachment towards your shoulders, contracting your biceps.
  5. Pause for a moment at the top of the movement, squeezing your biceps.
  6. Inhale and slowly lower the cable attachment back to the starting position.
  7. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Muscles Worked

The Cable Curl primarily targets the Biceps, with Forearms as the primary synergist muscle group.

More Upper Arms Exercises

Assisted Standing Triceps Extension (with Towel) Assisted Standing Triceps Extension (with Towel) Assisted · Triceps Assisted Triceps Dip (kneeling) Assisted Triceps Dip (kneeling) Leverage Machine · Triceps Band Alternating Biceps Curl Band Alternating Biceps Curl Band · Biceps Band Close-Grip Push-Up Band Close-Grip Push-Up Band · Triceps Band Concentration Curl Band Concentration Curl Band · Biceps Band One Arm Overhead Biceps Curl Band One Arm Overhead Biceps Curl Band · Biceps

More Biceps Exercises

Barbell Alternate Biceps Curl Barbell Alternate Biceps Curl Barbell · Biceps Barbell Biceps Curl (with Arm Blaster) Barbell Biceps Curl (with Arm Blaster) Barbell · Biceps Barbell Curl Barbell Curl Barbell · Biceps Barbell Drag Curl Barbell Drag Curl Barbell · Biceps Barbell Lying Preacher Curl Barbell Lying Preacher Curl Barbell · Biceps Barbell Preacher Curl Barbell Preacher Curl Barbell · Biceps

Equipment Alternatives

Don't have cable? These target the same biceps with different equipment.

Biceps Leg Concentration Curl Biceps Leg Concentration Curl Body Weight · Biceps Band Alternating Biceps Curl Band Alternating Biceps Curl Band · Biceps Barbell Alternate Biceps Curl Barbell Alternate Biceps Curl Barbell · Biceps Dumbbell Alternate Biceps Curl Dumbbell Alternate Biceps Curl Dumbbell · Biceps

FAQ

What muscles does the Cable Curl work?
The Cable Curl primarily targets the biceps, with the forearms as the main supporting muscle group.
What equipment do I need for the Cable Curl?
The Cable Curl is done with a cable.
What's a good alternative to the Cable Curl?
If you don't have access to a cable, the Biceps Leg Concentration Curl targets the same biceps using body weight instead.