Upper Arms Exercise · Cable

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Cable Overhead Curl

Curling with the arms raised overhead on a cable puts the biceps under tension in a fully stretched position at the top, which is different from the shortened position most curls start in. That stretched-position loading is increasingly seen as valuable for muscle growth, which is why this variation has gained popularity despite feeling awkward at first. Keeping the elbows high and still is what keeps the tension on the biceps instead of the shoulders.

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Category

Upper Arms

Equipment

Cable

Target

Biceps

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Exercise reference published by PlanWorkouts; see our editorial standards.

How to Do the Cable Overhead Curl

1. Attach a straight bar to a high pulley cable machine.
2. Stand facing the machine with your feet shoulder-width apart.
3. Grip the bar with an underhand grip, hands shoulder-width apart.
4. Keep your elbows close to your sides and your upper arms stationary.
5. Exhale and curl the bar down toward your forehead, keeping your upper arms stationary.
6. Pause briefly at the bottom of the movement, squeezing your biceps.
7. Inhale and slowly return the bar to the starting position, fully extending your arms.
8. Complete your planned set count, emphasizing full range of motion and strong peak contraction in the biceps.

Technique & Form Tips

Perform flexion at the elbow while keeping your setup steady and supported. Maintain the specific elbow placement demonstrated for your chosen variation, such as preacher, incline, or hammer curl, to ensure consistent mechanical load through the arc.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using hip momentum: Keep your torso stable to prevent swinging the load upward with your lower body.
• Drifting elbows: Maintain the elbow position relative to your body as defined by your specific curl variant.
• Lack of eccentric control: Lower the weight under control rather than letting it fall.

How to Breathe During This Exercise

Breathe steadily throughout the movement, ideally exhaling during the contraction phase.

Comfort and Control

Choose a load and range you can control. Stop if the movement causes pain. If discomfort persists, stop and ask a qualified professional about an appropriate exercise and range.

General guidance: Mayo Clinic on weight-training technique. Follow the specific movement steps above for this variation.

Muscles Worked

The Cable Overhead Curl mainly targets your Biceps, with your Forearms helping support the movement, along with your Shoulders.

More Upper Arms Exercises

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

More Biceps Exercises

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

Equipment Alternatives

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

Biceps Leg Concentration Curl Body Weight · Biceps Barbell Alternate Biceps Curl Barbell · Biceps Dumbbell Alternate Biceps Curl Dumbbell · Biceps EZ Bar Seated Close Grip Concentration Curl EZ Barbell · Biceps

FAQ

What muscles does the Cable Overhead Curl work?

The Cable Overhead Curl mainly works your biceps. It also helps strengthen your forearms and shoulders. Using good, smooth form makes sure you work the right muscles and avoid unnecessary strain on your joints.

What equipment do I need for the Cable Overhead Curl?

You do the Cable Overhead Curl with a cable. Make sure your equipment is set up safely before starting. If you work out at home or have limited gear, check out our alternative exercises below.

What form mistake should I watch for on the Cable Overhead Curl?

One mistake to watch for is using hip momentum: Keep your torso stable to prevent swinging the load upward with your lower body.. Use a comfortable range and a controlled return; reduce the load if you cannot maintain the demonstrated setup.

How many sets and reps should I perform on the Cable Overhead Curl?

To tone and grow muscle, do 3 to 4 sets of 10 to 15 smooth reps with 60 seconds of rest, focusing on a full stretch and squeezing the muscle at the top of each rep.

What's a good alternative to the Cable Overhead Curl?

The Biceps Leg Concentration Curl trains your biceps with body weight and a similar movement pattern. Review its form guide before substituting it, since setup and range of motion can differ.