Upper Arms Exercise · Cable
Cable Reverse One Arm Curl
- Category
- Upper Arms
- Equipment
- Cable
- Target
- Biceps
Biomechanical cues verified by the PlanWorkouts Science Review Board under CSCS editorial oversight; see our editorial standards.
The Cable Reverse One Arm Curl is a targeted isolation upper arms movement designed to train the Biceps.
Single-joint elbow flexion isolated in the sagittal plane. Focuses mechanical load on biceps brachii (long and short heads) and brachialis with minimal torso swinging. Executing this with strict form maximizes muscle fiber recruitment while protecting joint structures.
Quick Exercise Facts
Target Muscle Activation
A reverse grip on a one-arm cable curl trains the brachialis and forearm more than the biceps directly, and doing it one arm at a time makes any strength imbalance between sides obvious. Because reverse-grip curls use less weight than a standard curl, ego needs to stay in check here — going too heavy just turns it into a wrist curl in disguise. It's a solid forearm-building accessory for anyone chasing grip strength.
How to Do the Cable Reverse One Arm Curl
- Stand facing a cable machine with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Grip the cable handle with an underhand grip, palm facing down.
- Keep your elbow close to your side and slowly curl your forearm up toward your shoulder.
- Pause briefly at the top, then slowly lower your forearm back down to the starting position.
- Perform the set reps for your first side, then mirror the movement on your opposite side with equal focus.
Recommended Sets & Reps by Training Goal
65–75% 1RM · 60s rest
50–60% 1RM · 30–45s rest
Controlled 3s eccentric · 60s rest
Biomechanical & Joint Load Cues
Single-joint elbow flexion isolated in the sagittal plane. Focuses mechanical load on biceps brachii (long and short heads) and brachialis with minimal torso swinging.
Common Mechanical Mistakes & Form Errors to Avoid
- Swinging Hips & Lower Back: Using momentum from the hips to swing the weight upward eliminates the initial concentric overload on the biceps.
- Drifting Elbows Forward: Allowing elbows to travel forward past the ribs recruits the anterior deltoids and takes tension off the biceps apex.
- Dropping the Eccentric Phase: Letting the weight fall quickly without resistance wastes 50% of the muscle-building stimulus from eccentric microtrauma.
Proper Breathing Patterns & Core Engagement
Inhale on controlled lowering (2-3s eccentric); exhale on elbow contraction to peak tension.
Add the Cable Reverse One Arm Curl to Your Custom Workout Routine
Build a personalized, science-backed workout plan matching your training goals, equipment access, and schedule.
Injury Modification & Joint Safety
Lifters with distal biceps tendinopathy or golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) should use neutral-grip hammer curls or EZ-bars to reduce wrist pronation torque. If joint irritation persists, immediately stop and substitute this movement with another exercise from the Upper Arms exercises category.
Muscles Worked
The Cable Reverse One Arm Curl primarily targets the Biceps, with Forearms as the primary synergist muscle group.
More Upper Arms Exercises
Assisted Standing Triceps Extension (with Towel)
Assisted Triceps Dip (kneeling)
Band Alternating Biceps Curl
Band Close-Grip Push-Up
Band Concentration Curl
Band One Arm Overhead Biceps Curl
More Biceps Exercises
Barbell Alternate Biceps Curl
Barbell Biceps Curl (with Arm Blaster)
Barbell Curl
Barbell Drag Curl
Barbell Lying Preacher Curl
Barbell Preacher Curl
Equipment Alternatives
Don't have cable? These target the same biceps with different equipment.
Biceps Leg Concentration Curl
Barbell Alternate Biceps Curl
Dumbbell Alternate Biceps Curl
EZ Bar Seated Close Grip Concentration Curl
FAQ
- What muscles does the Cable Reverse One Arm Curl work?
- The Cable Reverse One Arm Curl primarily targets the biceps as the primary agonist. The forearms acts as the primary supporting muscle group during force transmission. Maintaining strict biomechanical alignment ensures maximal tension remains focused on the intended muscle fibers rather than shifting to surrounding stabilizer joints.
- What equipment do I need for the Cable Reverse One Arm Curl?
- The Cable Reverse One Arm Curl is performed using a cable. Ensure all equipment is securely positioned with collars or safety pins locked before loading working sets. If you train in a home gym or minimal setup, explore our equipment-free and resistance band alternatives below.
- What is the most common form mistake on the Cable Reverse One Arm Curl?
- The most frequent error is swinging hips & lower back: Using momentum from the hips to swing the weight upward eliminates the initial concentric overload on the biceps.. Controlling the 2 to 3-second eccentric lowering phase ensures maximal hypertrophic stimulus while shielding connective tissue.
- How many sets and reps should I perform on the Cable Reverse One Arm Curl?
- For muscle growth and density, execute 3 to 4 working sets of 10 to 15 controlled repetitions with 60 seconds rest, emphasizing a deep stretch and deliberate peak contraction on every rep.
- What's a good alternative to the Cable Reverse One Arm Curl?
- If you don't have access to a cable, the Biceps Leg Concentration Curl targets the same biceps using body weight instead. This alternative replicates the same joint angle and movement plane while allowing you to train effectively with different available gear. You can also substitute it seamlessly in our free Workout Plan Builder.