
Cable Curl
- Músculo objetivo
- Biceps Brachii
- Músculos sinergistas
- Brachialis, Brachioradialis
- Equipamiento
- Cable
- Parte del cuerpo
- Upper Arms
- Tipo
- Strength
The cable curl is an isolation exercise that targets the biceps brachii, with help from the brachialis and brachioradialis of the forearm. Performed at a low cable pulley, it keeps constant tension on the muscle through the full range of motion, making it a reliable choice for building arm size and strength.
Cómo hacer el Cable Curl
- 1Attach a straight or EZ bar to a low cable pulley and select your weight.
- 2Stand facing the machine, grip the bar with an underhand (palms-up) grip at about shoulder width, and step back so the cable stays taut.
- 3Set your feet hip-width apart, brace your core, and pin your elbows close to your sides.
- 4Curl the bar up toward your shoulders by flexing at the elbows, keeping your upper arms still.
- 5Squeeze your biceps at the top without letting your elbows drift forward.
- 6Lower the bar under control back to the starting position, resisting the cable the whole way down.
- 7Complete your reps, then step forward to return the weight to the stack.
Consejos de técnica
- Keep your elbows locked at your sides so the movement comes from the forearms, not the shoulders.
- Move slowly on the way down to keep the constant cable tension working for you.
- Use a controlled tempo rather than swinging the weight up with momentum.
- Keep your wrists straight and neutral throughout to keep the load on the biceps and off the joint.
Errores comunes
- Swinging the torso or leaning back to heave the bar up, which shifts work off the biceps and strains the lower back.
- Letting the elbows drift forward at the top, which turns the curl into a partial front raise and reduces biceps tension.
- Standing too close to the pulley so the cable goes slack at the bottom, losing the constant tension that makes this exercise effective.
- Cutting the lowering phase short by dropping the weight, which wastes the most muscle-building part of the rep.
Preguntas frecuentes
What muscles does the cable curl work?
It primarily targets the biceps brachii, with the brachialis and brachioradialis of the upper arm and forearm assisting.
Is the cable curl better than the dumbbell curl?
Neither is strictly better. The cable curl keeps constant tension on the biceps through the whole range, while dumbbells let each arm work independently. Many lifters use both.
How many sets and reps should I do for cable curls?
For arm growth, 3 to 4 sets of 8 to 15 reps with a controlled tempo works well. Choose a weight you can lift without swinging.
Is the cable curl good for beginners?
Yes. The cable guides the path of the bar and provides steady resistance, making it easy to learn good form and feel the biceps working.
Why do my elbows keep moving during cable curls?
Drifting elbows usually mean the weight is too heavy or you are using momentum. Lighten the load and keep your upper arms pinned to your sides so only your forearms move.







