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Reverse Cable Curl

Reverse Cable Curl is an isolation strength movement working the biceps with the forearms assisting, 2 muscle groups in all. Rated beginner; needs a cable machine. 52 of the other 872 exercises here hit the same primary muscle, closest being Alternate Hammer Curl.

Cable Machine beginner strength isolation pull
Reverse Cable Curl — starting position, working the bicepsReverse Cable Curl — end position, working the biceps

How to do the Reverse Cable Curl

  1. Stand up with your torso upright while holding a bar attachment that is attached to a low pulley using a pronated (palms down) and shoulder width grip. Make sure also that you keep the elbows close to the torso. This will be your starting position.
  2. While holding the upper arms stationary, curl the weights while contracting the biceps as you breathe out. Only the forearms should move. Continue the movement until your biceps are fully contracted and the bar is at shoulder level. Hold the contracted position for a second as you squeeze the muscle.
  3. Slowly begin to bring the bar back to starting position as your breathe in.
  4. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Muscles worked

RoleMuscles
Primary biceps
Secondary forearms
Equipmentcable machine
Difficultybeginner
Type isolation

No cable machine? Train the same muscles with these

Ordered by how likely you are to own the 6 options.

Harder than the Reverse Cable Curl

Superset the Reverse Cable Curl with

Opposing triceps work — alternate sets without extra rest.

Common questions

What muscles does the Reverse Cable Curl work?

The Reverse Cable Curl primarily works the biceps, with the forearms as secondary movers. Alternate Hammer Curl, Alternate Incline Dumbbell Curl, and Barbell Curl train the same muscle, across 8 equipment types.

What equipment do you need for the Reverse Cable Curl?

A Cable Machine. Without a cable machine, Alternate Hammer Curl, Alternate Incline Dumbbell Curl, and Concentration Curls train the same muscle, and 1 of the catalogue's options for this muscle need no equipment.

Is the Reverse Cable Curl suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Reverse Cable Curl is rated beginner. High Cable Curls, Drag Curl, and Standing One-Arm Cable Curl are the progressions from here.

Where should the Reverse Cable Curl go in a workout?

Late — the Reverse Cable Curl is isolation work, so it follows your compounds. Supersetting it with Cable Incline Triceps Extension and Cable Lying Triceps Extension cuts session time without extra rest.

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