GymPlan AI
Exercises › Biceps › Cable Curl

Cable Curl

Cable Curl is a beginner isolation cable exercise that mainly works your biceps.

💪 Biceps🏋️ Cable📈 Beginner🔗 Isolation🎯 3 sets of 10-15 reps
Cable Curl: starting position
Starting position
Cable Curl: end position
End position

How to do the cable curl

  1. Stand up with your torso upright while holding a cable curl bar that is attached to a low pulley. Grab the cable bar at shoulder width and keep the elbows close to the torso. The palm of your hands should be facing up (supinated grip). 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 curl bar back to starting position as your breathe in.
  4. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Muscles worked

Primary: Biceps

Sets and reps

Do 3 sets of 10-15 reps with 60-90 seconds of rest, using a weight you can control through the full range. Add reps first, then weight.

Track your cable curl with GymPlan AI

Log every set in seconds, see your progress on charts, and ask the AI coach to build a plan around your goals and equipment. 7 days free, no card needed.

Start your free trial

Cable Curl alternatives

Exercises that train the same main muscle, including options with other equipment.

Barbell CurlBarbell · BeginnerDumbbell CurlDumbbell · BeginnerPreacher CurlMachine · BeginnerCable Preacher CurlCable · BeginnerReverse Plate CurlsOther · BeginnerHammer CurlDumbbell · Beginner

FAQ

What muscles does the cable curl work?

It mainly works your biceps.

How many sets and reps of cable curl should I do?

Do 3 sets of 10-15 reps with 60-90 seconds of rest, using a weight you can control through the full range. Add reps first, then weight.

Is the cable curl good for beginners?

Yes. It is a beginner-friendly movement: start light and focus on the form steps above.

More biceps exercises →