FitCi
Cable Biceps Curl is an isolation exercise for the biceps: one joint works, so it comes after the compound lifts to finish the target muscle. Secondary muscles: forearms. Equipment: cable. Difficulty: beginner, suitable for beginners. It takes 5 steps; the most common mistake is covered in the tip below.
Step-by-step
- Set the cable to the lowest pulley and hold the straight bar or handle with palms facing up.
- Step back from the machine, stand tall, and pin your elbows to your sides.
- Curl the handle up toward your shoulders by bending your forearms, keeping your upper arms still.
- Squeeze your biceps at the top and pause for a moment.
- Lower the weight under control, maintaining tension on the cable throughout the descent.
Coaching tip
Take advantage of the constant tension; curl without leaning back.
How to program it
Sets × reps and rest by goal; tempo and controlled reps matter most on isolation work. Start at the bottom of the range in week one; add 2.5–5% when you hit the top with clean form.
| Goal | Sets × Reps | Rest |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 3 × 6-8 | 120 s |
| Muscle gain | 3 × 10-15 | 75 s |
| Fat loss / conditioning | 3 × 12-15 | 60 s |
FitCi applies this table to your age and goal automatically and writes weekly progression.
Alternatives
- Same muscle, different equipment: Barbell Biceps Curl, EZ-Bar Curl, Dumbbell Biceps Curl
More biceps exercises
Add this exercise to your program
Build your own program in FitCi, pick an expert template, or photograph the plan your coach gave you; the app tracks sets, reps and weight.