Fysiqal

Isolation · Beginner

Cable Curl

Isolation isolation exercise using cable.
Movement pattern
Isolation
Difficulty
Beginner
Equipment
Cable
Mechanics
Isolation
Sides
Bilateral
Main plane
Sagittal

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How to do the Cable Curl

Cues reviewed by Kwabena Osei on

Setup

Stand facing the low pulley, grip the bar or handle at carrying-angle width, arms extended down.

  1. Curl the bar/handle up by flexing at the elbow, keeping upper arms fixed at your sides.

  2. Squeeze at the top -- the cable keeps tension on the biceps through the whole range, including the top, unlike a barbell.

  3. Lower under control to full arm extension.

Common mistakes

  • Stepping back and leaning into the cable to add momentum instead of curling strictly.

  • Letting the elbows drift forward as the weight gets heavy.

Muscles worked

Primary

Secondary

How the knowledge graph models this movement

Each joint action, with the role and emphasis the graph assigns each muscle. These are qualitative anatomical labels, not measured muscle activation.

  • Elbow flexionprimary action

    Biceps brachii (prime mover, high emphasis); Brachialis (synergist, moderate emphasis); Brachioradialis (synergist, low emphasis)

  • Radioulnar supinationsecondary action

    Biceps brachii (synergist, moderate emphasis)

  • Wrist flexionsecondary action

    Wrist flexors (stabilizer, low emphasis)

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From the Knowledge Library

Educational content only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional for individual guidance, especially around injury, pregnancy or medical conditions.