One Arm Curl (Cable)

Level
beginner
Force
pull
Mechanic
isolation
Equipment
cable
Category
strength
Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles

An isolation exercise that targets the biceps by curling cable resistance with one arm at a time.

Instructions

  1. Set the cable pulley to the lowest position and attach a single handle.
  2. Stand facing the cable machine, grasping the handle with one hand at your side.
  3. Keep your upper arm stationary and elbow in, with your palm facing forward (supinated grip).
  4. Curl the handle toward your shoulder by bending at the elbow.
  5. Pause briefly at the top, squeezing your biceps.
  6. Lower the handle in a controlled manner back to the starting position without fully straightening your arm.

Tips

  • Keep your upper arm stationary against your side; only your forearm should move.
  • Maintain a neutral spine and avoid leaning back or swinging the weight.
  • Use a full range of motion from a slight bend at the bottom to full elbow flexion at the top.
  • Control the eccentric portion to maximize biceps engagement and time under tension.
  • Start with a weight that allows proper form; gradually increase as you build strength.
  • Perform equal repetitions on both sides for balanced arm development.

Recommended starting values

Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.

Goal Sets Reps Weight
Male Female
Gain strength 3 9 reps 10 kg 7.5 kg
Build muscle 3 13 reps 10 kg 7.5 kg
Build endurance 3 16 reps 7.5 kg 5 kg

Alternatives

Exercises that target the same muscles with the same force and mechanic.

intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength

Biceps Clutch (TRX / Suspension Trainer)

Learn more about biceps clutch (trx / suspension trainer)
beginner strength

Biceps Curl Single Arm (TRX / Suspension Trainer)

Learn more about biceps curl single arm (trx / suspension trainer)
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
Curls Lying Against An Incline (Barbell)

Curls Lying Against An Incline (Barbell)

Learn more about curls lying against an incline (barbell)
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
Lying Close-Grip Bar Curl On High Pulley

Lying Close-Grip Bar Curl On High Pulley

Learn more about lying close-grip bar curl on high pulley
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
Seated Close-Grip Concentration Barbell Curl

Seated Close-Grip Concentration Barbell Curl

Learn more about seated close-grip concentration barbell curl
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
Standing One-Arm Dumbbell Curl Over Incline Bench

Standing One-Arm Dumbbell Curl Over Incline Bench

Learn more about standing one-arm dumbbell curl over incline bench
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength