Overhand Cable Curl

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

A cable curl performed with an overhand (pronated) grip, targeting the biceps and building forearms strength.

Instructions

  1. Stand facing a cable machine with feet shoulder-width apart and a slight bend in your knees.
  2. Attach a straight bar or rope handle to the low pulley of the cable machine.
  3. Grasp the handle with an overhand grip (palms facing down) with your hands shoulder-width apart.
  4. Step back slightly so there is tension on the cable at the starting position, with your arms extended.
  5. Keep your upper arms stationary and curl the handle up toward your shoulders by bending at the elbows.
  6. Squeeze your biceps at the top of the movement, with the bar at about shoulder height.
  7. Slowly lower the handle back to the starting position in a controlled manner, fully extending your arms.
  8. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Tips

  • Keep your elbows pinned at your sides throughout the movement to isolate the biceps.
  • The overhand grip emphasizes the brachialis and forearms more than a standard supinated curl.
  • Avoid swinging the weight up - use strict form for maximum effectiveness.
  • Pause briefly at the top of each rep to maximize the contraction.
  • Keep a slight bend in your knees and engage your core for stability.

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
beginner 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