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StrengthIntermediate
Standing One-Arm Cable Curl
Equipment
Cable
Target Muscles
Biceps
Category
Strength
Muscle Group
Arms
Force Type
pull
Mechanics
isolation
Target Muscles
Biceps
Breathing
Exhale as you pull the weight toward your body, inhale as you extend back to the start.
Common Mistakes
- •Rushing through reps instead of using a controlled tempo
- •Holding your breath during the movement
- •Not using the full range of motion
Safety Tips
- •Stop immediately if you feel sharp or joint pain
- •Keep your core engaged to protect your lower back
- •Start with a weight you can control, not your one-rep max
Variations
- •Adjust the pulley height to target different fibers
- •Use a slow, controlled tempo to prevent the stack from clanking
- •Try single-arm work for unilateral focus
Alternatives
- •Choose another exercise that targets the biceps
Progressions
- •Increase the weight by 5-10% once you can complete all reps with clean form
- •Slow down the eccentric (lowering) phase to 3-4 seconds
- •Reduce rest periods between sets to increase workout density
- •Add an extra set or rep each week (progressive overload)
Regressions
- •Reduce the weight to focus strictly on technique
- •Decrease the range of motion if you feel joint discomfort
- •Increase rest intervals to ensure full recovery between sets
Beginner Tips
- •Master proper form before increasing weight
- •Focus on slow, controlled movements — don't chase speed
- •Start with 2-3 sets of 10-12 reps to build a solid foundation
Pro Tips
- Breathe deliberately — exhale during the hardest part of the movement
- Warm up with lighter sets of the same exercise to prime the nervous system
- Stay tight throughout — brace your core before every single rep