Cable Curl

When we workout regularly, we need to keep alternating between different exercises. Same is the case with the biceps exercises as well. Normally most of the workout schedule include bicep curls. However, are you aware that there are a number of other bicep exercises, which you can substitute for the bicep curls? An exercise to replace the bicep curls are the barbell curl. The difference lies in the fact, that the exercise uses barbells to do the exercise. Likewise are the hammer curls for biceps as well. These are commonly also called dumbbell curls. From the alternative name it is clear, that dumbbells are used to do the exercise. Cable curls can be used to replace the bicep curls as well. We will read in short about the cable curls, before we learn how to do the arm exercise.

Cable Curl Exercise

As I have previously mentioned, this exercise is very similar to the bicep curl exercise. The difference between the two exercises lies in the equipment used to do the exercise. When one does cable curl, one uses the curl machine to do the exercise. The cable puts strain on the bicep muscles, as one goes through the entire range of motion. While doing barbell curl, the muscles get brief rest at the peak of the exercise. However, when one does this strength training exercise, the cable constantly pulls away from the body. At the same time, the hands are also pulled down towards the floor, due to which there is no rest for the muscles. The machine is used to either do standing or preacher cable curl.

How to Do Standing Cable Curl Exercise?

To do this best bicep exercises for men stand in front of the machine with hip width distance between your feet. Grasp hold the pulley bar with shoulder width distance between the two hands. Hold the bar with an under hand grip. Keep 1 foot distance between your toes and the machine. Place your elbows such that they are sticking to your waistline. Pull the bar down till the forearms are vertical and your arms are fully extended. However, ensure that your elbows are not locked. When the arms are fully flexed, it is natural for the forearms to be a little more than vertical. This movement as a matter of fact releases tension in the muscles between two repetitions.

How to Do Preacher Cable Curl Exercise?

To do this weight training exercise, you will have to grab hold a preacher bench. Place the bench in front of the cable curl machine. Ensure there is a gap of about 2 feet between the bench and the machine. After you attach a straight bar to the pulley, sit on the bench and place your hands on the arm pads of the machine. Use an underhand grip with palms facing the ceiling and keep shoulder width distance between the two hands. Bend the arms a little, which will cause tension in the biceps. Now curl the bar up till it comes closer to your face. When the bar comes up squeeze the biceps and gradually lower the bar back to the starting position. Repeat the exercise with different weights and reduce the number of repetitions, as you increase the weight.

When you are doing this arm exercise, ensure you have controlled movements. This should be followed both, when you pull the curl, as well as when you release the curl. When you are doing any variation of the exercise, remember not to lean backward. If you lean backward, you will not use the bicep muscle, as much as you will use your bodyweight. It is important to have the right form, when you are doing the exercise, else it will cause more harm than good. When you are doing the exercise for the first time, it is recommended that you do the exercise in front of a trainer.