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Cable Lying Bicep Curl

The cable lying bicep curl is an isolation exercise targeting the biceps using a cable machine while lying on a bench. It emphasizes constant tension on the biceps throughout the movement.

Quick Facts

Body PartsUpper Arms
Target MusclesBiceps
Secondary MusclesForearms
EquipmentCable
DifficultyIntermediate
Exercise TypeStrength
BilateralYes

How to Do Cable Lying Bicep Curl

Follow these step-by-step instructions to perform Cable Lying Bicep Curl with proper form and technique.

  1. Attach a straight bar to a low pulley cable machine.
  2. Lie face up on a flat bench with your feet flat on the ground.
  3. Grasp the bar with an underhand grip, hands shoulder-width apart.
  4. Extend your arms fully, keeping your elbows close to your sides.
  5. Keeping your upper arms stationary, exhale and curl the bar up towards your shoulders.
  6. Pause for a moment at the top, squeezing your biceps.
  7. Inhale and slowly lower the bar back to the starting position, fully extending your arms.
  8. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Muscles Worked

Understanding which muscles Cable Lying Bicep Curl targets helps you integrate it effectively into your training program.

Target Muscles

These are the main muscles responsible for performing the movement and receive the greatest training stimulus.

Biceps

Secondary Muscles

These muscles assist in the movement and receive secondary training benefits.

Forearms

Benefits of Cable Lying Bicep Curl

Incorporating Cable Lying Bicep Curl into your workout routine offers numerous advantages for strength, muscle development, and overall fitness.

  • Biceps Development: Cable Lying Bicep Curl directly targets and strengthens the Biceps, promoting muscle growth and improved functional strength.
  • Secondary Muscle Engagement: This exercise also works the Forearms, providing additional training stimulus without extra exercises.
  • Constant Tension: Cable machines provide consistent resistance throughout the entire range of motion, maximizing muscle engagement and time under tension.
  • Functional Strength: Strength exercises like Cable Lying Bicep Curl build real-world strength that transfers to daily activities and athletic performance.

Safety Tips and Precautions

Performing Cable Lying Bicep Curl safely is essential for preventing injuries and ensuring long-term progress.

  • Warm Up Properly: Before performing Cable Lying Bicep Curl, complete 5-10 minutes of light cardio followed by dynamic stretches targeting the Biceps and surrounding muscles.
  • Prioritize Form Over Weight: Never sacrifice proper technique for heavier weights. Poor form significantly increases injury risk and reduces the exercise's effectiveness.
  • Check Cable Condition: Before use, inspect the cable for any signs of fraying or damage. Ensure the attachment is securely connected.
  • Respect Your Range of Motion: Work within your current mobility limits. Gradually improve flexibility over time rather than forcing deeper positions.
  • Don't Hold Your Breath: Maintain consistent breathing throughout the exercise. Exhale during the exertion phase and inhale during the easier phase.
  • Know When to Stop: End your set when you can no longer maintain proper form. Training to absolute failure on every set increases injury risk.
  • Allow Adequate Recovery: The Biceps typically need 48-72 hours to recover after intense training. Avoid training the same muscle group on consecutive days.

Tracking Your Progress

To make consistent gains with Cable Lying Bicep Curl, track these metrics during your workouts:

Sets

Track the number of sets you complete. Most training programs recommend 3-5 sets per exercise.

Reps

Record your repetitions per set. Adjust rep ranges based on your goals: 1-5 for strength, 6-12 for hypertrophy, 12+ for endurance.

Weight

Log the weight used for progressive overload. Aim to gradually increase weight while maintaining proper form.

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