High Cable Curls

An intermediate strength exercise for the biceps, done with a cable machine.

Movement guide

High Cable Curls

Demand · source-assignedMedium (unreviewed)

Equipment requiredA cable machine

Muscle focusBiceps

Gets into position, then repeats the movement. Technical checks passed; qualified exercise review is pending.

Watch it bigger, and flip through similar moves, in the studio.Open in the studio

Make it easier or harder

Start where you can move well, then step up.

Easier option

Biceps curl machine demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBiceps curl machineBeginner · Strength machine

Similar move, beginner grade.

This move

High Cable Curls demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoHigh Cable CurlsIntermediate · A cable machine

Intermediate grade (source-assigned).

Harder option

3D demoChin-upAdvanced · Pull-up bar

Similar move, advanced grade.

Imported reference · editorial review pending. Clinical review is pending.

This entry comes from an external exercise database. Its instructions and difficulty have not completed our editorial or qualified clinical review.

How to move

Stand between a couple of high pulleys and grab a handle in each arm. Position your upper arms in a way that they are parallel to the floor with the palms of your hands facing you. This will be your starting position.
Curl the handles towards you until they are next to your ears. Make sure that as you do so you flex your biceps and exhale. The upper arms should remain stationary and only the forearms should move. Hold for a second in the contracted position as you squeeze the biceps.
Slowly bring back the arms to the starting position.

Practice and cautions

No dose has been assigned. Any timing or repetition examples in the imported instructions are source examples, not an individualized recommendation.

Imported community instructions and difficulty labels have not been independently reviewed for technique or individual suitability. Equipment labels may include additions inferred from the setup text; check the instructions for the exact support or alternatives. Stop for sharp or increasing pain, numbness or tingling; seek qualified guidance for symptoms, unfamiliar equipment or advanced skills.

Add to a routine Log a session

Sources and review status

Sources support the educational description; they do not establish that this exercise is suitable for you.

Free Exercise DB · community text ↗
Unlicense · Free Exercise DB contributors; derived from wrkout/exercises.json. Text import; no photographs or media. · Revision f00c92c7dcf1216a928a52c3706c7ce8e2f71ed5

No variation is labeled clinically validated.

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What it works

Muscles

Main: Biceps.

Equipment

A cable machine

Level

Intermediate (source-assigned, not yet reviewed). See the easier and harder options above.

Similar moves

Alternating dumbbell curl demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoAlternating dumbbell curlIntermediate · A dumbbell

Alternating hammer curl demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoAlternating hammer curlIntermediate · A dumbbell

Alternating incline dumbbell curl demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoAlternating incline dumbbell curlIntermediate · A dumbbell + A bench or box

Barbell curl demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBarbell curlIntermediate · A barbell

Cable preacher curl demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoCable preacher curlBeginner · A cable machine + A bench or box

Cable rope hammer curl demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoCable rope hammer curlBeginner · A cable machine

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Questions people ask

What muscles does the High Cable Curls work?

Mainly the biceps.

What equipment do I need for the High Cable Curls?

A cable machine.

Is the High Cable Curls good for beginners?

It is graded intermediate. The grade comes from the source database and has not been independently reviewed. If it is too hard right now, start with the Biceps curl machine.

What is an easier alternative to the High Cable Curls?

Try the Biceps curl machine. It works similar muscles at a lower grade.

How do I make the High Cable Curls harder?

Progress to the Chin-up, or add load, range or slower lowering once your form is solid.