Lying Cable Curl

An intermediate strength exercise for the biceps, done with a cable machine and an EZ bar.

Movement guide

Lying Cable Curl

Demand · source-assignedMedium (unreviewed)

Equipment requiredA cable machine + EZ curl bar

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

Lying Cable Curl demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoLying Cable CurlIntermediate · A cable machine + EZ curl bar

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

Grab a straight bar or E-Z bar attachment that is attached to the low pulley with both hands, using an underhand (palms facing up) shoulder-width grip.
Lie flat on your back on top of an exercise mat in front of the weight stack with your feet flat against the frame of the pulley machine and your legs straight.
With your arms extended and your elbows close to your body slightly bend your arms. This will be your starting position.
While keeping your upper arms stationary and the elbows close to your body, curl the bar up slowly toward your chest as you breathe out and you squeeze the biceps.
After a second squeeze at the top of the movement, slowly return 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.

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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 + EZ curl bar

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 Lying Cable Curl work?

Mainly the biceps.

What equipment do I need for the Lying Cable Curl?

A cable machine + EZ curl bar.

Is the Lying Cable Curl 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 Lying Cable Curl?

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

How do I make the Lying Cable Curl harder?

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