Lying Close-Grip Bar Curl On High Pulley

A beginner strength exercise for the biceps, done with a cable machine and a bench or box.

Movement guide

Lying Close-Grip Bar Curl On High Pulley

Demand · source-assignedEasy (unreviewed)

Equipment requiredA cable machine + A bench or box

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

This is already one of the gentlest options for these muscles.

This move

Lying Close-Grip Bar Curl On High Pulley demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoLying Close-Grip Bar Curl On High PulleyBeginner · A cable machine + A bench or box

Beginner grade (source-assigned).

Harder option

Alternating dumbbell curl demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoAlternating dumbbell curlIntermediate · A dumbbell

Similar move, intermediate 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

Place a flat bench in front of a high pulley or lat pulldown machine.
Hold the straight bar attachment using an underhand grip (palms up) that is about shoulder width.
Lie on your back with your head over the end of the bench.
Now extend your arms straight above your shoulders. Your torso and your arms should make a 90-degree angle and the elbows should be in. This will be your starting position.
As you breathe out, curl the bar down in a semicircular motion until it touches your chin. Squeeze the biceps for a second at the top contracted position. Tip: As you execute this motion only the forearms should move. At no time should the upper arms be moving at all. They are to remain perpendicular throughout the movement.
Return to starting position slowly.

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 + A bench or box

Level

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

Similar moves

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

Biceps curl machine demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBiceps curl machineBeginner · Strength machine

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

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Questions people ask

What muscles does the Lying Close-Grip Bar Curl On High Pulley work?

Mainly the biceps.

What equipment do I need for the Lying Close-Grip Bar Curl On High Pulley?

A cable machine + A bench or box.

Is the Lying Close-Grip Bar Curl On High Pulley good for beginners?

It is graded beginner, so it suits most people starting out. The grade comes from the source database and has not been independently reviewed. When it feels easy, try the Alternating dumbbell curl.

How do I make the Lying Close-Grip Bar Curl On High Pulley harder?

Progress to the Alternating dumbbell curl, or add load, range or slower lowering once your form is solid.