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Cable One Arm Preacher Curl
A single-arm preacher curl using a low cable instead of free weight, combining the strict elbow bracing of the pad with constant tension at full extension.
ArmsCableElbow flexion
GoLightWeight mediacable-one-arm-preacher-curl
Demonstration coming soon
Primary
Biceps brachii
Secondary
BrachialisBrachioradialisForearm flexors
Equipment
Cable
Pattern
Elbow flexion
Setup
- 01Place a preacher bench facing a low pulley and attach a D-handle.
- 02Sit with the chest against the pad and the working upper arm flat on the sloped surface.
- 03Grip the handle underhand with the arm extended down the pad.
- 04Check that the cable is taut in the fully extended position.
Execution
- 01Curl the handle up until the forearm is just short of vertical.
- 02Squeeze the biceps at the top without lifting the upper arm off the pad.
- 03Lower slowly to a full but controlled elbow extension.
- 04Finish the set, then repeat on the other arm.
Checkpoints
- -The back of the upper arm stays in full contact with the pad.
- -Full extension is reached each rep without slamming into lockout.
- -Shoulder stays down; no shrug to finish reps.
- -Constant cable tension at the bottom where dumbbells go slack.
Common mistakes
- -Lifting the elbow off the pad at the top of the rep.
- -Bouncing out of the stretched bottom position.
- -Curling past the point of tension and resting at the top.
- -Twisting the torso to help the weaker arm.
Programming notes
- -Use 3 sets of 8 to 12 reps per arm; the pad plus cable makes every rep honest.
- -Great for addressing left-right biceps size differences.
- -Control the bottom stretch; it is where preacher curls build the most and hurt the most.
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