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Cable Squatting Curl
A biceps curl held in a deep squat position at the low pulley, which anchors the torso against the cable and doubles as an isometric leg and trunk challenge.
ArmsCableElbow flexion
GoLightWeight mediacable-squatting-curl
Demonstration coming soon
Primary
Biceps brachii
Secondary
BrachialisQuadricepsCoreForearms
Equipment
Cable
Pattern
Elbow flexion
Setup
- 01Attach a straight or EZ bar to the low pulley.
- 02Grip the bar underhand and step back until the cable is taut.
- 03Sink into a deep squat with heels down and chest up.
- 04Rest the backs of the upper arms lightly against the inner thighs or hold them just inside the knees.
Execution
- 01Curl the bar toward the chin while holding the squat depth steady.
- 02Keep the elbows fixed low and in front of the body.
- 03Squeeze the biceps at the top.
- 04Lower to full elbow extension without rising out of the squat.
Checkpoints
- -Squat depth stays constant for the whole set.
- -Heels stay planted and the chest stays tall.
- -Elbows stay still; only the forearms swing.
- -Cable tension is continuous from bottom to top.
Common mistakes
- -Standing up a little on each rep to help the curl.
- -Rounding the back as the legs fatigue.
- -Letting the elbows drift up and back.
- -Choosing a load the legs cannot hold position for.
Programming notes
- -Use 2 to 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps, ending sets when squat position degrades.
- -The isometric squat is the limiter; treat it as a moderate-load biceps and conditioning hybrid.
- -Swap to the seated cable curl when you want pure biceps overload without the leg demand.
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