All Exercises

Cable One Arm Reverse Preacher Curl

Strengthen your forearms and upper arms with the Cable One Arm Reverse Preacher Curl.

Intermediate
Isolation
Pull
1 min per set2 min rest

Description

This exercise involves using a cable machine to perform preacher curls with one arm at a time, focusing on the biceps and forearm muscles.

How to Do Cable One Arm Reverse Preacher Curl

  1. 1
    Setup

    Position a preacher bench facing a low cable pulley and attach a D-handle or straight bar to the cable. Ensure the cable is set to the lowest position.

  2. 2
    Setup

    Sit on the preacher bench, adjusting the height so your upper arm rests firmly on the pad, with your armpit close to the top edge.

  3. 3
    Setup

    Grab the handle with an overhand (pronated) grip, palm facing down. Your arm should be fully extended but not locked out, with tension on the cable.

  4. 4

    Exhale as you curl the handle upwards towards your shoulder, keeping your upper arm pressed against the pad and only moving at the elbow joint.

  5. 5

    Squeeze your forearms and upper arm at the top of the contraction, focusing on engaging the brachialis and brachioradialis muscles.

  6. 6

    Inhale as you slowly lower the handle back to the starting position, maintaining control and resisting the cable's pull throughout the eccentric phase until your arm is fully extended.

Tips

  • Maintain a tight overhand grip throughout the movement to maximize forearm activation and control the weight effectively.
  • Keep your upper arm firmly pressed against the preacher pad to isolate the target muscles and prevent unwanted shoulder involvement or momentum.
  • Focus on a controlled eccentric (lowering) phase, taking 2-3 seconds to extend your arm fully, as this greatly enhances muscle growth and strength.
  • Experiment with different handle attachments, such as a straight bar or a D-handle, to find what feels most comfortable and effective for your wrist and forearm mechanics.

Common Mistakes

  • ×Lifting the elbow off the pad reduces isolation and shifts tension away from the target muscles; ensure your upper arm remains glued to the pad throughout the curl.
  • ×Using momentum or swinging the weight diminishes muscle engagement; focus on a slow, controlled curl using only your forearm and upper arm strength.
  • ×Not fully extending the arm limits the range of motion and muscle stretch; ensure you allow your arm to fully straighten at the bottom without locking your elbow.

Variations

Related Exercises

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