Cable Hammer Curl

An isolation exercise for the brachialis and brachioradialis. The neutral grip increases forearm thickness and bicep height.

Exercise Details

Level: Beginner
Body Area: upper
Type: pull

Required Equipment

Cable Machine with Rope Attachment

Target Muscle Groups

Primary

Biceps

Secondary

Forearms

Setup

Attach a rope to a low cable pulley. Stand with feet hip-width apart and hold the rope ends with a neutral (thumbs up) grip.

Instructions

1. Curl the rope toward your shoulders.
2. Keep your elbows tucked into your ribs.
3. Squeeze the biceps at the top.
4. Lower the weight slowly.
5. Maintain a straight, upright posture.

Common Mistakes

1. Swinging the torso.
2. Flaring the elbows.
3. Not reaching full extension at the bottom.

Alternative Exercises

Zottman Curl

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A unique arm exercise that combines a standard curl with a reverse curl. It targets the biceps on the way up and the forearms on the way down.

Wrist Curl

Beginner / Barbell / Forearms / pull

A forearm-focused isolation exercise. It builds grip strength and muscle volume in the forearm flexors through controlled flexion.

Wrist Circles

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A mobility exercise for the wrist joint. It improves joint health, flexibility, and prepares the wrists for heavy pressing or pulling movements.

Standing Wide Grip Biceps Curl

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Emphasizes the inner (short) head of the biceps. The wider grip shifts the tension to build arm thickness and a fuller bicep appearance.

Standing One Arm Concentration Curl

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Unilaterally isolates the bicep to fix imbalances and maximize the peak. The vertical arm position ensures high tension on the bicep fibers throughout.

Standing Concentration Curl

Beginner / Dumbbells / Biceps / pull

A standing variation that isolates the biceps by positioning the arm in a fixed vertical line, minimizing any possible use of momentum or leg drive.

Standing Biceps Curl

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The most popular bicep exercise for building overall arm mass. It targets the biceps brachii through a natural and powerful curling arc.

Seated Reverse Grip Concentration Curl

Beginner / Dumbbells / Biceps / pull

A unique unilateral isolation exercise for the brachialis and forearms. Sitting removes momentum while the reverse grip targets the outer arm and forearm extensors.