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Cable Forearm Curl

Beginner

The Cable Forearm Curl is an isolation movement targeting the forearm flexors, performed using an underhand grip on a low cable attachment to build grip strength and hypertrophy.

About Exercise

Equipment

Single Cable Machine, Bar Cable Attachment

Difficulty

1/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Forearms

Accessory Muscles

Biceps

Popularity Score

4

Goals

Hypertrophy
Strength
Stability

Training Style

Bodybuilding

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Forearms

10/10

Flexors

Biceps

2/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

12-20 reps

Rest Between Sets

45-90 seconds

How to Perform

Set a straight bar attachment to a low pulley on the cable machine. Kneel or sit facing the machine, placing forearms on thighs or a bench, allowing wrists to hang over the edge while gripping the bar underhand.

  1. Fully extend the wrists, allowing the bar to pull the hands down for a deep stretch.
  2. Slowly curl the wrists upward, squeezing the forearm flexors intensely.
  3. Pause briefly at the top of the contraction.
  4. Control the bar back down to the starting position.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Maximize the stretch
  • Squeeze the flexors
  • Isolate the wrists
  • Keep forearms stable

Breathing

Inhale during the controlled eccentric lowering phase and exhale forcefully as you curl the weight up into contraction.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

Start with wrists fully extended into a deep stretch, ending with wrists curled maximally towards the forearms for peak contraction.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Use a moderate weight that allows a full range of motion without straining the wrist joints.

Spotting

Not required; use self-correction or immediately drop the weight if pain occurs.

Common Mistakes

  • Using momentum to lift the weight
  • Allowing forearms to lift off the support
  • Incomplete range of motion

When to Avoid

  • Acute wrist or elbow pain
  • Severe carpal tunnel syndrome

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate wrist extension flexibility

Also known as

Cable Wrist Curl, Underhand Cable Wrist Curl, Cable Flexor Curl

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