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Last updated March 2, 2026
BicepsForearmsTriceps
Hammer Curl (Cable: Rope)
Attach rope to low pulley. Grip neutral. Curl up. The continuous tension of the cable creates a great pump.
Quick facts
- Level
- Beginner
- Mechanic
- Isolation
- Force
- Pull
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Low
- Hypertrophy
- High
- Calorie Burn
- Low
Muscle focus
Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.
Primary
Outer Bicep / Brachialis
Secondary
Forearm Flexors
Equipment & setup
What you need and how to position yourself before starting.
Equipment
CableRope
Movement pattern
Bilateral
Posture
Standing
Tracking parameters
repsweight
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.
- Step 1Setup
- Attach a rope handle to a low pulley on a cable machine.
- Stand facing the machine with your feet shoulder-width apart and grasp the rope with a neutral grip (palms facing each other).
- Step 2Position Your Body
- Step back slightly to create tension in the cable, keeping your elbows close to your torso.
- Engage your core and maintain a straight posture, with your shoulders relaxed.
- Step 3Curl the Rope
- Begin the movement by bending your elbows and pulling the rope towards your shoulders.
- Keep your upper arms stationary and focus on contracting your biceps as you lift the rope.
- Step 4Squeeze at the Top
- At the top of the movement, squeeze your biceps for a moment to maximize the contraction.
- Ensure that your wrists remain straight and your elbows stay close to your body.
- Step 5Lower the Rope
- Slowly lower the rope back to the starting position, fully extending your arms.
- Control the movement to maintain tension in your biceps throughout the descent.
- Step 6Repeat
- Perform the desired number of repetitions, ensuring that your form remains consistent throughout each rep.
- Step 7Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully release the rope and step away from the machine.
- Ensure you maintain good posture as you finish the exercise.
Alternatives & variations
Explore similar movements targeting the same muscles.

Hammer Curl - Alternate (Dumbbell)
Outer Bicep / Brachialis

Hammer Curl - Seated (Dumbbell)
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Hammer Curl - Seated, One Arm (Dumbbell)
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Hammer Grip Preacher Curl (Machine)
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Hammer Preacher Curl - Alternate (Dumbbell)
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Hammer Preacher Curl (Cable: Rope)
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Hammer Preacher Curl - One Arm (Cable: Rope)
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Hammer Preacher Curl - One Arm (Dumbbell)
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Incline Hammer Curl - Alternate (Dumbbell)
Outer Bicep / Brachialis

Incline Hammer Curl (Dumbbell)
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Incline Hammer Curl - Reverse (Dumbbell)
Forearm Extensors