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Exercise Comparison

Barbell Curl vs Reverse Cable Curl

Barbell Curl - starting position
Barbell Curl - ending position
Barbell Curl
beginner·Barbell·isolation
Reverse Cable Curl - starting position
Reverse Cable Curl - ending position
Reverse Cable Curl
beginner·Cable·isolation

Side-by-Side

Barbell Curl
VS
Reverse Cable Curl
beginner
Level
beginner
Barbell
Equipment
Cable
isolation
Mechanic
isolation
pull
Force
pull
Strength
Category
Strength
biceps
Primary
biceps
forearms
Secondary
forearms

Muscle Analysis

Shared

bicepsforearms

Instructions

Barbell Curl

1

Stand up with your torso upright while holding a barbell at a shoulder-width grip. The palm of your hands should be facing forward and the elbows should be close to the torso. This will be your starting position.

2

While holding the upper arms stationary, curl the weights forward while contracting the biceps as you breathe out. Tip: Only the forearms should move.

3

Continue the movement until your biceps are fully contracted and the bar is at shoulder level. Hold the contracted position for a second and squeeze the biceps hard.

4

Slowly begin to bring the bar back to starting position as your breathe in.

5

Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Reverse Cable Curl

1

Stand up with your torso upright while holding a bar attachment that is attached to a low pulley using a pronated (palms down) and shoulder width grip. Make sure also that you keep the elbows close to the torso. This will be your starting position.

2

While holding the upper arms stationary, curl the weights while contracting the biceps as you breathe out. Only the forearms should move. Continue the movement until your biceps are fully contracted and the bar is at shoulder level. Hold the contracted position for a second as you squeeze the muscle.

3

Slowly begin to bring the bar back to starting position as your breathe in.

4

Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Verdict

Both exercises target the biceps. Barbell Curl is a beginner exercise using barbell, while Reverse Cable Curl is beginner and uses cable. Choose Barbell Curl if you have access to barbell, or Reverse Cable Curl if you prefer cable.

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