Hammer Curl - Cable Rope Attachment

Recommendations: 2-3 Sets, 8-12 Reps, 80 Wght

Beginner Biceps Forearms Shoulders Strength High Low Cable Machine Cable Rope Attachment Pull Gym

Purpose: The Cable Hammer Curl focuses on the biceps but also involves the brachioradialis.

Benefits: The Cable Hammer Curl places greater relative intensity on the biceps muscle because there is always tension on the cable. Using a hammer grip keeps the hands in a very strong position.

Stand upright, with your knees slightly bent and your feet shoulder-width apart, at a low pulley machine. Grasp the ends of the rope attached to the cable, with the palms of the hands facing inward. Your elbows should be close to your body. This is your starting position. While holding the upper arms stationary, curl the hands forward and upward while contracting the biceps. Exhale during this movement. Continue the movement until your biceps is fully contracted and your hands are at shoulder level. Continue by moving the elbows slightly forward (about 1 inch) to ensure the long head of the biceps is fully involved (the long head of the biceps crosses the shoulder joint) while you squeeze the biceps. Slowly bring your hands back to the starting position. Inhale during this movement. Repeat for the recommended number of repetitions.


The biceps is a straight muscle with two heads. The long head of the biceps crosses both the elbow and the shoulder joints. It bends the elbow and raises the arm forward at the shoulder. The short head crosses the elbow joint and, in conjunction with the brachioradialis muscle, supinates the hand.

Step 1

Stand upright, holding rope ends attached to a cable, palms facing inward.

hammer-curl-cable-rope-attachment-step-0

Stand upright, with your knees slightly bent and your feet shoulder-width apart, at a low pulley machine. Grasp the ends of the rope attached to the cable, with the palms of the hands facing inward. Your elbows should be close to your body. This is your starting position.

Step 2

Keeping the hands facing inward, curl your hands to your shoulders.

hammer-curl-cable-rope-attachment-step-1

While holding the upper arms stationary, curl the hands forward and upward while contracting the biceps. Exhale during this movement. Continue the movement until your biceps is fully contracted and your hands are at shoulder level. Continue by moving the elbows slightly forward (about 1 inch) to ensure the long head of the biceps is fully involved (the long head of the biceps crosses the shoulder joint) while you squeeze the biceps.

Step 3

Lower your hands to the starting position.

hammer-curl-cable-rope-attachment-step-2

Slowly bring your hands back to the starting position. Inhale during this movement. Hold the ends of the rope attached to the cable, with the palms of the hands facing inward. Your elbows should be close to your body.