Arms · Cable
Cable Preacher Curl
How to do the cable preacher curl, the muscles it works, and the mistakes to avoid. Pulled straight from the Kovo app's exercise library.
- Equipment
- Cable
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Logged as
- Weighted reps
- Movement
- Flexion
- Mechanic
- Isolation
How to do it
Set a handle on a low pulley and position a preacher bench so your arms rest on the pad facing the cable. Grip the handle, pin your upper arms to the pad, and curl toward you while squeezing the biceps. Lower slowly to a full stretch without lifting your elbows.
- 1An isolated bicep contraction as you curl the handle toward you
- 2A stretch at the bottom with constant cable tension
- 3Upper arms pinned flat to the pad through the full range
Common mistakes
- Lifting your elbows off the pad or swinging your body
- Cutting the range short; extend almost fully each rep
- Letting your wrists bend backward or forward excessively
Muscles worked
The cable preacher curl mainly works the biceps, with the forearms assisting.
- BicepsPrimary
- ForearmsSupport
- Front DeltsMinor
Kovo programs the cable preacher curl for you and tracks it every session.
We build your whole program, drop the right lifts into each workout, and adjust your weights as you get stronger. Free on iOS and Android.
More biceps exercises
- How to do the resistance band bicep curl
- How to do the resistance band hammer curl
- How to do the barbell bicep curl
- How to do the cable bicep curl
- How to do the cable hammer curl
- How to do the overhead bicep curl
Last reviewed June 2026.