Hammer Curl (Cable)

The Cable Hammer Curl is an isolation exercise performed with a rope attachment to target the brachialis and brachioradialis muscles of the upper arm and forearm. By using a neutral grip and constant cable tension, it effectively builds arm thickness and grip strength.

Exercise movement reviewed by:Marie Braga, PT, DPT, CSCS
How Iridium Helps

Since smaller muscle groups like the biceps and forearms are easily fatigued by heavy compound pulling, the AI monitors your recovery status and specific workout RPE to adjust volume for this accessory movement. If your grip is compromised from previous deadlifts or rows, the system can optimize load and reps to ensure muscle stimulation without overstressing elbow tendons or compensating with momentum.

Form Cues

Do
  • Grasp the rope ends with a neutral grip, palms facing each other
  • Pin your elbows tightly against your ribcage throughout the set
  • Contract your biceps to pull the rope toward your shoulders
  • Squeeze firmly at the top of the movement
  • Lower the weight slowly until your arms are fully extended
Don't
  • Don't swing your torso or hips to generate momentum
  • Don't let your elbows drift forward or flare outward
  • Don't curl your wrists inward at the top
  • Don't drop the weight quickly during the lowering phase

Common Mistakes

  • Using excessive body momentum
  • Allowing elbows to travel forward
  • Shortening the range of motion
  • Rushing the eccentric (lowering) phase
  • Gripping the rope too tightly

Muscles Worked

This exercise primarily targets the brachialis, situated beneath the biceps, and the brachioradialis in the forearm, contributing to thicker-looking arms from the side profile. The neutral grip also engages the long head of the biceps brachii while placing less stress on the wrists compared to supinated curls.

Primary

Biceps Long HeadForearms

Secondary

Biceps Short Head

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