Cable Wrist Curl

The Cable Wrist Curl is an isolation exercise that targets the forearm flexors using constant tension from a cable machine. By resting your forearms on a stable surface and curling the wrist upward, you build grip strength and forearm muscularity.

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

Iridium analyzes your 7-day workout history to quantify accumulated grip fatigue from heavy compound pulling movements like deadlifts and rows. It scales the volume and RPE targets of this accessory lift to ensure sufficient forearm hypertrophy without compromising your recovery for future primary exercises.

Form Cues

Do
  • Rest your forearms firmly on your thighs or a bench pad
  • Allow the bar to roll down to your fingertips at the bottom
  • Curl your wrists upward as high as possible
  • Squeeze the forearm muscles hard at the peak contraction
  • Keep your elbows stationary throughout the set
Don't
  • Don't lift your forearms off your thighs
  • Don't use your biceps to help pull the weight
  • Don't jerk the weight upward with momentum
  • Don't cut the range of motion short

Common Mistakes

  • Using excessive weight
  • Lifting elbows off support
  • Not unrolling fingers at bottom
  • Rushing the repetition tempo
  • Engaging the biceps

Muscles Worked

This exercise isolates the wrist flexors on the underside of the forearm, which are critical for wrist stability and grip strength. By unrolling the fingers at the bottom of the rep, you also engage the finger flexors, providing complete development of the inner forearm.

Primary

Forearms

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