Barbell Bicep Curl vs Cable Hammer Curl
Which one fits your Biceps workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Barbell Bicep Curl more often — 17,450 sessions vs 4,647. Compare Biceps form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Bicep Curl and Cable Hammer Curl and pick the one that fits your Biceps workout.
Barbell Bicep Curl vs Cable Hammer Curl: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Barbell Bicep Curl more often — 17,450 sessions compared to 4,647 for Cable Hammer Curl.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Bicep Curl and Cable Hammer Curl differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Barbell Bicep Curl and Cable Hammer Curl Differ
| What differs | Barbell Bicep Curl | Cable Hammer Curl |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 17,450 sessions | 4,647 sessions |
How to Do Barbell Bicep Curl
Barbell Bicep Curl Muscles Worked: Biceps
Form
- 1. Please lift the barbell while keeping your elbows and shoulders fixed.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
- 3. When lowering the barbell, do not lower it completely; lower it just enough so that your biceps do not relax.
Coach's Tips
- 1. If your wrist is uncomfortable, it may be because you are gripping the barbell too narrowly. Try gripping it a little wider.
- 2. If your wrist is still uncomfortable, please use an EZ bar.
For a full Barbell Bicep Curl guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Bicep Curl exercise guide.
How to Do Cable Hammer Curl
Cable Hammer Curl Muscles Worked: Biceps
Form
- 1. Stand with your legs shoulder-width apart and grab the cable with your palms facing your body.
- 2. Fix your elbows at your sides, perpendicular to the ground, and bend your arms until the cable reaches shoulder height.
- 3. Keep your elbows and shoulders still while slowly lowering the cable, feeling the resistance.
- 4. Do not fully extend your arms; keep them slightly bent to maximize relaxation.
Coach's Tips
- Be careful not to move your wrist excessively and keep your elbow fixed.
For a full Cable Hammer Curl guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Cable Hammer Curl exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Biceps, Barbell Bicep Curl or Cable Hammer Curl?
Planfit users log Barbell Bicep Curl more often — 17,450 sessions against 4,647 for Cable Hammer Curl. Both train Biceps, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Barbell Bicep Curl and Cable Hammer Curl need?
Barbell Bicep Curl needs a barbell, and Cable Hammer Curl needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Cable Hammer Curl is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Bicep Curl once your form holds up.
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