Cable Bicep Curl vs Barbell Preacher Curl
Which one fits your Biceps workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Cable Bicep Curl more often — 8,829 sessions vs 541. Compare Biceps form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Cable Bicep Curl and Barbell Preacher Curl and pick the one that fits your Biceps workout.
Cable Bicep Curl vs Barbell Preacher Curl: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Cable Bicep Curl more often — 8,829 sessions compared to 541 for Barbell Preacher Curl.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Cable Bicep Curl and Barbell Preacher Curl differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Cable Bicep Curl and Barbell Preacher Curl Differ
| What differs | Cable Bicep Curl | Barbell Preacher Curl |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 8,829 sessions | 541 sessions |
How to Do Cable Bicep Curl
Cable Bicep Curl Muscles Worked: Biceps
Form
- 1. Please lift the weight while keeping your elbows and shoulders fixed.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
- 3. When lowering the weight, do not lower it completely; lower it just enough so that your biceps do not relax.
Coach's Tips
- 1. If your wrists are uncomfortable, it may be because you are gripping the barbell too narrowly. Try gripping it a little wider.
- 2. If your wrists are still uncomfortable, please use an EZ bar.
For a full Cable Bicep Curl guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Cable Bicep Curl exercise guide.
How to Do Barbell Preacher Curl
Barbell Preacher Curl Muscles Worked: Biceps
Form
- 1. Press your armpits against the pad.
- 2. Grab the barbell with shoulder-width grip, palms facing up.
- 3. Lift the barbell using only your biceps without any body or shoulder momentum.
- 4. Slowly lower the barbell while feeling the resistance of the weight, keeping your shoulders and elbows fixed.
- 5. Do not fully extend your arms; keep them slightly bent to maximize relaxation.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Fix your elbows on the pad and control the weight slowly.
- 2. If you straighten your arms too much, it puts strain on your elbow joints, and using body momentum puts strain on your lower back.
- 3. If you feel pain, lower the weight by 10–20%.
For a full Barbell Preacher Curl guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Preacher Curl exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Biceps, Cable Bicep Curl or Barbell Preacher Curl?
Planfit users log Cable Bicep Curl more often — 8,829 sessions against 541 for Barbell Preacher Curl. Both train Biceps, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Cable Bicep Curl and Barbell Preacher Curl need?
Cable Bicep Curl needs a machine, and Barbell Preacher Curl needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Cable Bicep Curl is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Preacher Curl once your form holds up.
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