Cable Bicep Curl vs Barbell Reverse Curl

Which one fits your Biceps workout plan?

Contents

Planfit users log Cable Bicep Curl more often — 8,829 sessions vs 446. Compare Biceps form, muscles worked, and when to use each.

Compare the benefits of Cable Bicep Curl and Barbell Reverse Curl and pick the one that fits your Biceps workout.

Cable Bicep Curl vs Barbell Reverse 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 446 for Barbell Reverse Curl.

What most people do isn't always what fits you. Cable Bicep Curl and Barbell Reverse 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 Reverse Curl Differ

What differsCable Bicep CurlBarbell Reverse Curl
Equipmenta machinea barbell
Difficulty2 of 55 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users8,829 sessions446 sessions

Related comparisons

Not sure whether Cable Bicep Curl or Barbell Reverse Curl fits your goal? Get a personalized plan

How to Do Cable Bicep Curl

Cable Bicep Curl demo video

Cable Bicep Curl Muscles Worked: Biceps

Form

  1. 1. Please lift the weight while keeping your elbows and shoulders fixed.
  2. 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
  3. 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. 1. If your wrists are uncomfortable, it may be because you are gripping the barbell too narrowly. Try gripping it a little wider.
  2. 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.

Want to learn more about Cable Bicep Curl?Exercise Guide

How to Do Barbell Reverse Curl

Barbell Reverse Curl demo video

Barbell Reverse Curl Muscles Worked: Biceps

Form

  1. 1. Please lift the barbell while keeping your elbows and shoulders fixed.
  2. 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
  3. 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. 1. Maintain a natural grip to avoid bending your wrist.
  2. 2. Keep your shoulders fixed and not raised.

For a full Barbell Reverse Curl guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Reverse Curl exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Barbell Reverse Curl?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Biceps, Cable Bicep Curl or Barbell Reverse Curl?

Planfit users log Cable Bicep Curl more often — 8,829 sessions against 446 for Barbell Reverse 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 Reverse Curl need?

Cable Bicep Curl needs a machine, and Barbell Reverse Curl needs a barbell.

Which is easier to start with?

Cable Bicep Curl is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Reverse Curl once your form holds up.

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