Cable Bicep Curl vs Preacher Curl Machine

Which one fits your Biceps workout plan?

Contents

Cable Bicep Curl is cable-driven, Preacher Curl Machine is pin-loaded.

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

Cable Bicep Curl vs Preacher Curl Machine: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?

Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Preacher Curl Machine more often — 13,474 sessions compared to 8,829 for Cable Bicep Curl.

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

What differsCable Bicep CurlPreacher Curl Machine
Machine typecable-drivenpin-loaded
Difficulty2 of 51 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users8,829 sessions13,474 sessions

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Not sure whether Cable Bicep Curl or Preacher Curl Machine 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 Preacher Curl Machine

Preacher Curl Machine demo video

Preacher Curl Machine Muscles Worked: Biceps

Form

  1. 1. Press your armpits against the pad with your feet firmly on the ground.
  2. 2. Grip the handle with your palms facing up at shoulder width, keeping your elbows close to the pad.
  3. 3. Without moving your elbows and shoulders, use only your biceps to lift your arms.
  4. 4. Slowly lower the weight while feeling the resistance.
  5. 5. Do not fully extend your arms; keep them slightly bent to maximize relaxation.

Coach's Tips

  1. Fix your elbow on the pad and slowly adjust the weight.

For a full Preacher Curl Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Preacher Curl Machine exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Preacher Curl Machine?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Biceps, Cable Bicep Curl or Preacher Curl Machine?

Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Biceps, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.

What equipment do Cable Bicep Curl and Preacher Curl Machine need?

Cable Bicep Curl needs a machine, and Preacher Curl Machine needs a machine.

Which is easier to start with?

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

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