Dumbbell Bicep Curl vs Cable Preacher Curl

Which one fits your Biceps workout plan?

Contents

Planfit users log Dumbbell Bicep Curl more often — 31,233 sessions vs 127. Compare Biceps form, muscles worked, and when to use each.

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

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

Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Bicep Curl more often — 31,233 sessions compared to 127 for Cable Preacher Curl.

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

What differsDumbbell Bicep CurlCable Preacher Curl
Equipmenta dumbbella machine
Difficulty2 of 55 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users31,233 sessions127 sessions

Related comparisons

Not sure whether Dumbbell Bicep Curl or Cable Preacher Curl fits your goal? Get a personalized plan

How to Do Dumbbell Bicep Curl

Dumbbell Bicep Curl demo video

Dumbbell Bicep Curl Muscles Worked: Biceps

Form

  1. 1. Please lift the dumbbell while keeping your elbows and shoulders fixed.
  2. 2. As you lift, rotate your palms to face your body to maximize the contraction of your biceps.
  3. 3. Slowly return to the starting position.
  4. 4. When lowering the dumbbell, do not lower it completely; lower it just enough so that your biceps do not relax.

Coach's Tips

  1. It is fine to proceed with both sides at once, but if you do it one side at a time, you can feel a more concentrated contraction.

For a full Dumbbell Bicep Curl guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Bicep Curl exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Dumbbell Bicep Curl?Exercise Guide

How to Do Cable Preacher Curl

Cable Preacher Curl demo video

Cable Preacher Curl Muscles Worked: Biceps

Form

  1. 1. Lift the cable handle while keeping your shoulders and elbows fixed.
  2. 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
  3. 3. When lowering the cable handle, do not lower it completely; lower it just enough so that your biceps do not lose tension.

Coach's Tips

  1. 1. Keep your elbows off the pad.
  2. 2. Adjust the cable to prevent it from shaking.

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

Want to learn more about Cable Preacher Curl?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Planfit users log Dumbbell Bicep Curl more often — 31,233 sessions against 127 for Cable 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 Dumbbell Bicep Curl and Cable Preacher Curl need?

Dumbbell Bicep Curl needs a dumbbell, and Cable Preacher Curl needs a machine.

Which is easier to start with?

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

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