Build Bigger Biceps: Incline Cable Two Arm Curl Guide

Maximize Bicep Growth with Controlled Cable Resistance

Ash, ACE, MSc
By
Ash, ACE, MSc
Ash is a highly respected fitness expert and certified personal trainer through the American Council on Exercise (ACE). With a B.A. in biology from Rutgers and...
6 Min Read
How to do Cable Two Arm Curl On Incline Bench
How to do Cable Two Arm Curl On Incline Bench

The Incline Cable Two Arm Curl is an excellent exercise for developing larger biceps. By focusing on the biceps brachii with cable resistance, it enhances muscle engagement and creates constant tension, leading to greater strength and size. Regularly incorporating this exercise into your routine will result in fuller, stronger biceps, improving your performance in various activities, from lifting weights to day-to-day tasks.

In addition to primarily targeting the biceps, this exercise also engages the brachialis and brachioradialis, promoting overall arm development. To maximize results, perform this exercise 2 to 3 times a week while allowing for proper recovery between sessions. Ensure the incline bench is at a comfortable angle to optimize your form. Proper lifting technique is essential for safety; keep a neutral spine, avoid swinging the weights, and pin your elbows to your sides to effectively isolate the biceps. Use manageable weights to maintain control and muscle engagement.

All you need are two cable pulleys and an incline bench. For added variety, you can perform the exercise standing or adjust the incline as needed. This adaptability makes it suitable for various fitness levels, enabling you to build the biceps you desire.

Cable Two Arm Curl On Incline Bench Details
Basic Information
Body Part
Upper Arms
Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles
Equipment
Cable
Exercise Characteristics
Exercise Type
Strength
Movement Pattern
Pull
Force Type
Concentric
Unilateral/Bilateral
Bilateral
Compound/Isolation
Isolation
Bodyweight Exercise
Yes
Training Parameters
Difficulty Level
Intermediate
Target Training Goals
Hypertrophy
Suitable Workout Phases
Main workout
Risk Level
Moderate
Weight Category
Bodyweight
Recommended Rep Ranges
GoalRep Range
Strength6-8
Hypertrophy8-12
Endurance12-15
Power3-6
Muscular endurance12-20
Stability core8-12
Flexibility mobility8-12

How to Do a Cable Two Arm Curl On Incline Bench

How to do a Cable Two Arm Curl On Incline Bench - Step by step Strength exercise demonstration targeting Biceps, Forearms

Begin by adjusting an incline bench to a comfortable angle and securing two cables at the lowest setting on either side. Sit on the bench, with your back against it, and grab the cable handles with both hands, palms facing up and arms fully extended.

Get Fitter, Faster

Level Up Your Fitness: Join our 💪 strong community in Fitness Volt Newsletter. Get daily inspiration, expert-backed workouts, nutrition tips, the latest in strength sports, and the support you need to reach your goals. Subscribe for free!

  1. Engage your core and keep your elbows close to your body.
  2. Slowly curl the handles towards your shoulders, keeping your upper arms stationary.
  3. Pause briefly at the top of the movement, squeezing your biceps.
  4. Gradually lower the handles back to the starting position, maintaining control.

Inhale while lowering the weights and exhale as you curl the handles upward to optimize performance.

Common Mistakes

  • Neglecting Elbow Position: Allowing elbows to flare out or move away from the body diminishes bicep engagement. Keep elbows tucked in close to maximize the workout focus on the biceps.
  • Using Momentum: Relying on momentum to lift the weights can lead to injury and ineffective workouts. Control every part of the curl by lifting slowly and lowering with purpose.
  • Incorrect Form: Sitting too far forward or backward on the bench can strain the back and lessen the effectiveness of the curl. Ensure your back is firmly against the incline bench throughout the exercise.
  • Inadequate Range of Motion: Not fully extending or fully curling the handles limits muscle growth. Complete the movement through the full range, from full extension to a strong contraction.
  • Skipping the Bicep Squeeze: Failing to pause and squeeze at the top of the curl can impact muscle activation. Incorporate a brief pause to fully activate the biceps for better results.

Benefits

  • Enhances Bicep Development: This exercise targets the biceps brachii, effectively promoting muscle hypertrophy by allowing for a greater range of motion.
  • Improves Muscle Control: The incline position engages stabilizer muscles, refining your ability to control movements and build better neuromuscular connections.
  • Reduces Joint Strain: Using cables provides constant tension throughout the movement, minimizing stress on the elbows compared to free weights.
  • Increases Flexibility: Performing curls on an incline helps stretch the biceps, improving overall flexibility by allowing for a full extension during each rep.
  • Allows for Varying Resistance: Cable machines offer easily adjustable weights, providing the ability to customize challenges to match your fitness level.

Exercise Variations

  • Battle Ropes Exercise
    Level: Intermediate
    Targets: Back, Biceps, Core, Forearms, Legs, Shoulders, Triceps
    Equipment: Battle Ropes | Movement: Pull | Type: Cardio | Force Type: Isotonic | Compound
  • Kettlebell Alternating Hang Clean
    Level: Intermediate
    Targets: Biceps, Calves, Forearms, Glutes, Hamstrings, Lower Back, Quadriceps, Shoulders, Upper Back, Abdominals, Biceps brachii, Deltoids, Erector Spinae, Forearm muscles, Gluteus Maximus, Trapezius
    Equipment: Kettlebell | Movement: Pull | Type: Power | Force Type: Concentric | Compound
  • Sumo Deadlift High Pull
    Level: Intermediate
    Targets: Biceps, Calves, Deltoids, Glutes, Hamstrings, Quadriceps, Rhomboids, Trapezius, Core, Forearms, Hip Flexors
    Equipment: Barbell, Weight Plates, Olympic Lifting Platform, Lifting Straps, Chalk | Movement: Pull | Type: Power | Force Type: Concentric | Compound
  • Kettlebell Sumo High Pull
    Level: Intermediate
    Targets: Biceps, Core Muscles, Deltoids, Gluteus Maximus, Hamstrings, Quadriceps, Rhomboids, Trapezius, Erector Spinae, Glutes
    Equipment: Kettlebell | Movement: Pull | Type: Power | Force Type: Concentric | Compound
  • Kettlebell Hang Clean
    Level: Intermediate
    Targets: Biceps, Calves, Core, Deltoids, Forearms, Glutes, Hamstrings, Quadriceps, Trapezius, Biceps brachii, Erector Spinae, Forearm muscles, Rhomboids
    Equipment: Kettlebell | Movement: Hinge | Type: Power | Force Type: Concentric | Compound
  • Low Cable Cross-Over
    Level: Intermediate
    Targets: Pectoralis major, Triceps brachii, Rhomboids, Triceps
    Equipment: Cable Machine, Adjustable Pulleys, Handle Attachments | Movement: Pull | Type: Strength | Force Type: Isotonic | Isolation
  • Underhand Yates Row
    Level: Intermediate
    Targets: Latissimus Dorsi, Posterior deltoids, Teres Major, Forearm muscles, Rear deltoids
    Equipment: Barbell, Weight Plates, Weightlifting Belt, Lifting Straps, Gym Mat | Movement: Pull | Type: Strength | Force Type: Concentric | Compound
  • Reverse-Grip Lat Pull-Down
    Level: Intermediate
    Targets: Infraspinatus, Latissimus Dorsi, Pectoralis major
    Equipment: Lat Pull-Down Machine, V-Bar Attachment Or EZ Curl Bar, Weight Plates | Movement: Pull | Type: Strength | Force Type: Concentric | Compound
  • Behind-the-Back Smith Machine Wrist Curl
    Level: Intermediate
    Targets: Flexor carpi radialis, Flexor carpi ulnaris, Flexor digitorum profundus, Flexor digitorum superficialis, Palmaris longus, Brachioradialis, Extensor carpi radialis brevis, Extensor carpi radialis longus, Extensor carpi ulnaris, Forearm Flexors
    Equipment: Smith Machine, Weight Plates, Weightlifting Bench | Movement: Pull | Type: Strength | Force Type: Concentric | Isolation
  • Standing Dumbbell Preacher Curl
    Level: Intermediate
    Targets: Biceps brachii, Brachialis, Brachioradialis, Forearm Flexors
    Equipment: Dumbbells, Preacher Curl Bench | Movement: Pull | Type: Strength | Force Type: Concentric | Isolation

Alternative Exercises

  • Kettlebell Hang Clean
    Level: Intermediate
    Targets: Biceps, Calves, Core, Deltoids, Forearms, Glutes, Hamstrings, Quadriceps, Trapezius, Biceps brachii, Erector Spinae, Forearm muscles, Rhomboids
    Equipment: Kettlebell | Movement: Hinge | Type: Power | Force Type: Concentric | Compound
  • Standing Dumbbell One-Leg Calf Raise
    Level: Intermediate
    Targets: Tibialis posterior, Flexor digitorum longus, Flexor hallucis longus, Peroneus brevis, Peroneus longus, Tibialis anterior
    Equipment: Dumbbells, Exercise Mat | Movement: Push | Type: Strength | Force Type: Concentric | Isolation
  • Tricep Dip
    Level: Intermediate
    Targets: Anterior Deltoid, Triceps brachii, Erector Spinae, Latissimus Dorsi
    Equipment: Bench, Dip Bars, Sturdy Chair, Parallel Bars | Movement: Push | Type: Strength | Force Type: Concentric | Compound
  • One-leg Hyperextension
    Level: Intermediate
    Targets: Gluteus Maximus, Multifidus
    Equipment: Bench, Ankle Weights Or Resistance Bands | Movement: Hinge | Type: Strength | Force Type: Concentric | Isolation
  • Lying Alternating Knee Raise
    Level: Intermediate
    Targets: Iliopsoas, Adductors
    Equipment: Yoga Mat, None | Movement: Lunge | Type: Strength | Force Type: Concentric | Isolation
  • Side Plank Hip Adduction
    Level: Intermediate
    Targets: Adductors, Gluteus Medius, Transverse abdominis, Adductor muscles, Erector Spinae
    Equipment: Yoga Mat, Resistance Band, Ankle Weights | Movement: Brace | Type: Strength | Force Type: Isometric | Isolation
  • Barbell Stiff Leg Deadlift
    Level: Intermediate
    Targets: Adductors, Gluteus Maximus, Quadratus lumborum, Core, Forearms, Rhomboids, Trapezius
    Equipment: Barbell, Weight Plates, Lifting Platform Or Mat, Weightlifting Belt, Chalk | Movement: Hinge | Type: Strength | Force Type: Eccentric | Compound
  • Barbell Romanian Deadlift
    Level: Intermediate
    Targets: Calves, Quadriceps, Core, Forearms, Lower Back, Upper Back
    Equipment: Barbell, Weight Plates, Weightlifting Belt, Lifting Shoes, Chalk | Movement: Hinge | Type: Strength | Force Type: Eccentric | Compound
  • Barbell Kneeling Squat
    Level: Intermediate
    Targets: Calves, Core, Glutes, Hamstrings, Quadriceps, Hip Flexors, Quadratus lumborum
    Equipment: Barbell, Squat Rack, Weight Plates, Knee Pads | Movement: Squat | Type: Strength | Force Type: Concentric | Compound
  • Dumbbell Shrug
    Level: Intermediate
    Targets: Trapezius, Biceps brachii, Serratus Anterior
    Equipment: Dumbbells, Weight Plates | Movement: Carry | Type: Strength | Force Type: Isotonic | Isolation

Safety Precautions

When performing the incline cable two arm curl, it is essential to prioritize safety to maximize benefits while minimizing the risk of injury. First, always ensure that the incline bench is stable and properly secured. An unstable bench can lead to falls or loss of control during the exercise. Before starting, double-check that both cable handles are firmly attached and functioning correctly to prevent sudden breakage that could lead to accidents.

Next, maintain the correct posture throughout the exercise. Keep your back against the bench and engage your core to support your spine. This helps in stabilizing your body and prevents strain on your lower back. Additionally, avoid using excessive weight when you’re starting out. Heavy weights can compromise your form and increase the risk of injury. Start with lighter weights to master the movement before gradually increasing the resistance as your strength improves.

Lastly, be aware of your surroundings and make sure you have enough space around you. If you are in a gym setting, ensure that you are not too close to others who might be utilizing nearby equipment. Poor spatial awareness can lead to accidents, especially when using cables that could potentially snap back if not managed correctly. Maintaining a safe environment will allow you to focus on your curls without unnecessary distractions or hazards.

Interested in measuring your progress? Check out our strength standards for Cable Bicep Curl, Dumbbell Curl, Cable Hammer Curl, and more exercises.


If you have any questions or need further clarification about this article, please leave a comment below, and Ash will get back to you as soon as possible.

Share This Article
Ash is a highly respected fitness expert and certified personal trainer through the American Council on Exercise (ACE). With a B.A. in biology from Rutgers and an M.S. in Exercise Science (Kinesiology) from CBU, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her work. Ash is dedicated to helping people achieve their fitness and health goals through personalized training and nutrition plans. With a passion for fitness and a deep understanding of the science behind healthy living, she is able to create effective and sustainable programs that deliver real results. Whether you're looking to lose weight, build muscle, or just feel better in your own skin, Ash is the expert you can trust to guide you on your journey to a healthier and happier life.
Leave a Comment