Lat Pulldown Bicep Curl

Muscle Biceps
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How to do the Lat Pulldown Bicep Curl

The Lat Pulldown Bicep Curl is a hybrid cable exercise that combines the pulling motion of a lat pulldown with the isolation benefits of a bicep curl. Performed with an underhand (supinated) grip, it places primary emphasis on the biceps, while still engaging the lats, shoulders, and forearms for stabilization and control. This combination movement allows lifters to develop arm strength and pulling coordination simultaneously, offering a more efficient way to train both muscle groups.

To execute the exercise correctly, sit at a lat pulldown station with an underhand grip slightly narrower than shoulder width. Keep your torso upright and core engaged as you curl the bar toward your upper chest, focusing on contracting the biceps through the entire range of motion. Maintain control during the eccentric (lowering) phase to maximize time under tension and prevent the use of momentum.

The constant resistance from the cable ensures steady muscle engagement throughout, making it especially effective for improving biceps hypertrophy and grip endurance. Proper form, keeping the elbows tucked, spine neutral, and motion slow and deliberate, is essential for both safety and efficiency.

The Lat Pulldown Bicep Curl is ideal for intermediate lifters looking to enhance arm development while reinforcing pulling mechanics. It can be used as a finisher in back or arm workouts or as a variation to introduce greater variety and muscular engagement in upper-body training programs. When performed with correct technique and moderate load, it effectively builds stronger, more defined biceps while supporting balanced upper-body strength.

Primary Muscle
Biceps
Secondary Muscles
BackForearmsLatsShoulders
Equipment
CableMachine
Difficulty
Intermediate
1

Setup Instructions

  • Sit at a lat pulldown machine and adjust the thigh pad to secure your legs.
  • Attach a straight or EZ bar to the high pulley.
  • Grip the bar with an underhand (supinated) grip, hands shoulder-width apart.
  • Sit tall with arms extended overhead and your torso upright.
2

Coaching Cues

  • Keep your torso upright and avoid leaning back.
  • Focus on curling with your biceps, not pulling with your shoulders.
  • Maintain a slow, controlled tempo throughout the movement.
  • Engage your core to stabilize your body position.
  • Exhale during the curl and inhale as you return to start.
3

Execution Steps

  • Begin by engaging your lats and curling the bar down toward your upper chest by bending your elbows.
  • Keep your elbows close to your sides and avoid excessive shoulder movement.
  • Squeeze your biceps at the bottom of the movement for a brief pause.
  • Slowly extend your arms back to the starting position under control.
  • Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
4

Common Mistakes

  • Using momentum or swinging the torso.
  • Letting the elbows flare outward.
  • Pulling the bar too low or past the chest.
  • Neglecting to control the eccentric phase.
  • Gripping too tightly and overusing the forearms.
5

Safety Notes

  • Choose an appropriate weight to maintain strict form.
  • Avoid jerky motions to prevent elbow or shoulder strain.
  • Ensure your knees are securely under the thigh pads for stability.
  • Do not lean excessively backward during the movement.
  • Warm up the arms and shoulders before starting heavy sets.
6

Also Known As

  • Cable Lat Pulldown Curl
  • Underhand Lat Pulldown Curl

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