Lever Isolateral Preacher Curl (arms high, plate loaded)
The Lever Isolateral Preacher Curl (arms high, plate loaded) primarily works the Brachialis, with secondary activation of the Biceps Brachii (Long Head), Brachioradialis and stabilizer support from the Triceps (Long Head), Wrist Flexors. It is a machine isolation exercise at beginner difficulty.
The Lever Isolateral Preacher Curl (arms high, plate loaded) is an beginner isolation exercise performed with machine, following a flexion movement pattern. It primarily targets the Brachialis, with secondary engagement of the Biceps Brachii (Long Head), Brachioradialis. This is a bilateral pulling movement, engaging both sides of the body simultaneously.
A machine isolation pull exercise targeting the Brachialis.
| Equipment | Machine |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Type | Isolation |
| Movement | Flexion |
| Force | Pull |
| Laterality | Bilateral |
| Primary | Brachialis |
| Secondary | Biceps Brachii (Long Head), Brachioradialis |
Muscles Worked
The Brachialis is the primary mover, taking on the bulk of the workload throughout the full range of motion. The Biceps Brachii (Long Head), and Brachioradialis act as secondary movers, assisting the primary muscles and contributing meaningfully to the overall output. The Triceps (Long Head), Wrist Flexors act as stabilizers, maintaining joint position and postural alignment throughout the movement.
Primary Muscles
- Primary Muscle Brachialis (biceps)
Secondary Muscles
- Secondary Muscle Biceps Brachii (Long Head) (biceps)
- Secondary Muscle Brachioradialis (biceps)
Stabilizer Muscles
- Stabilizer Muscle Triceps (Long Head) (triceps)
- Stabilizer Muscle Wrist Flexors (forearms)
How to Perform
Preparation
- Sit on curl machine.
- Grasp lever handles with underhand grip.
- Align elbows near same pivot point as fulcrum of lever while placing back of arms up on pads.
Execution
- Pull lever handles toward shoulders.
- Return handles until arms are fully extended.
- Repeat.
Comments
- Back of upper arms should remain on pad throughout movement.
- If machine has secondary lever (as shown), it is not as essential to position elbows in-line with the primary fulcrum, as would otherwise be required.
Tips & Common Mistakes
- Control the eccentric phase — the lowering portion drives significant muscle development.
- Avoid momentum; focus on feeling the target muscle work through the full range.
- Full range at both ends maximizes stretch at the bottom and contraction at the top.
Programming Suggestions
Adapt your sets and reps to your training goal. As a beginner-friendly exercise, start with lighter loads and focus on form before progressing weight.
| Strength | 3–4 sets × 6–8 reps at 75–85% 1RM with 90–120 seconds rest. |
|---|---|
| Hypertrophy | 3–4 sets × 10–15 reps at 60–75% 1RM with 60–90 seconds rest. |
| Endurance | 2–3 sets × 15–25 reps at 40–60% 1RM with 30–45 seconds rest. |
Alternative Exercises
These exercises target the same primary muscles (Brachialis) and can be substituted based on your equipment or variation preferences.
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