Exercise guide · Triceps
Cable Triceps Pushdown
Cable triceps pushdowns isolate the triceps with a high pulley. Pin your elbows to your sides and push the bar or handle down to full extension.
- Targets: Triceps
- Equipment: Cable
- Type: Isolation
Step by step
How to do the Cable Triceps Pushdown
- Attach a straight bar or angled bar to a high cable pulley. Stand facing the stack with feet shoulder-width apart.
- Grip the bar with palms down, elbows bent about 90 degrees and pinned to your sides.
- Brace your core and keep your torso upright. Start with forearms roughly parallel to the floor.
- Push the bar straight down until your arms are fully extended beside your hips.
- Return under control to the start without letting your elbows drift forward or shoulders swing.
Form cues
- Elbows glued to your sides
- Push straight down
- Stand tall, core braced
- Full extension at the bottom
Common mistakes
- Elbows drifting away from the body
- Leaning over the bar to cheat
- Partial reps without full lockout
- Using shoulder swing for momentum
Muscles worked
Primary
Triceps
Secondary
None significant
Safety: Start light to set elbow position. Avoid hyperextending elbows with heavy load.
Alternatives
Similar triceps exercises
Dumbbell Overhead Triceps ExtensionTriceps
Dumbbell Skull CrushersTriceps
Dumbbell Triceps KickbacksTriceps
EZ-Bar Overhead Triceps ExtensionTriceps
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Machine Triceps ExtensionTriceps
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