How to do a Cable Tricep Pushdown
Reviewed by JP Michelsen, CPT, B.A. Kinesiology
About Cable Tricep Pushdown
Target muscles worked
Instructions for Proper Form
This is an isolation exercise that targets the triceps. This exercise is very similar to other cable tricep exercises with the exception of using a flat bar instead of other handle attachments. This keeps your hands palms down, and reduces the demand for stabilizing your wrist during the movement.
- Place pulley to the highest position with a straight or angled bar attachment.
- Grab ahold of the bar with an overhand grip, palms facing down, and pull your elbows to your sides and flexed to 90 degrees so your forearms are parallel with the floor.
- Brace your core to keep your spine neutral with your shoulders back.
- Extend your elbows while keeping them at your sides to completely extend your arms.
- Once you have reached full arm extension, flex your elbows back to the starting position.
Tips & FAQs
Should you push down or pull down the triceps?
In a cable tricep pushdown, you should push down. This exercise targets the triceps by extending your elbows and pushing the handle downwards. Ensure you keep your elbows close to your body and use a controlled motion to maximize effectiveness and avoid unnecessary strain on your elbows and shoulders.
What attachment should I use can I use for Cable Tricep Pulldowns?
For tricep pushdowns, you can use attachments like a straight bar, rope, V-bar, EZ-curl bar, or single handle. Each attachment offers a slightly different grip and angle, which can help target the triceps effectively and provide variety in your workouts.
Common Form Mistakes
Limit Range of Motion at the Top
There should always be tension on your triceps. It’s very common to lose tension at the top of the movement when your arm is fully flexed. Limit your range of motion so your triceps stay engaged for the entire exercise without resting at the top.
Don’t Lock Out
There should always be tension on your triceps. Locking out your arms at the end of the movement will give your triceps time to rest during your set. Limit your range of motion so there is always tension on your triceps.
Weight & 1 Rep Max Calculator
Average Cable Tricep Pushdown standards by male, female, weight, age and height
Use this calculator to see Fitbod's possible first recommendations for you. This would be your starting line, based on more than 4.5 billion logged sets from 1.1 million users.
- beginner8reps35lbs1 Rep Max45lbs
- intermediate8reps40lbs50lbs
- advanced8reps45lbs55lbs
Enter your stats to calculate your Reps & Weight
Alternative Exercises to Cable Tricep Pushdown
1. Cable Rope Tricep Extension
99.1 mSCORESWAPPED 12,329 TIMESThis is an isolation triceps exercise. The use of cables gives you more control over where the resistance is coming from, allowing you to keep more tension in your triceps compared to equipment like dumbbells. Because you can easily adjust the weight on a cable machine this is also a great exercise for performing drop sets, and burning out your triceps.
- Intermediate
- Triceps
- Rope Cable
2. Dumbbell Skullcrusher
98.4 mSCORESWAPPED 2,584 TIMESDumbbell Skullcrusher is an isolation exercise that targets your triceps. Unlike some skull crusher variations, the use of dumbbells prevents you from compensating for any differences in strength between sides, as well as adding some instability to the movement.
3. Seated Tricep Press
97.4 mSCORESWAPPED 2,462 TIMESSeated Tricep Press is an isolation exercise that targets your triceps. The positioning of the dumbbell varies from many other tricep exercises, which is great for adding some variety to your exercise selection. By positioning the dumbbell overhead you can ensure that you’re taking your triceps through their full range of motion.
4. Dumbbell Kickbacks
93.7 mSCORESWAPPED 2,434 TIMESDumbbell Kickbacks are an isolation exercise that target the triceps. The use of dumbbells prevents you from compensating for any strength discrepancies between sides. The movement itself is simple and easy to perform, making this a great exercise for beginners, and plenty of variations exist for more advanced users looking to add more difficulty and complexity to the movement.
5. Machine Tricep Dip
92.9 mSCORESWAPPED 2,429 TIMESMachine Tricep Dips are a variation on the more standard Dip. This is a compound movement that primarily targets your triceps. By using a machine, you restrict your range of motion, and add more stability to the movement. This allows you to focus on exertion rather than stabilizing the movement. Because you’ll also be using a weight stack instead of bodyweight, you can have more control over your resistance. This is a great exercise for anyone looking to work towards performing full bodyweight dips, or just building muscle mass and strength in your triceps.
- Beginner
- Triceps
- Tricep Dip Machine
6. Machine Tricep Extension
90.2 mSCORESWAPPED 2,313 TIMESSimilar to other tricep extensions, this variation is an isolation movement that targets the triceps. The use of a machine restricts your range of motion, and adds a ton of stability to the movement. By placing your elbows against the pad, you ensure that the movement is coming entirely from your triceps, and you aren’t accidentally recruiting additional muscle groups.
- Beginner
- Triceps
- Triceps Extension Machine
7. Cable One Arm Underhand Tricep Extension
85.4 mSCORESWAPPED 2,082 TIMESLike other Tricep Extension variations, this exercise is an isolation movement that targets the triceps. By using an underhand grip, you can more easily keep your elbows close to your sides. By performing this exercise with each side independently, you remove the risk of compensating for any weakness between sides.
- Intermediate
- Triceps
- Rope Cable
8. Cable One Arm Tricep Side Extension
85.1 mSCORESWAPPED 1,959 TIMESLike other Tricep Extension variations, this exercise is an isolation movement that targets the triceps. By performing this exercise one side at a time, you remove the risk of compensating for any strength discrepancies between sides. In addition, this exercises forces you to work your triceps in a different plane than many typical tricep exercises.
- Intermediate
- Triceps
- Rope Cable
9. Bench Dip
93.8 mSCORESWAPPED 1,896 TIMESBench Dip is a variation on the standard Dip. Like other Dip variations, this is a compound, bodyweight exercise that primarily targets your triceps. Because your feet are still on the ground, this tends to be an easier variation, and a great way to build tricep strength as you work towards full bodyweight dips.
- Beginner
- Triceps
- Flat Bench
10. Single Arm Dumbbell Tricep Extension
88.5 mSCORESWAPPED 1,433 TIMESThis exercise is a variation on the more standard Dumbbell Tricep Extension. Like other tricep extensions, this is an isolation movement that targets your triceps. By performing this exercise with a single arm, you add more instability to the movement, as well as prevent yourself from compensating for any strength discrepancies between sides.