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Best Beginner Triceps Workouts With Cable Machines

About

Cables offer a flexible training solution, enabling adjustments in resistance direction and accommodating various handle attachments for customized muscle engagement.

This workout is designed for beginners with less than a year of experience, focusing on simple and effective movements with reduced risk and adjustable weights to ensure a challenging progress.

The triceps, located on the back of the upper arm, play a crucial role in extending the elbow and are essential in pushing actions, making these exercises beneficial for overall strength improvement. Integrating activities such as Cable Pulls ensures targeted development within a supportive structure.

The 3 Best Beginner Triceps Exercises with Cable Machines

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Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More

  • 1. Cable Tricep Pushdown

    Cable Tricep Pushdown demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    3,225,406
    Triceps Strength
    96 mScore
    Triceps
    Photo of Rope Cable
    Rope Cable

    The Cable Tricep Pushdown is an exercise that works the triceps, the muscles at the back of your arms. Using a flat bar allows you to keep your palms facing down, helping to stabilize your wrists as you perform the move.

    How to do it

    1. Set the pulley to the highest position with a straight or angled bar attached.
    2. Grip the bar with your palms facing down and elbows bent at 90 degrees, close to your body.
    3. Keep your core tight and your shoulders back.
    4. Push the bar down by extending your elbows, keeping them close to your sides until your arms are straight.
    5. Return to the starting position by bending your elbows back.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    35lbs
    2
    8reps
    35lbs
    3
    8reps
    35lbs
  • 2. Single Arm High Cable Tricep Extension

    Single Arm High Cable Tricep Extension demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    352,773
    Triceps Strength
    85 mScore
    Triceps
    Photo of Rope Cable
    Rope Cable

    The Single Arm High Cable Tricep Extension targets the triceps for better arm definition. Using the cable machine allows for a full stretch of the tricep muscles, promoting growth and strength.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your back to the cable machine in a staggered stance, with your active arm aligned with the cable.
    2. Grab the handle with one hand, keeping the cable over your shoulder.
    3. Push the handle forward, fully extending your arm while keeping your elbow and shoulder locked in place.
    4. Pause at the end, feeling the tension in your tricep.
    5. Slowly let the handle return to the starting position, maintaining good posture and engagement in your core.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    12.5lbs
  • 3. Lateral Cable Tricep Extension

    Lateral Cable Tricep Extension demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    226,055
    Triceps Strength
    88 mScore
    Triceps
    Photo of Hi-Lo Pulley Cable
    Hi-Lo Pulley Cable

    The Lateral Cable Tricep Extension is an exercise that focuses on strengthening the triceps using a cable machine. It allows for controlled movement and targets each arm individually, helping to balance strength on both sides.

    How to do it

    1. Stand next to a cable machine with the cable set below shoulder height.
    2. Hold the cable handle with your outer hand, palm facing your chest.
    3. Keep your forearm parallel to the ground and extend your elbow, moving the cable away until it's level with your shoulder.
    4. Slowly return to the starting position and repeat on the other side.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    17.5lbs

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Alternative Triceps Workouts with Cable Machines

Alternative Beginner Triceps Workouts