Triceps Pushdown

A cable extension with constant tension and no load on the elbow at the stretched position. A joint-friendly high-rep finisher at 12-15 reps after heavy pressing.

DIFFICULTY
Beginner
EQUIPMENT
Cable
PRIMARY MUSCLES
Triceps
ALSO WORKS
Forearms & Grip
HOW TO DO IT
  1. 01Set the pulley to just above head height and attach a bar or rope.
  2. 02Stand close, take the handle, and tuck the elbows to the sides.
  3. 03Lean forward very slightly and brace the trunk.
  4. 04Extend the elbows until the arms are straight, spreading the rope if using one.
  5. 05Return under control until the forearms pass parallel without letting the elbows drift.
COACHING CUES
  1. 01Only the forearms move.
  2. 02Elbows stay at the ribs.
  3. 03Squeeze at the bottom for a beat.
COMMON MISTAKES
  1. 01Elbows travelling forward and back — the lats and shoulders start pressing and the triceps do less each rep.
  2. 02Leaning body weight over the bar — the stack moves, the muscle does not.
  3. 03Stopping short of straight arms — the lockout is where the triceps are most fully shortened.

Note: Reference material, not a prescription. Load, volume and whether this movement suits you at all depends on your assessment — if something hurts, stop and get it looked at.

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