Barbell Tricep Extension vs Cable Tricep Pushdown
Which one fits your Triceps workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Cable Tricep Pushdown more often — 39,761 sessions vs 765. Compare Triceps form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Tricep Extension and Cable Tricep Pushdown and pick the one that fits your Triceps workout.
Barbell Tricep Extension vs Cable Tricep Pushdown: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Cable Tricep Pushdown more often — 39,761 sessions compared to 765 for Barbell Tricep Extension.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Tricep Extension and Cable Tricep Pushdown differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Barbell Tricep Extension and Cable Tricep Pushdown Differ
| What differs | Barbell Tricep Extension | Cable Tricep Pushdown |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 765 sessions | 39,761 sessions |
How to Do Barbell Tricep Extension
Barbell Tricep Extension Muscles Worked: Triceps
Form
- 1. Keep your elbows fixed and lower your arms behind your head.
- 2. After lowering them behind your head, slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please be careful not to overextend your arms.
For a full Barbell Tricep Extension guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Tricep Extension exercise guide.
How to Do Cable Tricep Pushdown
Cable Tricep Pushdown Muscles Worked: Triceps
Form
- 1. Please lower it until your arm is fully extended.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position while bearing the weight.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please be careful not to overextend your arms.
For a full Cable Tricep Pushdown guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Cable Tricep Pushdown exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Triceps, Barbell Tricep Extension or Cable Tricep Pushdown?
Planfit users log Cable Tricep Pushdown more often — 39,761 sessions against 765 for Barbell Tricep Extension. Both train Triceps, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Barbell Tricep Extension and Cable Tricep Pushdown need?
Barbell Tricep Extension needs a barbell, and Cable Tricep Pushdown needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Cable Tricep Pushdown is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Tricep Extension once your form holds up.
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