Cable Tricep Pushdown

Toned arms
Cable Tricep Pushdown gif
Doing the Cable Tricep Pushdown right? Let your AI coach fix your form and build it into a plan made for you.
BeginnerCrossover Cable

About

It is a workout that contracts the triceps by pushing down the grip. It's among the most effective workouts that help you grow your arm muscles.

Coach's Tips

How to Cable Tricep Pushdown

Starting Position

1. Please position the cable on the line with the chin.

2. Slightly bend your knees and push your hips back a little.

3. Keep your elbows close to your sides and stabilize them so they don't move.

Proper Form

1. Please lower it until your arm is fully extended.

2. Slowly return to the starting position while bearing the weight.

Breathing Technique

Exhale when lowering your arms and inhale when raising your arms.

Muscles Cable Tricep Pushdown Works

Muscles used

  • TricepsBack of upper arm
  • ForearmsForearms
  • LatsLarge muscles on both sides of your back, from under your armpits to your waist

Main muscleKeep your elbows at your sides and push the bar or rope down by straightening your arms. Your triceps do most of the work, helping you extend your elbows and press the handle down.

Supporting musclesYour forearms help you grip the handle, and your lats keep your elbows close to your body.

How it should feelAs you push the handle down, feel the back of your arm tighten. At the end of the movement, your triceps should feel the strongest.

Signs you're offIf your elbows move or your upper body leans forward, you’re using your shoulders and body weight. Keep your wrists straight to maintain tension.

Remember thisKeep your elbows at your sides and push the handle down.

Setting Up for Cable Tricep Pushdown

Setup orderAlign the cable loop so the handle is at the height of the front of the sternum → Connect the straight bar or rope → Check that the handle does not come off.

  • Cable height

    Set it like thisAdjust the height of the cable loop so that the handle is at the height of the front of your sternum when you hold it.

    How to checkThe cable comes down from the top to the handle, and the handle should naturally come to the front of your solar plexus.

  • Handle connection

    Set it like thisHook a straight bar or rope onto the loop at the end of the cable, and ensure the lock is completely closed.

    How to checkMake sure the loop does not open and the handle does not come off the cable when you pull the handle slightly downward.

Watch out forAvoid starting with handle positioned lower than the front of the sternum or the handle loop not fully locked.

Stance for Cable Tricep Pushdown

Foot widthPlace your feet about shoulder-width apart.

Where your weight goesPress the whole sole of each foot into the floor, and spread your weight evenly across both feet.

Upper body positionStand in front of the cable so the handle starts in front of your chest.

Why it mattersIf your foot position is unstable, your body may shift as you press the handle down.

How to Grip for Cable Tricep Pushdown

Grip typeTurn your palms down and hold the straight bar with both hands.

Grip widthPlace your hands slightly narrower than shoulder width, about half a palm narrower on each side, holding the same position on both sides of the bar.

How hard to gripPlace the bar in the middle of your palms and wrap your thumbs around it. Keep the backs of your hands in line with your forearms.

The Key Point for Cable Tricep Pushdown

Keep your elbows by your sides, and move only your forearms to press the handle down.

Think of it like thiselbows at your sides, hands down

Before the fixMove your elbows forward or lean your upper body forward to press down with your body weight.

After the fixI feel strength in the back of my arms, and my torso doesn't shake.

Common Mistakes in Cable Tricep Pushdown

  • Elbows move away from the body

    Why it's wrongThis shifts work from triceps to shoulders or chest.

    How to fix itKeep your elbows by your sides and move only your forearms.

  • Leaning forward to press down

    Why it's wrongMomentum takes work away from your triceps.

    How to fix itKeep your torso still and press down with your triceps.

  • Wrists bend

    Why it's wrongIf your wrist bends, it can increase the strain and reduce the force from your triceps.

    How to fix itKeep your wrists straight with your forearms.

Precautions

1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.

2. Please be careful not to overextend your arms.

From the Community

Cable Tricep Pushdown Community

Join the Community →

Browse by muscle group or equipment

Curious about a Triceps workout plan that includes the Cable Tricep Pushdown

Cable Tricep Pushdown Alternatives

Cable Tricep Pushdown vs

Get Personalized Plans
and More detailed guidance with Planfit

Banner Image