Triceps Pushdown

Triceps Pushdown is a beginner-level isolation in the strength category that primarily works the triceps. It is performed with cable.

How to do it

1. 1Attach a straight or angled bar to a high pulley and grab with an overhand grip (palms facing down) at shoulder width.
2. 2Standing upright with the torso straight and a very small inclination forward, bring the upper arms close to your body and perpendicular to the floor. The forearms should be pointing up towards the pulley as they hold the bar. This is your starting position.
3. 3Using the triceps, bring the bar down until it touches the front of your thighs and the arms are fully extended perpendicular to the floor. The upper arms should always remain stationary next to your torso and only the forearms should move. Exhale as you perform this movement.
4. 4After a second hold at the contracted position, bring the bar slowly up to the starting point. Breathe in as you perform this step.
5. 5Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Muscles worked

Primary muscles in filled badges, secondary in grey. Tap for more exercises per muscle.

Tips and common mistakes

• •Focus on the muscle contraction and control the eccentric (lowering) phase.
• •Add load only once you complete all reps with good form — progressive overload.
• •Press through the full range and avoid snapping the joints into lockout.
• •Prioritize full range of motion over heavy weight with partial reps.

Sets and reps

For hypertrophy: 3–4 sets × 8–12 reps with 1–2 reps in reserve (RPE 7–9) and 1–2 minutes rest. For strength: 3–5 × 4–6 with longer rest.