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Exercise 0201 · REF 3ZflifB

Cable Pushdown exercise animation

Cable Pushdown

Category
Upper Arms
Equipment
Cable
Target
Triceps

The cable pushdown is the standard triceps builder in most gyms, prized because the cable keeps tension on the muscle through the entire range unlike a dumbbell extension that unloads at certain points. Elbows pinned to the sides is the detail that separates a real triceps exercise from one where the shoulders and chest quietly take over. It's a dependable finisher after heavier pressing work, not usually a primary builder on its own.

How to Do the Cable Pushdown

  1. Attach a straight bar to a high pulley cable machine.
  2. Stand facing the machine with your feet shoulder-width apart and a slight bend in your knees.
  3. Grasp the bar with an overhand grip, hands shoulder-width apart.
  4. Keep your elbows close to your sides and your upper arms stationary.
  5. Exhale and push the bar down until your elbows are fully extended.
  6. Pause for a moment, then inhale and slowly return the bar to the starting position.
  7. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Muscles Worked

The Cable Pushdown primarily targets the Triceps, with Forearms as the primary synergist muscle group.

More Upper Arms Exercises

Assisted Standing Triceps Extension (with Towel) Assisted Standing Triceps Extension (with Towel) Assisted · Triceps Assisted Triceps Dip (kneeling) Assisted Triceps Dip (kneeling) Leverage Machine · Triceps Band Alternating Biceps Curl Band Alternating Biceps Curl Band · Biceps Band Close-Grip Push-Up Band Close-Grip Push-Up Band · Triceps Band Concentration Curl Band Concentration Curl Band · Biceps Band One Arm Overhead Biceps Curl Band One Arm Overhead Biceps Curl Band · Biceps

More Triceps Exercises

Band Side Triceps Extension Band Side Triceps Extension Band · Triceps Barbell Close-Grip Bench Press Barbell Close-Grip Bench Press Barbell · Triceps Barbell Decline Close Grip To Skull Press Barbell Decline Close Grip To Skull Press Barbell · Triceps Barbell Incline Close Grip Bench Press Barbell Incline Close Grip Bench Press Barbell · Triceps Barbell Incline Reverse-Grip Press Barbell Incline Reverse-Grip Press Barbell · Triceps Barbell Jm Bench Press Barbell Jm Bench Press Barbell · Triceps

Equipment Alternatives

Don't have cable? These target the same triceps with different equipment.

Bench Dip (knees Bent) Bench Dip (knees Bent) Body Weight · Triceps Assisted Standing Triceps Extension (with Towel) Assisted Standing Triceps Extension (with Towel) Assisted · Triceps Assisted Triceps Dip (kneeling) Assisted Triceps Dip (kneeling) Leverage Machine · Triceps Band Close-Grip Push-Up Band Close-Grip Push-Up Band · Triceps

FAQ

What muscles does the Cable Pushdown work?
The Cable Pushdown primarily targets the triceps, with the forearms as the main supporting muscle group.
What equipment do I need for the Cable Pushdown?
The Cable Pushdown is done with a cable.
What's a good alternative to the Cable Pushdown?
If you don't have access to a cable, the Bench Dip (knees Bent) targets the same triceps using body weight instead.