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Upper Arms Exercise · Cable

Cable Triceps Pushdown (v-Bar) exercise animation

Cable Triceps Pushdown (v-Bar)

Category
Upper Arms
Equipment
Cable
Target
Triceps

The pushdown keeps constant tension on the triceps from a cable stack, which free-weight triceps work rarely manages. Pinning the elbows to your sides is the whole game here — let them drift forward and the chest and shoulders start sharing a lift that's supposed to be triceps-only. It's a common finisher after heavier pressing work rather than a lift people build a session around.

How to Do the Cable Triceps Pushdown (v-Bar)

  1. Fasten a v-bar to the cable machine's top pulley.
  2. Face the cable machine and stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
  3. Grip the v-bar with an overhand grip, palms down, hands set shoulder-width apart.
  4. Keep your elbows pinned to your sides and your upper arms still for the whole movement.
  5. Brace your triceps and exhale as you press the v-bar downward until your arms are fully extended.
  6. Hold briefly at the bottom, squeezing your triceps.
  7. Inhale as you slowly let the v-bar rise back to the start, staying in control.
  8. Continue for the prescribed repetitions while maintaining full control through both the lift and lower phases.

Calorie Burn & Set Tracker

Sets
3
Reps / Set
10
Active Timer
00:00
Estimated Burn
0 kcal

Muscles Worked

The Cable Triceps Pushdown (v-Bar) primarily targets the Triceps, with Forearms as the primary synergist muscle group.

More Upper Arms Exercises

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