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Exercise Guide

How to do cable bent overhead tricep extension

Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.

The cable bent overhead tricep extension is a highly effective isolation exercise targeting the long head of the triceps. By using a cable machine, you maintain constant tension throughout the entire range of motion. The overhead position provides a deep stretch to the muscle fibers, promoting significant hypertrophy and strength gains while improving elbow stability and overall arm definition for athletes.

Stats

TIER
1
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Cable
TARGET MUSCLES
Triceps

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Cable Machine: Stand facing away from a high-pulley cable machine.
  2. Attachment: Attach a rope handle to the high pulley.
  3. Grip: Grasp the rope handle with both hands, using a neutral grip (palms facing each other).
  4. Body Position: Step forward and hinge at your hips, keeping your back flat and core engaged. Your torso should be slightly angled forward. Position the rope behind your head, with elbows bent and pointing upwards.

The Lift:

  1. Extend Arms: Keeping your upper arms stationary, extend your elbows to push the rope up and forward.
  2. Full Extension: Continue extending until your arms are straight, but avoid locking your elbows.
  3. Squeeze: Contract your triceps hard at the top of the movement.
  4. Controlled Return: Slowly bend your elbows and lower the rope back behind your head, resisting the cable's pull.

Tips:

  • Elbow Position: Maintain a consistent elbow position throughout the movement, avoiding flaring them out.
  • Core Engagement: Keep your core engaged to maintain stability and prevent your back from arching.
  • Focus on the Triceps: Concentrate on using your triceps to move the weight, not momentum.
  • Breathing: Exhale as you extend your arms, inhale as you lower the weight.

Variations:

  • Single-Arm Bent Overhead Triceps Extension: Isolate each tricep for balanced development and potential imbalance correction.
  • Kneeling Bent Overhead Triceps Extension: Provides a more stable base for increased focus on the triceps.

Common mistakes: Flaring elbows out to the sides, arching the lower back excessively, and using momentum by rocking the torso instead of isolating the triceps.

Alternatives

Bench

dumbbell incline triceps extension

Triceps
Cable

cable one arm tricep pushdown

Triceps
Cable

cable pushdown(with rope)

Triceps
Cable

cable one arm side triceps pushdown

Triceps
Bench

barbell incline triceps extension

Triceps
Cable

cable bent overhead tricep extension

Triceps
Cable

cable overhead triceps extension

Triceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell incline two arm triceps extension

Triceps
Cable

cable lying triceps extension(low)

Triceps
Cable

cable reverse grip triceps pushdown(sz-bar)

Triceps
Bench

barbell seated overhead triceps extension

Triceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell seated triceps extension

Triceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell one arm tricep extension

Triceps
Cable

cable lying triceps extension

Triceps
Bench

barbell lying triceps extension

Triceps
Triceps Extension Machine

machine triceps extension

Triceps
Cable

cable triceps pushdown(SZ bar)

Triceps
Decline Bench

ez-barbell decline triceps extension

Triceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell one arm kickback

Triceps
Bench

dumbbell triceps kickback

Triceps
Dip Bar

weighted triceps dips

TricepsChest+1
None

dips on chair

TricepsChest+1
Barbell

barbell incline close grip bench press

TricepsFront Shoulder+1
None

kneeling triceps extension

Triceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell lying triceps extension

Triceps
Ez Barbell

ez-barbell incline triceps extension

Triceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell seated triceps extension

Triceps
Cable

cable triceps pushdown(v-bar)

Triceps
Smith Machine

smit-machine close grip bench press

TricepsChest+1
Bench

barbell close grip bench press

TricepsChest+1