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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:
- Cable Machine: Stand facing away from a high-pulley cable machine.
- Attachment: Attach a rope handle to the high pulley.
- Grip: Grasp the rope handle with both hands, using a neutral grip (palms facing each other).
- 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:
- Extend Arms: Keeping your upper arms stationary, extend your elbows to push the rope up and forward.
- Full Extension: Continue extending until your arms are straight, but avoid locking your elbows.
- Squeeze: Contract your triceps hard at the top of the movement.
- 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