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Exercise Guide

How to do cable lying triceps extension

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

The cable lying triceps extension is a highly effective isolation exercise designed to build strength and size in the arms. By using a cable machine instead of free weights, you maintain constant tension throughout the entire range of motion. This movement specifically targets the long head of the triceps, helping to create a well-defined look while improving elbow stability and overall pressing power.

Stats

TIER
2
DIFFICULTY
Beginner to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Cable, Bench
TARGET MUSCLES
Triceps

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Bench and Cable Machine: Lie flat on a bench positioned perpendicular to a low-pulley cable machine. Your head should be near the end of the bench closest to the machine.
  2. Attachment: Attach a straight bar or EZ-bar to the low pulley.
  3. Grip: Reach back and grasp the attachment with an overhand grip (palms facing away from you), slightly narrower than shoulder-width apart.
  4. Starting Position: Extend your arms above your chest, holding the attachment perpendicular to the floor. Engage your core and keep your back flat on the bench.

The Lift:

  1. Lower the Bar: Inhale and slowly bend your elbows, lowering the attachment towards your forehead. Keep your upper arms stationary and perpendicular to the floor.
  2. Touch and Pause (Optional): You can lightly touch the attachment to your forehead, but this isn't mandatory.
  3. Extend Upward: Exhale and extend your elbows to press the attachment back to the starting position. Avoid locking out your elbows at the top.

Tips:

  • Elbow Position: Keep your elbows pointing towards the ceiling throughout the movement.
  • Slow and Controlled: Focus on using your triceps to move the weight, not momentum.
  • Range of Motion: If you feel any discomfort in your elbows or shoulders, reduce the range of motion by not lowering the bar as far.

Common mistakes: Letting the elbows flare out to the sides and moving the upper arms instead of keeping them stationary.

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