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Exercise Guide

How to do cable overhead triceps extension

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

The cable overhead triceps extension is a premier movement for isolating the triceps, specifically the long head. By positioning the arms overhead, you place the muscle under a significant stretch before contraction. The constant tension provided by the cable system ensures that the triceps are fully engaged throughout the set, leading to improved muscle endurance, thickness, and better lockout strength in various pressing.

Stats

TIER
1
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Cable
TARGET MUSCLES
Triceps

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Cable Position: Attach a rope handle to a cable machine and adjust the pulley to a high point (above your head).
  2. Standing Position: Stand facing away from the machine with feet shoulder-width apart for stability.
  3. Grip: Grab one end of the rope in each hand, with an overhand grip (palms facing down). Start with your hands behind your head, elbows up and close to your ears.
  4. Engage Core: Tighten your core for stability.

The Lift:

  1. Initiate: Keeping your upper arms still, extend your elbows to push the handles downwards and in front of you.
  2. Slight Separation: At the bottom of the movement, slightly separate the ends of the rope for increased triceps contraction.
  3. Controlled Return: Slowly reverse the movement, returning to the starting position with your hands behind your head.
  4. Reset: Rest briefly, then prepare for the next repetition.

Tips:

  • Focus on Your Triceps: Concentrate on using your triceps to move the weight, not momentum.
  • Don't Flare Elbows: Maintain an upright posture and keep your elbows pointed forward to maximize tricep engagement.

Common mistakes: Tucking the chin too far forward, failing to achieve a full range of motion at the bottom, and letting the elbows drift forward.

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