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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:
- Cable Position: Attach a rope handle to a cable machine and adjust the pulley to a high point (above your head).
- Standing Position: Stand facing away from the machine with feet shoulder-width apart for stability.
- 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.
- Engage Core: Tighten your core for stability.
The Lift:
- Initiate: Keeping your upper arms still, extend your elbows to push the handles downwards and in front of you.
- Slight Separation: At the bottom of the movement, slightly separate the ends of the rope for increased triceps contraction.
- Controlled Return: Slowly reverse the movement, returning to the starting position with your hands behind your head.
- 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
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Cable
cable one arm tricep pushdown
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Cable
cable pushdown(with rope)
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Cable
cable one arm side triceps pushdown
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Bench
barbell incline triceps extension
Triceps
Cable
cable bent overhead tricep extension
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Cable
cable overhead triceps extension
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Dumbbell
dumbbell incline two arm triceps extension
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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
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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