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Exercise Guide

How to do cable pushdown(with rope)

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

The cable pushdown with a rope is a popular triceps isolation movement performed at a cable station. Using a rope attachment allows for a greater range of motion at the bottom of the movement, where you can pull the ends apart to further contract the triceps. This exercise provides constant tension, which is excellent for building muscle definition and strength in the arms.

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 the machine with feet shoulder-width apart for stability.
  3. Grip: Grasp one end of the rope in each hand, with a neutral grip (palms facing each other)
  4. Slight Bend: Lean forward slightly from your hips and maintain a soft bend in your knees.

The Lift:

  1. Initiate: Keeping your upper arms still and elbows tucked close to your ribcage, press the rope handles down.
  2. Separate the rope: At the bottom of the movement, separate the ends of the rope, squeezing your triceps hard.
  3. Controlled Return: Slowly allow the weight to pull your hands back up, extending your elbows but not fully locking them out.
  4. Reset: Breathe and prepare for the next repetition.

Tips:

  • Engage your core: Focus on keeping a strong and stable core throughout the movement.
  • Focus on the triceps: Concentrate on using your triceps to move the weight, minimizing momentum.

Common mistakes: Letting the elbows drift forward and hunching the shoulders.

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