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Exercise Guide

How to do cable reverse grip triceps pushdown(sz-bar)

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

The cable reverse grip triceps pushdown using an SZ-bar focuses on the medial head of the triceps. The underhand grip shifts the emphasis away from the lateral head, providing a unique stimulus for arm growth. This exercise is perfect for finishing a triceps workout, as the cable provides constant tension and the grip allows for a strong, controlled contraction to maximize muscle definition and overall arm thickness.

Stats

TIER
2
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Cable
TARGET MUSCLES
Triceps

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Cable Machine & Attachment: Position the pulley on the high setting. Attach an SZ-curl bar (sometimes called an EZ-bar) to the high pulley.
  2. Stance & Grip: Stand facing the machine, about a foot away from the stack. Grasp the SZ-curl bar with an underhand grip (palms facing up) at shoulder-width apart or slightly narrower.
  3. Arm Position: Keep your elbows tucked into your sides, forearms pointing upwards, holding the bar.

The Lift:

  1. Extend Arms Downward: Engage your triceps to extend your arms downwards until they're fully straight alongside your body. Your wrists should be in line with your forearms.
  2. Peak Contraction: Pause briefly at the bottom of the movement, squeezing your triceps.
  3. Controlled Return: Slowly return your arms to the starting position, resisting the pull of the cable.

Tips:

  • Isolate the Triceps: Keep your upper arms stationary, focusing on contracting only the triceps muscle.
  • Avoid Swinging: Don't use momentum to push the weight down. The movement should be controlled and deliberate.
  • Forearm Position: Keep your forearms vertical throughout the exercise to emphasize the triceps.
  • Grip Variation: If an SZ-curl bar is not available, you can use a straight bar or rope attachment.

Common mistakes: Letting the elbows drift away from the torso, failing to achieve a full lockout at the bottom, and using shoulder momentum to push the weight down.

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