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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:
- Cable Machine & Attachment: Position the pulley on the high setting. Attach an SZ-curl bar (sometimes called an EZ-bar) to the high pulley.
- 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.
- Arm Position: Keep your elbows tucked into your sides, forearms pointing upwards, holding the bar.
The Lift:
- 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.
- Peak Contraction: Pause briefly at the bottom of the movement, squeezing your triceps.
- 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