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Exercise Guide

How to do cable triceps pushdown(SZ bar)

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

This variation of the triceps pushdown uses an angled SZ or EZ bar. The ergonomic grip reduces wrist strain while allowing for heavy loading. This exercise provides constant cable tension to the triceps, focusing on muscle hypertrophy and strength. It is a fundamental movement for developing the back of the arms, offering a stable and controlled environment for isolation training.

Stats

TIER
2
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Cable
TARGET MUSCLES
Triceps

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Cable Position: Attach an SZ bar 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 the SZ bar with an overhand grip, hands shoulder-width apart.
  4. Slight Bend: Lean forward slightly from your hips, keeping your back straight, 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 SZ bar downwards.
  2. Focus on Triceps: Concentrate on using your triceps to move the weight, minimizing momentum.
  3. Controlled Extension: Continue pressing down until your arms are nearly fully extended (don't lock your elbows).
  4. Controlled Return: Slowly allow the weight to pull your hands back up, extending your elbows but not fully locking them out.
  5. Reset: Breathe and prepare for the next repetition.

Tips:

  • Engage your core: Focus on keeping a strong and stable core throughout the movement.
  • Elbow position: Keep your elbows close to your sides for optimal tricep activation.

Common mistakes: Elbows moving away from the torso and rounded 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