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Exercise Guide
How to do cable triceps pushdown(v-bar)
Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.
The cable triceps pushdown with a V-bar is a classic triceps exercise that focuses on the lateral and medial heads. The V-bar attachment allows for a comfortable, neutral grip that facilitates a strong contraction at the bottom of the movement. Using a cable ensures the triceps are under load at all times, making it a highly effective finisher for building arm thickness and lockout power.
Stats
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Cable
TARGET MUSCLES
Triceps
Instructions for Proper Form
Setup:
- Attachment: Attach a V-bar to a high pulley cable machine.
- Grip: Grasp the V-bar with both hands, palms facing down/inward.
- Stance: Stand facing the machine with your feet shoulder-width apart. Lean forward slightly at the torso and tuck your elbows into your sides.
The Movement:
- Pushdown: Exhale and press the bar down by extending your elbows. Keep your upper arms stationary throughout the movement.
- Contraction: Continue pushing down until your arms are fully extended. Squeeze your triceps hard at the bottom.
- Return: Inhale and slowly allow the bar to return to the starting position (around chest height).
Tips:
- The key to this exercise is to keep your elbows pinned to your sides. Do not let them flare out or move forward.
- Only your forearms should be moving.
- The V-bar allows for a neutral grip which can be more comfortable on the wrists for some people.
Common mistakes: Letting the elbows drift away from the torso, using the shoulders to push down, and not locking out the triceps at the bottom.
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