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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:

  1. Attachment: Attach a V-bar to a high pulley cable machine.
  2. Grip: Grasp the V-bar with both hands, palms facing down/inward.
  3. 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:

  1. Pushdown: Exhale and press the bar down by extending your elbows. Keep your upper arms stationary throughout the movement.
  2. Contraction: Continue pushing down until your arms are fully extended. Squeeze your triceps hard at the bottom.
  3. 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