Skip to content

Free Shipping on Orders $75+

90 Day Money Back Guarantee

1 Year Equipment Warranty

550K+ Happy Customers

Free Shipping on Orders $75+

90 Day Money Back Guarantee

1 Year Equipment Warranty

550K+ Happy Customers

triceps MAR 04, 2026
4 min read

Tricep Push Down: Cable Pressdown Guide

Tricep Push Down: Cable Pressdown Guide

The tricep push down is a staple isolation exercise using a cable machine to target the triceps brachii for building arm size, strength, and definition. Also known as cable pressdown, this movement provides constant tension throughout the range of motion, making it highly effective for all three heads of the triceps while minimizing involvement from other muscles.

Ideal for beginners and advanced lifters, proper form ensures maximum activation and helps prevent elbow strain. 

This guide covers the essentials: an overview of the tricep push down, detailed step-by-step instructions on correct execution with a straight bar or rope attachment, and practical tips to optimize performance. Add this exercise to your arm or push workouts for noticeable triceps growth.

Exercise Description

Main Target Muscles

Triceps

Secondary Target Muscles

None

Workout Type

Strength

Gym Gear

Cable

Fitness Level

Beginner

Compound/Isolated 

Isolation

Power Move 

Push

Target Muscle: Triceps

Tricep Push Down Overview

This is a variation of the cable extension exercise that is popularly known to build tricep muscles. The exercise engages your core, shoulders, and back which builds overall strength to improve your athletic performance. 

If you want to enhance your endurance level, then this exercise ensures you build it adequately. Individuals also require isolation in order to perform this exercise properly. This is a fundamental skill that proves to be beneficial in performing many other exercises. 

How to Do Tricep Push Down

  1. Attach the bar to the stack as high as possible.
  2. Grab the bar and hinge your hips forward a little. Keep the grip pronated i.e., facing down and hinge your hips.
  3. Extend the elbows, flex the triceps and pull the handle down till you feel your elbows almost locked.
  4. Slowly return back to the start position. 
  5. Repeat for the desired number of reps.

Tricep Push Down Tips

  1. Do not lock your elbows out completely. This is important if you want to maintain tension in your triceps.
  2. Your elbows should not move in front of your body as you extend towards the bottom of the movement. This would hurt your elbow joints terribly. 
  3. Your shoulder blades should not tilt as you stretch your elbows.

Healthier and Happier Life is One Step Away.

Get information on health, fitness and wellness with our weekly newsletter.

James Cambell

James Cambell is a health and fitness writer at DMoose with a background in nutrition sciences, creating content on workouts, nutrition, and healthy living.

Read Previous

Tricep Dumbbell Kickback: Bent Over Triceps Exercise

Read Next

Cable Tricep Extension: Rope Tricep Extensions Guide

Cable Tricep Extension: Rope Tricep Extensions Guide

Related

Start your fitness journey today!

Take an extra 10% off your order.

reach out

Toll Free: (833) 366-6733

support@dmoose.com

5700 Crooks Road, Troy, Michigan 48098

*By submitting this form you are signing up to receive our emails and can unsubscribe at any time.