Exercise guide · beginner

Triceps Cable Pushdown (Rope Attachment)

The triceps cable pushdown with a rope attachment targets all three heads of the triceps through a downward pressing motion. Spreading the rope ends at the bottom increases the range of contraction and develops triceps thickness and definition.

triceps
FRONTBACK
PrimaryAlso worksOther anatomy
Exercise demonstration · Play, pause, or scrub without leaving this page.
Equipment
cables
Typical range
8–15 reps
Also works
forearms, shoulders

01 · Set up

1

Choose a grip that keeps your wrists straight and place your upper arms in the position required by the exercise.

2

Brace your torso and begin with the elbows bent while keeping the shoulders quiet.

02 · Perform

1

Straighten the elbows while keeping the upper arms in their starting position.

2

Finish with the arms long without forcing or snapping the elbows.

3

Allow the elbows to bend under control until you return to the starting stretch.

Coaching tips

  • Keep the non-working joints still.
  • Use the full controlled range.
  • Own the return phase.

Common mistakes

  • Moving the torso to create momentum.
  • Using resistance that shortens the range.
  • Letting the resistance drop on the return.

What it should feel like

Expect the triceps to do most of the work, without sharp or joint-focused pain.

Stop or modify when

Stop or shorten the range for sharp, sudden, worsening, or joint-focused pain.

Reviewed alternatives

Other ways to train the same primary muscles

Cable Triceps Pushdown (V-Bar Attachment)Triceps Cable Pushdown (Straight Bar Attachment)Lying Cable Triceps Extension