Cable machine

Cable Triceps Rope Pushdown

A cable isolation move for the triceps. With your elbows pinned at your sides, you press a rope down until your arms are straight and spread the ends apart.

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Press the rope down, keeping your elbows at your sides

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PrimaryTriceps
SecondaryForearmsAbs

How to do it

  1. Attach a rope to a high cable pulley and stand facing the machine, feet about hip-width apart.
  2. Grab the rope ends with your palms facing each other and lean forward slightly from the hips.
  3. Pin your elbows to your sides with your forearms just above parallel to the floor.
  4. Press the rope down until your arms are fully straight, pulling the ends apart at the bottom.
  5. Let the rope rise under control until your forearms pass parallel, without letting your elbows drift up.

Common mistakes

  • Elbows flaring out or drifting forward, which brings the shoulders and chest into it.
  • Leaning over the rope and using body weight to push it down.
  • Letting the weight yank your hands up at the top instead of controlling it.
  • Stopping short of a full lockout at the bottom.

The animation shows general technique, not advice for your body. If you have an injury or are new to lifting, check your form with a qualified coach. See the Disclaimer.

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