Cable Rope High Pulley Overhead Tricep Extension

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Intermediate

Cable rope overhead extension from a high pulley isolates the triceps, emphasizing the long head, to build arm strength and hypertrophy with consistent tension.

About Exercise

Equipment

Single Cable Machine, Rope Cable Attachment

Difficulty

2/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Triceps

Secondary Muscles

Abs

Accessory Muscles

Obliques

Popularity Score

8

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy

Training Style

Bodybuilding
Weightlifting

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Triceps

10/10

Long Head, Lateral Head, Medial Head

Abs

3/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Obliques

2/10

External Obliques, Internal Obliques

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Attach rope to high cable pulley. Stand facing away, grasp rope behind head with elbows bent and upper arms by ears; engage core and lean slightly forward.

  1. Keep upper arms fixed and close to head.
  2. Extend elbows to push rope upward and forward.
  3. Fully straighten arms overhead while contracting triceps.
  4. Slowly bend elbows to lower rope behind head.
  5. Maintain control through full range of motion.
  6. Repeat for reps.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Tuck elbows to head
  • Squeeze triceps at top
  • Keep upper arms still
  • Engage core for stability
  • Control the descent

Breathing

Inhale as you lower the rope; exhale as you extend your arms.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

Start with elbows fully flexed behind head; end with arms straight overhead without locking elbows.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid excessive weight to maintain form
  • Consult professional for shoulder issues
  • Warm up shoulders before starting
  • Secure rope attachment firmly

Spotting

Spotting not typically required; if using heavy weight, assist by supporting elbows from behind during extension.

Common Mistakes

  • Flaring elbows outward
  • Swinging body for momentum
  • Arching lower back
  • Using partial range of motion

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder impingement
  • Elbow injuries

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion to 160 degrees

Build Up First

  • Familiarity with cable machines
  • Basic tricep extension form

Also known as

High Pulley Overhead Tricep Extension, Overhead Rope Tricep Extension, Cable Overhead Tricep Pushdown

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