Cable Rope Overhead Tricep Extension

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Intermediate

An isolation exercise using a low-pulley cable rope to target the triceps, emphasizing the long head through overhead extension for arm hypertrophy and pressing strength.

About Exercise

Equipment

Single Cable Machine, Rope Cable Attachment

Difficulty

2/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Triceps

Secondary Muscles

Shoulders, Forearms

Accessory Muscles

Abs

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Hypertrophy
Strength

Training Style

Bodybuilding

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

Shoulders

4/10

Anterior Delts

Forearms

3/10

Flexors

Abs

2/10

Rectus Abdominis

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Attach rope to low pulley on cable machine. Stand facing away with feet shoulder-width, grasp rope neutrally, step forward for tension, position hands behind head with elbows bent.

  1. Bend elbows to lower rope behind head, feeling triceps stretch.
  2. Extend arms overhead by straightening elbows, keeping upper arms stationary.
  3. Squeeze triceps at full extension, optionally spreading rope ends.
  4. Slowly bend elbows to return rope behind head under control.
  5. Maintain core engagement and neutral spine throughout.
  6. Repeat for reps, focusing on elbow movement only.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Elbows close to ears
  • Squeeze triceps hard
  • Upper arms stationary
  • Core tight, back straight

Breathing

Inhale as you lower the rope, exhale as you extend arms overhead; brace core before each rep.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

Start with elbows bent and rope behind head at deepest stretch; end with arms fully extended overhead without locking elbows.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid heavy weights that compromise form
  • Do not hyperextend shoulders
  • Use lighter load if shoulder mobility is limited
  • Stop if elbow or shoulder pain occurs

Spotting

Spotting not typically needed; assist by supporting elbows if form breaks on heavy sets.

Common Mistakes

  • Flaring elbows outward
  • Arching lower back
  • Swinging with momentum
  • Incomplete stretch behind head

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder impingement
  • Elbow joint instability

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion to 160 degrees
  • Wrist neutral mobility

Build Up First

  • Basic cable machine familiarity
  • Proper elbow extension form

Also known as

Low Pulley Overhead Tricep Extension, Standing Rope Tricep Extension, Overhead Cable Tricep Pushdown

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