Cable Rope Tricep Pushdown

Auto-detected exercise indicatorAuto Detected
Beginner

Cable rope tricep pushdown is an isolation exercise targeting the triceps for arm hypertrophy and pressing strength, using constant cable tension to engage all three heads.

About Exercise

Equipment

Rope Cable Attachment, Single Cable Machine

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Triceps

Secondary Muscles

Forearms, Abs

Popularity Score

9

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

Lateral Head, Long Head, Medial Head

Forearms

4/10

Flexors

Abs

3/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Attach rope to high cable pulley. Stand facing machine with feet shoulder-width apart, grip rope neutrally at chest height, elbows bent 90 degrees tucked to sides.

  1. Brace core and keep upper arms stationary.
  2. Extend elbows to push rope down toward thighs.
  3. Spread rope ends slightly at full extension and squeeze triceps.
  4. Hold contraction briefly.
  5. Slowly bend elbows to return rope to starting position.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Pin elbows to ribs
  • Drive with triceps only
  • Squeeze hard at bottom
  • Control the return

Breathing

Inhale as you return to start; exhale forcefully during the pushdown while bracing core.

Tempo

2-1-1

Range of Motion

From elbows bent at 90 degrees with forearms parallel to floor, to full elbow extension with slight bend to avoid lockout.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid hyperextending elbows
  • Use weight allowing full control
  • Stop if elbow pain occurs
  • Maintain neutral spine to protect back

Spotting

Spotting not required; use machine stack for safety or pin if available.

Common Mistakes

  • Flaring elbows outward
  • Swinging body for momentum
  • Locking elbows at bottom
  • Incomplete range of motion

When to Avoid

  • Acute elbow tendonitis
  • Shoulder impingement

Flexibility Needed

  • Wrist extension for neutral grip
  • Shoulder flexion to 90 degrees

Build Up First

  • Familiarity with cable machines
  • Basic elbow extension control

Also known as

Cable Rope Tricep Extension, Rope Tricep Pushdown, Tricep Rope Extension

Found this helpful?

Share your thoughts or help us improve this guide.

Similar Exercises

Hero Image

Master your movement.

Experience automatic exercise detection and rep counting - powered by the motion of your Apple Watch.

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking 'Accept All', you consent to our use of cookies.