Cable V-Bar Tricep Pushdown

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Beginner

Cable V-bar tricep pushdown isolates the triceps brachii using constant tension for arm strength and hypertrophy; ideal for building pushing power.

About Exercise

Equipment

Single Cable Machine, V-Bar Cable Attachment

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Triceps

Secondary Muscles

Abs

Accessory Muscles

Lats, Traps, Chest

Popularity Score

8

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy

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

Abs

3/10

Rectus Abdominis

Lats

2/10

Traps

2/10

Chest

2/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Attach V-bar to high pulley on cable machine and select weight. Stand facing machine with feet hip-width apart, grasp V-bar with overhand grip, elbows at sides and forearms parallel to floor.

  1. Brace core and keep upper arms pinned to torso.
  2. Exhale and extend elbows to push V-bar down toward thighs.
  3. Squeeze triceps at full extension without locking elbows.
  4. Inhale and slowly bend elbows to return forearms to parallel.
  5. Maintain stationary upper arms throughout.
  6. Repeat for reps.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Elbows tucked tight
  • Squeeze at bottom
  • No shoulder sway
  • Control the return
  • Neutral wrists

Breathing

Inhale during the return to starting position; exhale as you extend your elbows to push down. Brace core before each rep.

Tempo

2-1-1

Range of Motion

Elbows from 90 degrees at start to near full extension at bottom, without hyperextending; upper arms remain vertical and fixed.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid elbow hyperextension
  • Keep core braced to protect back
  • Use weight allowing full control
  • Neutral wrist position
  • Consult professional for elbow injuries

Spotting

Spotting not required; use machine's safety features if needed for heavy loads.

Common Mistakes

  • Swinging upper arms forward
  • Locking elbows at bottom
  • Using momentum
  • Leaning back excessively
  • Flaring elbows out

When to Avoid

  • Acute elbow pain
  • Shoulder impingement
  • Wrist strain

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion to 90 degrees
  • Elbow extension mobility

Build Up First

  • Basic cable machine familiarity
  • Proper bracing technique

Also known as

V-Bar Triceps Pushdown, Cable Tricep Extension V-Bar, V-Bar Cable Pushdown

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