← Back to library
Last updated March 5, 2026
Media unavailable
Triceps
Triceps Pressdown
Stand at a cable station and push the handle down by extending your elbows, keeping your upper arms stationary.
Quick facts
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Mechanic
- Isolation
- Force
- Push
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Low
- Hypertrophy
- High
- Calorie Burn
- Low
Muscle focus
Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.
Primary
tricepstriceps (side)
Secondary
triceps (long)triceps (inner)
Equipment & setup
What you need and how to position yourself before starting.
Equipment
cable
Movement pattern
Bilateral
Posture
Standing
Tracking parameters
repsweight
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.
- Step 1Setup
- Set the cable pulley to the highest position.
- Attach a straight bar, V-bar, or rope handle.
- Stand facing the machine with feet shoulder-width apart.
- Step 2Starting Position
- Grip the attachment with an overhand grip.
- Pin your elbows to your sides at about 90 degrees.
- Stand slightly leaning forward with your chest up.
- Step 3Execution
- Press the bar down by extending your elbows.
- Keep your upper arms completely stationary against your torso.
- Fully extend your arms and squeeze your triceps at the bottom.
- Slowly allow the bar to return to the starting position under control.
- Do not let the weight stack slam between reps.
- Maintain constant tension on the cable throughout.