1. Home
  2. Exercises
  3. Reverse-grip triceps pushdown
Triceps

Reverse-grip triceps pushdown: how to do it right

This is the cable triceps pushdown with your palms facing up. It slightly changes the stimulus and also works your forearm.

Main muscle
Triceps
Also works
Forearms
Equipment
High cable with bar
Level
Beginner
Reverse-grip triceps pushdown: start position
Start position
Reverse-grip triceps pushdown: end position
End position

Step by step

  1. Attach a bar to the high pulley and grip it with palms facing up, shoulder width apart.
  2. With your elbows by your sides, push the bar down until your arms are straight.
  3. Squeeze your triceps at the bottom.
  4. Let it rise slowly until your forearms are parallel to the floor.

Tip: Use it as a variation of the regular pushdown, not as a replacement.

Common mistakes

Elbows drifting away

Keep them by your sides.

Bent wrists

Keep your wrists straight.

Too much weight

With this grip you move less weight than with the regular one.

Sets and reps

Guide ranges. Start with a weight where the last rep is hard but your technique holds.

GoalSetsRepsRest
Strength3–53–62–3 min
Build muscle3–46–121.5–2 min
Health and fitness2–310–151 min

In GymOrbita you log every set and the app suggests the weight for your next session based on what you did last time.

Alternatives

If the machine is busy or you want a variation:

FAQ

How is it different from the regular grip?

The reverse grip works the inner triceps and forearm a bit more, but allows less weight.

General technique information, not a substitute for professional advice. If you have an injury or pain, check with a doctor or physiotherapist first.

Add reverse-grip triceps pushdown to your routine

GymOrbita has this exercise with its animation: log the weight and reps of every set and track your progress. Free.