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Triceps

Triceps pushdown: how to do it right

The pushdown pushes a bar down from the high pulley by straightening your elbows. It's the most popular triceps exercise in the gym.

Main muscle
Triceps
Equipment
High cable with bar
Level
Beginner
Triceps pushdown: start position
Start position
Triceps pushdown: end position
End position

Step by step

  1. Attach a bar to the high pulley and grip it with palms facing down.
  2. Stand with your torso slightly forward and elbows by your sides.
  3. Push the bar down until your arms are straight.
  4. Let it rise slowly until your forearms are parallel to the floor.

Tip: Try a straight bar, a V-bar or a rope: each feels a little different.

Common mistakes

Elbows drifting away

Keep them close to your body and still.

Leaning your body over it

If you use your body weight to push the bar down, the weight is too heavy.

Coming up too high

Stop when your forearms are parallel to the floor.

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

Bar or rope?

Both work. The rope lets you spread your hands at the end for a stronger squeeze.

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

Add 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.