How to Do Tricep Pushdown

Tricep Pushdown is a triceps exercise using cable, listed as intermediate in the A90 Training Club catalogue. It is a elbow extension, cable movement.

Also known as Cable Tricep Pushdown, Triceps Pushdown.

Primary muscle

Triceps

Equipment

Cable

Difficulty

Intermediate

Movement

Elbow extension, cable

01 / Move with control

How to perform

How to do Tricep Pushdown

  1. 01Attach a bar or rope to the high pulley and stand facing the cable machine with feet hip-width apart.
  2. 02Grasp the attachment and position the elbows at a 90-degree angle tucked against the ribs.
  3. 03Extend the arms fully by pushing the hands toward the thighs until the elbows are locked.
  4. 04Squeeze the triceps at the bottom for one second before slowly returning to the starting 90-degree angle.
  5. 05Exhale on the way down and avoid leaning your body weight over the bar.

Same guidance shown inside the A90 app

02 / Anatomy

Muscles worked by Tricep Pushdown

Primary Stabiliser Inactive

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Primary movers

  • Triceps Straightens the elbow to push weight away.

Stabilisers

  • Core Stabilises the spine and transfers force.
  • Lower back Stabilises the spine during lifts and bends.
  • Forearms Grips and stabilises the wrist under load.

03 / A90 Coach

A90 Coach tip

Keep the elbows glued to the sides of the torso to prevent the chest and shoulders from taking over the movement.

Same coaching engine used inside the A90 app

04 / Form checks

Common mistakes

  • Using too much weight and turning the pushdown into a full-body movement.
  • Letting the elbows drift away from the sides instead of keeping the upper arms stable.
  • Leaning or arching the back excessively to help move the attachment.
  • Using momentum instead of controlling the cable with the triceps.

05 / Cues

A90 coaching cues

  • Keep the upper arms close to the torso and let the movement come from the elbows.
  • Brace the core and keep the torso stable throughout the set.
  • Extend the elbows under control, squeeze the triceps, then return the attachment slowly.

07 / FAQ

Tricep Pushdown questions

What muscles does Tricep Pushdown work?

Tricep Pushdown is catalogued as a triceps exercise in A90 Training Club, with the triceps as its primary muscle group.

How do you do Tricep Pushdown correctly?

Attach a bar or rope to the high pulley and stand facing the cable machine with feet hip-width apart. Grasp the attachment and position the elbows at a 90-degree angle tucked against the ribs. Extend the arms fully by pushing the hands toward the thighs until the elbows are locked. Squeeze the triceps at the bottom for one second before slowly returning to the starting 90-degree angle. Exhale on the way down and avoid leaning your body weight over the bar.

What is the A90 coach tip for Tricep Pushdown?

Keep the elbows glued to the sides of the torso to prevent the chest and shoulders from taking over the movement.

What are the common mistakes with Tricep Pushdown?

Using too much weight and turning the pushdown into a full-body movement. Letting the elbows drift away from the sides instead of keeping the upper arms stable. Leaning or arching the back excessively to help move the attachment. Using momentum instead of controlling the cable with the triceps.

Is Tricep Pushdown suitable for beginners?

Tricep Pushdown is rated intermediate in the A90 Training Club catalogue.

What equipment do you need for Tricep Pushdown?

Tricep Pushdown uses cable.

What exercises are similar to Tricep Pushdown?

Cable Overhead Tricep Extension, Dumbbell Skull Crusher, Close-Grip Bench Press are approved alternatives to Tricep Pushdown in the A90 catalogue.

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