Triceps pushdown

Cable

Primary muscles

Isolates elbow extension with the upper arms at the sides. The long head is in a shortened position, so the lateral and medial heads do a larger share.

Form cues

Elbows pinned to the sides
Fully straighten the arm
Control the return

Full triceps pushdown guide →

What each muscle does in the triceps pushdown

Muscle	Role	Action
Triceps brachii	Primary	Extends the elbow; the long head also extends the arm

Primary muscles are the prime movers; secondary muscles assist or stabilise. The balance shifts with grip, stance, range of motion and technique.

Related exercises

Lying triceps extension
Biceps curl
Hammer curl
Wrist curl
Reverse wrist curl