Triceps Pushdown - V-Bar Attachment

A beginner strength exercise for the triceps, done with a cable machine.

Movement guide

Triceps Pushdown - V-Bar Attachment

Demand · source-assignedEasy (unreviewed)

Equipment requiredA cable machine

Muscle focusTriceps

Gets into position, then repeats the movement. Technical checks passed; qualified exercise review is pending.

Watch it bigger, and flip through similar moves, in the studio.Open in the studio

Make it easier or harder

Start where you can move well, then step up.

Easier option

This is already one of the gentlest options for these muscles.

This move

Triceps Pushdown - V-Bar Attachment demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoTriceps Pushdown - V-Bar AttachmentBeginner · A cable machine

Beginner grade (source-assigned).

Harder option

Cable lying triceps extension demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoCable lying triceps extensionIntermediate · A cable machine + A bench or box

Similar move, intermediate grade.

Imported reference · editorial review pending. Clinical review is pending.

This entry comes from an external exercise database. Its instructions and difficulty have not completed our editorial or qualified clinical review.

How to move

Attach a V-Bar to a high pulley and grab with an overhand grip (palms facing down) at shoulder width.
Standing upright with the torso straight and a very small inclination forward, bring the upper arms close to your body and perpendicular to the floor. The forearms should be pointing up towards the pulley as they hold the bar. The thumbs should be higher than the small finger. This is your starting position.
Using the triceps, bring the bar down until it touches the front of your thighs and the arms are fully extended perpendicular to the floor. The upper arms should always remain stationary next to your torso and only the forearms should move. Exhale as you perform this movement.
After a second hold at the contracted position, bring the V-Bar slowly up to the starting point. Breathe in as you perform this step.

Practice and cautions

No dose has been assigned. Any timing or repetition examples in the imported instructions are source examples, not an individualized recommendation.

Imported community instructions and difficulty labels have not been independently reviewed for technique or individual suitability. Equipment labels may include additions inferred from the setup text; check the instructions for the exact support or alternatives. Stop for sharp or increasing pain, numbness or tingling; seek qualified guidance for symptoms, unfamiliar equipment or advanced skills.

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Sources and review status

Sources support the educational description; they do not establish that this exercise is suitable for you.

Free Exercise DB · community text ↗
Unlicense · Free Exercise DB contributors; derived from wrkout/exercises.json. Text import; no photographs or media. · Revision f00c92c7dcf1216a928a52c3706c7ce8e2f71ed5

No variation is labeled clinically validated.

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What it works

Muscles

Main: Triceps.

Equipment

A cable machine

Level

Beginner (source-assigned, not yet reviewed). See the easier and harder options above.

Similar moves

Reverse-grip triceps pushdown demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoReverse-grip triceps pushdownBeginner · A cable machine

Triceps pushdown demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoTriceps pushdownBeginner · A cable machine

Decline dumbbell triceps extension demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoDecline dumbbell triceps extensionIntermediate · A dumbbell + A bench or box

Decline EZ-bar triceps extension demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoDecline EZ-bar triceps extensionIntermediate · EZ curl bar + A bench or box

Dumbbell skull crusher (lying triceps extension) demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoDumbbell skull crusher (lying triceps extension)Intermediate · A dumbbell + A bench or box

Dumbbell triceps kickback demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoDumbbell triceps kickbackBeginner · A dumbbell

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Questions people ask

What muscles does the Triceps Pushdown - V-Bar Attachment work?

Mainly the triceps.

What equipment do I need for the Triceps Pushdown - V-Bar Attachment?

A cable machine.

Is the Triceps Pushdown - V-Bar Attachment good for beginners?

It is graded beginner, so it suits most people starting out. The grade comes from the source database and has not been independently reviewed. When it feels easy, try the Cable lying triceps extension.

How do I make the Triceps Pushdown - V-Bar Attachment harder?

Progress to the Cable lying triceps extension, or add load, range or slower lowering once your form is solid.