Exercise guide
Cable Rope High Pulley Overhead Tricep Extension
- Intermediate
- Isolation
- Rep-based
- Shoulders
- Upper arms
- Waist
This isolation exercise emphasizes the long head of the triceps by placing the muscle in a fully stretched position. It is highly effective for developing triceps thickness and improving overhead pressing strength.
Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Attach a rope handle to the high pulley of a cable station.
- Grasp the rope with a neutral grip (palms facing each other) and turn your body away from the machine.
- Step forward into a staggered stance (one foot forward) for stability and lean your torso slightly forward.
- Position your elbows high and tucked close to your ears, with your hands behind your head and elbows fully flexed.
How to do it
- Exhale as you extend your arms forward and slightly upward by straightening your elbows until they are fully locked out.
- Pull the ends of the rope apart at the peak of the movement to maximize the contraction.
- Inhale as you slowly lower the weight back to the starting position behind your head, maintaining a 3-second eccentric tempo.
- Keep your upper arms completely stationary throughout the entire set; only your forearms should move.
Form checklist
- Keep your elbows tucked in toward your head rather than flaring them out.
- Maintain a neutral spine and keep your core braced to prevent arching your lower back.
- Ensure your shoulders remain depressed and away from your ears.
- Control the weight throughout the full range of motion, avoiding any swinging or momentum.
Pro tips
- Think about 'driving' your knuckles toward the opposite wall to ensure full elbow extension.
- Focus on the deep stretch at the bottom of the movement to recruit more muscle fibers in the long head.
Make it harder
- Add a 2-second isometric hold at the point of maximum contraction (arms fully extended).
- Perform a 'drop set' by reducing the weight by 30% immediately after reaching failure and continuing for more reps.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the cable rope high pulley overhead tricep extension work?
- The cable rope high pulley overhead tricep extension primarily targets the triceps, and also works the abs, deltoids, and obliques as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the cable rope high pulley overhead tricep extension?
- The cable rope high pulley overhead tricep extension uses cable and rope.
- Is the cable rope high pulley overhead tricep extension good for beginners?
- The cable rope high pulley overhead tricep extension is rated intermediate. Build a base with simpler variations first, then progress to it with light load and strict form.