Exercise guide
Cable Triceps Pushdown V-Bar Attachment
- Beginner
- Isolation
- Rep-based
- Upper arms
The V-bar pushdown is a premier isolation movement for the triceps, emphasizing the lateral head for greater arm thickness while providing a wrist-friendly grip. It allows for heavy loading while maintaining constant tension throughout the entire range of motion.
Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Attach a V-bar handle to a high cable pulley and stand facing the machine.
- Grasp the bar with an overhand grip, placing your palms on the angled sides of the V-bar.
- Position your feet shoulder-width apart, slightly bend your knees, and lean your torso forward about 10-15 degrees.
- Tuck your elbows tightly into your ribcage and bring the bar to chest height to start.
How to do it
- Exhale and push the bar down by extending your elbows until your arms are fully locked out at your sides.
- Squeeze your triceps hard at the bottom of the movement for one second.
- Inhale and slowly return the bar to the starting position, stopping when your forearms are just above parallel to the floor.
- Maintain a controlled tempo, focusing on a slow 2-3 second eccentric (return) phase.
Form checklist
- Keep your elbows pinned to your sides; do not let them flare out or move forward and backward.
- Maintain a neutral spine and avoid using your body weight to 'crunch' the weight down.
- Ensure your wrists remain straight and stiff throughout the entire set.
- Keep your shoulders pulled back and down to prevent them from rolling forward.
Pro tips
- Imagine trying to push the bar through the floor to ensure full elbow extension and peak muscle fiber recruitment.
- Focus on the mind-muscle connection by visualizing the triceps lengthening and shortening rather than just moving the weight.
Make it harder
- Incorporate a 3-second isometric hold at the bottom of each rep to increase time under tension.
- Perform a slow eccentric phase, taking 4-5 seconds to return the bar to the starting position.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the cable triceps pushdown v-bar attachment work?
- The cable triceps pushdown v-bar attachment primarily targets the triceps, and also works the biceps and forearms as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the cable triceps pushdown v-bar attachment?
- The cable triceps pushdown v-bar attachment uses cable.
- Is the cable triceps pushdown v-bar attachment good for beginners?
- Yes. The cable triceps pushdown v-bar attachment is a beginner-friendly movement and a strong foundation to build on.