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  7. Cable Triceps Pushdown V-Bar Attachment

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

Watch the Cable Triceps Pushdown V-Bar Attachment demonstrationGuided video and your full workout live in the Crucible app.

Muscles worked

Primary

  • Triceps

Secondary

  • Biceps
  • Forearms

Equipment

  • Cable

Setup

  1. Attach a V-bar handle to a high cable pulley and stand facing the machine.
  2. Grasp the bar with an overhand grip, placing your palms on the angled sides of the V-bar.
  3. Position your feet shoulder-width apart, slightly bend your knees, and lean your torso forward about 10-15 degrees.
  4. Tuck your elbows tightly into your ribcage and bring the bar to chest height to start.

How to do it

  1. Exhale and push the bar down by extending your elbows until your arms are fully locked out at your sides.
  2. Squeeze your triceps hard at the bottom of the movement for one second.
  3. Inhale and slowly return the bar to the starting position, stopping when your forearms are just above parallel to the floor.
  4. 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.

Related exercises

  • Arm Double CrossoverIntermediate · biceps, deltoids, and triceps
  • Aztec Push UpIntermediate · pectorals, serratus anterior, and triceps
  • Band Assisted DipIntermediate · triceps
  • Band Bent Over One Arm Neutral Grip KickbackBeginner · triceps

Train this with a plan, not guesswork

Crucible builds the cable triceps pushdown v-bar attachment into a precise program around your body, equipment, location, and time.

Download on the App Store