Exercise guide
Cable Bent Over Overhead Triceps Extension Straig
- Intermediate
- Isolation
- Rep-based
- Shoulders
- Upper arms
This isolation exercise targets the long head of the triceps by placing the muscle in a fully stretched position behind the head. Using a straight bar on a cable machine ensures constant tension throughout the entire range of motion for maximum hypertrophy.
Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Attach a straight bar to the high pulley of a cable machine.
- Grasp the bar with an overhand grip, shoulder-width apart, and turn your back to the machine.
- Step forward into a staggered stance for stability and hinge at the hips until your torso is at a 45-degree angle or nearly parallel to the floor.
- Position your upper arms alongside your ears with your elbows bent, holding the bar behind your head.
How to do it
- Exhale as you extend your arms forward in an arc by straightening your elbows, keeping your upper arms completely stationary.
- Contract your triceps hard at the point of full extension without locking out the elbow joints.
- Inhale as you slowly lower the bar back behind your head to the starting position, feeling a deep stretch in the triceps.
- Maintain a controlled 2-1-2-0 tempo (2 seconds to extend, 1-second squeeze, 2 seconds to return).
Form checklist
- Keep your elbows tucked in toward your head; do not let them flare out to the sides.
- Maintain a neutral spine and engaged core to prevent your lower back from arching.
- Ensure only your forearms are moving; your shoulders and upper arms should remain locked in place.
- Keep your head in a neutral position, looking slightly down at the floor.
Pro tips
- Focus on the 'stretch' at the bottom of the rep; the long head of the triceps is most active when the muscle is elongated over the shoulder joint.
- Think about 'throwing' the bar toward the wall in front of you rather than just pushing it up to maintain better mechanical tension.
Make it harder
- Pause for 2 seconds at the bottom of the movement to emphasize the loaded stretch.
- Perform a slow 4-second eccentric (lowering) phase to increase time under tension.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the cable bent over overhead triceps extension straig work?
- The cable bent over overhead triceps extension straig primarily targets the triceps, and also works the abs and obliques as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the cable bent over overhead triceps extension straig?
- The cable bent over overhead triceps extension straig uses cable.
- Is the cable bent over overhead triceps extension straig good for beginners?
- The cable bent over overhead triceps extension straig is rated intermediate. Build a base with simpler variations first, then progress to it with light load and strict form.