Exercise guide
Cable Single Arm Triceps Pushdown with Rope Attachment
- Intermediate
- Isolation
- Rep-based
- Shoulders
- Upper arms
This unilateral isolation exercise targets all three heads of the triceps, allowing for a greater range of motion and improved mind-muscle connection compared to bilateral versions. Using a rope attachment facilitates a neutral grip and a more intense peak contraction at the bottom of the movement.
Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Set the cable pulley to the highest position and attach a rope handle.
- Grasp one side of the rope with a neutral grip (palm facing your midline).
- Stand facing the machine with feet shoulder-width apart and a slight forward lean from the hips.
- Tuck your working elbow firmly against your side with the forearm parallel to the floor.
How to do it
- Exhale and extend your arm downward until the elbow is fully locked out.
- At the bottom of the rep, slightly rotate your wrist outward to maximize the contraction.
- Inhale and slowly control the weight back up to the starting position until the forearm is just above parallel.
- Maintain a controlled tempo, focusing on the squeeze at the bottom and a slow return.
Form checklist
- Keep the upper arm stationary and pinned to your ribcage throughout the set.
- Avoid using your shoulder or leaning your body weight into the cable to move the weight.
- Maintain a neutral wrist position to avoid unnecessary joint strain.
- Keep your core braced and shoulders pulled back to prevent rounding forward.
Pro tips
- Focus on 'pushing through the pinky' side of your hand to better engage the lateral head of the triceps.
- Squeeze the triceps hard at the bottom as if you are trying to point your thumb away from your body for a peak contraction.
Make it harder
- Add a 3-second isometric hold at the point of maximum contraction (bottom of the movement).
- Implement a 4-second eccentric (upward) phase to increase time under tension.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the cable single arm triceps pushdown with rope attachment work?
- The cable single arm triceps pushdown with rope attachment primarily targets the triceps, and also works the biceps and forearms as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the cable single arm triceps pushdown with rope attachment?
- The cable single arm triceps pushdown with rope attachment uses cable and rope.
- Is the cable single arm triceps pushdown with rope attachment good for beginners?
- The cable single arm triceps pushdown with rope attachment is rated intermediate. Build a base with simpler variations first, then progress to it with light load and strict form.