Exercise guide · Beginner · Compound

Cable Triceps Pushdown (V-Bar): How to Do It & Muscles Worked

The cable triceps pushdown (v-bar) is an isolation exercise targeting the triceps using a cable machine and a v-bar attachment. It is commonly performed to build strength and muscle definition in the triceps.

Primary muscles
Triceps
Secondary muscles
Forearms
Equipment
Cable
Level · type
Beginner · Compound
Demonstration of the cable triceps pushdown (v-bar)
Front view: muscles worked by the cable triceps pushdown (v-bar). Primary: triceps. Secondary: forearms.
Back view: muscles worked by the cable triceps pushdown (v-bar). Primary: triceps. Secondary: forearms.
Primary Secondary

How to do the cable triceps pushdown (v-bar)

  1. Step 1: Attach a v-bar attachment to the cable machine at the highest setting.
  2. Step 2: Stand facing the cable machine with your feet shoulder-width apart.
  3. Step 3: Grasp the v-bar with an overhand grip, palms facing down, and your hands shoulder-width apart.
  4. Step 4: Keep your elbows close to your sides and your upper arms stationary throughout the exercise.
  5. Step 5: Engage your triceps and exhale as you push the v-bar down until your arms are fully extended.
  6. Step 6: Pause for a moment at the bottom of the movement, squeezing your triceps.
  7. Step 7: Inhale as you slowly return the v-bar to the starting position, maintaining control.
  8. Step 8: Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Sets, reps and programming

Suggested sets, reps and rest for the cable triceps pushdown (v-bar) by training goal
Goal Sets Reps Rest Effort
Strength 3–5 3–6 3–5 min 1–3 reps in reserve
Muscle growth 3–4 6–12 2–3 min 1–2 reps in reserve
Muscular endurance 2–3 12–20 1–2 min 1–3 reps in reserve

Ranges follow the ACSM position stand on progression in resistance training. Muscle grows across a wide range of loads when sets end close to failure (Schoenfeld et al., 2017), longer rests between heavy sets support strength and size (Schoenfeld et al., 2016), and stopping a rep or two short of failure works about as well as training to failure (Grgic et al., 2022). Estimate your working weights with the strength calculators.

Cable Triceps Pushdown (V-Bar) alternatives

More exercises that train the triceps as their main target:

More triceps exercises

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Sources

  1. American College of Sports Medicine. Progression models in resistance training for healthy adults. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2009;41(3):687-708.
  2. Schoenfeld BJ, Grgic J, Ogborn D, Krieger JW. Strength and hypertrophy adaptations between low- vs. high-load resistance training. J Strength Cond Res. 2017;31(12):3508-3523.
  3. Schoenfeld BJ, Pope ZK, Benik FM, et al. Longer interset rest periods enhance muscle strength and hypertrophy in resistance-trained men. J Strength Cond Res. 2016;30(7):1805-1812.
  4. Grgic J, Schoenfeld BJ, Orazem J, Sabol F. Effects of resistance training performed to repetition failure or non-failure on muscular strength and hypertrophy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Sport Health Sci. 2022;11(2):202-211.

Step-by-step instructions and demonstration media are from the ExerciseDB exercise dataset.

This guide is general fitness information, not medical advice. Stop if an exercise causes pain and speak to a doctor or physiotherapist about injuries or health conditions before starting a new programme.