Reverse-Grip Cable Pushdown

Technique

The reverse-grip cable pushdown is a triceps pushdown done with an underhand grip on a straight bar or single handle. The palms-up grip shifts emphasis toward the medial head of the triceps and is often more comfortable for the elbows, though the load is lighter than with a regular pushdown.

Steps

1. Attach a straight bar or single handle to a high pulley and grip it with palms facing up
2. Stand close to the stack with elbows pinned to your sides, forearms roughly parallel to the floor
3. Push the handle down until your arms are fully straight, keeping the wrists neutral
4. Let the handle rise slowly back to the start without letting the elbows drift forward

Common mistakes

• Letting the elbows flare out or move forward
• Bending the wrists back to move more weight

Variations

• Single-arm reverse-grip pushdown
• Regular overhand cable pushdown

FAQ