The Essentials of Bodypart Specialization: Arm Training
Training arms is so important to the common bodybuilder or fitness enthusiast that there is absolutely no shortage of information ...
Exercise Execution
BEING VIEWED NOW
- All
- Back / Lats
- Biceps
- Chest
- Coaches Corner
- Delts
- Exercise Execution
- Hormones & Physiology
- Legs
- Nutrition
- Premium Articles
- Supplements
- Training
- Triceps
Occlusion Training: Lift Light to Mass Up
In matters physiological, the process of occlusion has largely negative connotations. Occlusion, meaning to shut off or obstruct, of a ...
What are Prebiotics and Probiotics and Why do They Matter?
Bloated stomach? Endless flatulence? Wicked diarrhoea? Believe it or not, you don’t have to live with these symptoms. Ever wonder ...
Showcasing Your Physique – A Guide for Maximum Impact in 7 Days
The line between success and failure come showtime is notoriously small. As many competitors will tell you, the final 7 ...
Seven Muscle Building Mistakes Exposed!
An ability to build thick layers of lean muscle indefinitely is one trait no bodybuilder will ever possess, despite any ...
Are You Getting Enough Sleep? Why You Should Care!
The hormonal and metabolic processes that occur during sleep The three primary factors to consider for those seeking muscle hypertrophy ...
See More
Tricep Pushdowns / Pressdowns
Guidelines for all tricep pushdown movements
(unless specifically stated otherwise)
- keep head neutral (no looking up or down), shoulders back / scapula contracted (no internal / external rotation of shoulders)
- maintain elbows in a fixed position, inline with shoulders and wrists, turned inwards (facing the front) while consciously shoving them towards each other throughout (don’t allow them to flair out to the sides)
- mentally think about creating an ‘arc’ as opposed to just going straight up and down
- aim for full elbow flexion and extension; touch forearms to biceps at the top (try to really squeeze the biceps in order to fully lengthen the triceps) and shove right down aiming to the floor at the bottom
- if you’re under complete control of the weight and you posses healthy joints, locking-out at the bottom is fine, otherwise do not. Perhaps switch it up every now and then taking into consideration how heavy the weight you’re using is.
Tricep Cable Pushdowns / Pressdowns – Overhand or Reverse-Grip
At the top
At the bottom
- Exercise Specific:
- for reverse-grip variation: avoid using a straight bar (potential for compromised / uncomfortable wrists); use a cambered bar or similar.
- keep in mind that to achieve a maximum shortening of the triceps, the elbows must be behind the torso, though for maximum power and strength they must be slightly in front
- as an intensifier, move arms up higher and higher closer to the mid-range as fatigue sets in.
Neutral-Grip Rope Tricep Pushdowns / Pressdowns
At the top
adding ‘intensifier’ at the bottom
- Exercise Specific:
- as an intensifier, you can choose to pronate the wrists outwards at the bottom while squeezing the triceps hard.
One-Arm Rope Tricep Pushdowns / Pressdowns
- Exercise Specific:
- keep wrist, elbow, and shoulder in a straight line
- wrist neutral and rigid
- do not allow the shoulder to move or the elbow to travel forward.
One-Arm Machine Tricep Pushdown
- Exercise Specific:
- keep wrist, elbow, and shoulder in a straight line
- wrist neutral and rigid
- drive tricep into the pad.
Duel-Rope Tricep Pushdowns / Pressdowns with elbows back
palms facing each other
- Exercise Specific:
- attach two ropes to the one pulley and try to extend the arms behind the torso at the bottom while contracting the triceps hard (keep the elbows fixed as always throughout).
