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Cable Triceps Pushdown (v-bar) (with Arm Blaster) GIF — animated arms exercise demonstration

Cable Triceps Pushdown (v-bar) (with Arm Blaster)

Advanced
Triceps
Cable

Cable Triceps Pushdown (v-bar) (with Arm Blaster) is for lifters with a base already built and fits late in an arms workout.

How to do Cable Triceps Pushdown (v-bar) (with Arm Blaster)

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

Cable Triceps Pushdown (v-bar) (with Arm Blaster) Sets and Reps by Goal

Strength

5 sets of 2-4 reps with 3-5 minutes of rest. Stretch the return phase before adding weight.

Hypertrophy

4-5 sets of 6-10 reps with 60-90 seconds of rest. Move the pin one plate once the last rep feels easy.

Endurance

3-4 sets of 18-25 reps with 30-45 seconds of rest. Step back until the stack never rests at the top.

Common Cable Triceps Pushdown (v-bar) (with Arm Blaster) Mistakes

Standing too near the tower so the first inch is slack

Take a step back until the cable is loaded before you begin.

Slamming into lockout and jarring the elbow

Finish firm but stop just short of a hard snap at the top.

Easier and Harder Than Cable Triceps Pushdown (v-bar) (with Arm Blaster)

Swap Cable Triceps Pushdown (v-bar) (with Arm Blaster) For

Cable Triceps Pushdown (v-bar) (with Arm Blaster) — Frequently Asked Questions

How do you do the Cable Triceps Pushdown (v-bar) (with Arm Blaster)?

Attach a v-bar attachment to the cable machine at the highest setting. Stand facing the cable machine with your feet shoulder-width apart. Grasp the v-bar with an overhand grip, palms facing down, and your hands shoulder-width apart. Use a cable machine and keep the movement controlled through the full range. The animated GIF above shows the complete rep at normal speed.

What muscles does the Cable Triceps Pushdown (v-bar) (with Arm Blaster) work?

The Cable Triceps Pushdown (v-bar) (with Arm Blaster) primarily targets the triceps. It is classified as a arms exercise and is performed with a cable machine.

How many sets and reps of the Cable Triceps Pushdown (v-bar) (with Arm Blaster) should I do?

For muscle growth: 4-5 sets of 6-10 reps with 60-90 seconds of rest. Move the pin one plate once the last rep feels easy. Adjust the load rather than the rep target if form breaks down before the final rep.

Is the Cable Triceps Pushdown (v-bar) (with Arm Blaster) good for beginners?

Not usually. The Cable Triceps Pushdown (v-bar) (with Arm Blaster) is an advanced movement that assumes existing strength and joint control. Build up through easier arms progressions first, then add this once the basics feel comfortable.

What can I do instead of the Cable Triceps Pushdown (v-bar) (with Arm Blaster)?

Try the Dumbbell Palms In Incline Bench Press, Handstand Push-up or the Assisted Triceps Dip (kneeling). Each trains the triceps with a similar movement pattern, so you can swap based on the equipment you have available.

More Arms Exercises