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Cable Standing One Arm Triceps Extension

A single-arm cable pushdown performed standing that isolates each triceps with constant tension through full elbow extension.

ArmsCableElbow extension

Primary

Triceps brachii

Secondary

Anconeus

Equipment

Cable

Pattern

Elbow extension

Setup

  1. 01Set a single handle on a high cable pulley.
  2. 02Grip the handle with an underhand or neutral grip.
  3. 03Stand close with the elbow pinned to your side.
  4. 04Bend the elbow past 90 degrees to start.

Execution

  1. 01Press the handle down until the elbow locks out.
  2. 02Squeeze the triceps hard at the bottom.
  3. 03Let the forearm rise slowly back up.
  4. 04Stop when the forearm passes 90 degrees.

Checkpoints

  • -The elbow stays pinned beside the ribs every rep.
  • -The wrist stays neutral, not bent back.
  • -The shoulder stays down without shrugging.
  • -Full lockout is reached on every rep.

Common mistakes

  • -Letting the elbow drift forward to press with the shoulder.
  • -Leaning into the cable for leverage.
  • -Cutting the top range and shortening the stretch.
  • -Jerking the handle down with body English.

Programming notes

  • -Use 3 sets of 12 to 15 reps per arm.
  • -One-arm work fixes side-to-side triceps imbalances.
  • -Progress by pausing one second at lockout before adding weight.

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