Skip to content

Straight-Bar Cable Overhead Triceps Extension

Add to my week

Build a free week around it — no account needed until you save.

Muscles worked

High load
Triceps · Long head
Medium load
Triceps · Lateral head and Triceps · Medial head

Primary muscles

How to do it

Attach a straight bar to a low pulley and face away from it. Hold the bar behind your head with your upper arms raised. Extend your elbows overhead, then bend them slowly to return, keeping your ribs down.

Form cues

  • Keep your upper arms raised.
  • Move at the elbows, not the shoulders.

Safety

Talk to a professional before this exercise if you have any of the following:

ShoulderElbowWristLower back

This is general exercise reference, not medical advice. Stop and consult a qualified professional if an exercise causes pain, and never work through joint pain.