Cable Overhead Triceps Extension
Also known as: overhead cable tricep extension, cable rope overhead triceps extension, rope overhead triceps extension, standing cable overhead tricep extension, overhead rope extension, Rope Low Pulley Cable Overhead Triceps Extension
In SetGrip: Cable Overhead Triceps Extension (Rope, Low Pulley)
- Secondary muscles
- Delts
- Body part
- Upper Arms
- Position
- Standing
- Laterality
- Bilateral (both sides together)
- Category
- Strength
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Pulling the rope up from a low pulley forces a split stance and a forward lean, and that body angle is the point: the cable drags your arms back overhead into a deeper long-head stretch than the high-pulley setup allows. It takes a moment to wrestle the weight into position, so keep loads moderate and reps smooth.
How to do the Cable Overhead Triceps Extension
- Attach a rope to a cable machine at a high position.
- Stand facing away from the machine with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Grasp the rope with both hands, palms facing each other, and bring your hands above your head.
- Keep your upper arms close to your head and your elbows pointing forward.
- Slowly lower the rope behind your head by bending your elbows.
- Pause for a moment, then extend your arms back up to the starting position.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Tip: Keep a slight bend at the top on lying extensions to protect the elbow, but lock out fully on cable pushdowns.
Muscles worked
Primary
Triceps · Arms
The triceps straighten the elbow, and overhead variations stretch the long head at the bottom, so you should feel the whole back of the upper arm working with a hard squeeze at lockout.
Secondary
- Delts — The front delt holds the upper arm in position on overhead extensions and should feel tension but not be lifting.
Common mistakes
- Elbows flaring out — on overhead and lying extensions the elbows should stay pointed forward or up, not out to the sides, since flaring turns it into a press.
- Upper arm moving — the upper arm should be pinned in place and only the forearm should move; if the elbow drifts, drop the weight.
- Not finishing the rep — take every rep to a full triceps squeeze; on pushdowns that means a complete lockout for a count.
- Cutting the stretch — on overhead extensions let the weight travel down behind the head until you feel the long head stretch before pressing up.
Sets, reps and where it fits
| Goal | Sets × reps | Rest |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle growth | 3–4 × 10–15 | 60–90 s |
| Endurance / finisher | 2–3 × 15–20 | 45 s |
| Strength | Not ideal — pick a compound lift for the same muscle | — |
Triceps extensions go after the presses in a push session or at the end of an arm day. Superset them with biceps curls on the same cable stack or with the same dumbbells.
Variations and alternatives
Similar exercises
Without cable
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does the Cable Overhead Triceps Extension work?
The Cable Overhead Triceps Extension primarily works the triceps. It also involves the delts, which assist the movement and stabilise the joints.
Is the Cable Overhead Triceps Extension good for beginners?
It is rated intermediate, so it suits people who already train regularly. Beginners can still do the Cable Overhead Triceps Extension with light load and a spotter or coach watching the first few sessions; if it feels awkward, pick an easier variation from the alternatives below first.
What can I do instead of the Cable Overhead Triceps Extension?
If you cannot do the Cable Overhead Triceps Extension, try the Kneeling Bodyweight Triceps Extension, the Seated Barbell Overhead Triceps Extension or the Barbell Overhead Triceps Extension. Each of them trains the triceps through a similar movement, so you can swap them in without changing the rest of the workout.
How many sets and reps should I do?
It depends on your goal. For the Cable Overhead Triceps Extension, a sensible starting point is muscle growth: 3–4 × 10–15 with 60–90 s rest; endurance / finisher: 2–3 × 15–20 with 45 s rest. Do it after your compound lifts. It is a finishing movement, not the main event.
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Exercise data and animations are licensed ExerciseDB content used in SetGrip. This page is for general information and is not medical or coaching advice.