The cable V-bar push-down is a popular gym exercise for targeting the triceps. It utilizes an angled bar, which can allow you to move heavier weights more comfortably than a straight bar or rope. It is usually performed for moderate to high reps, such as 8-12 reps or more per set, as part of an upper-body or arm-focused workout.
Advantages
- High level of triceps activation and pump, particularly in the lateral head
- The angled handle may activate the triceps to a greater degree than a straight bar
- Allows you to move heavier weight than the rope push-down
- Type: Strength
- Main Muscle Worked: Triceps
- Equipment: Cable
- Level: Intermediate
Triceps
Directions:
- Attach a V-Bar to a high pulley and grab with an overhand grip (palms facing down) at shoulder width.
- Standing upright with the torso straight and a very small inclination forward, bring the upper arms close to your body and perpendicular to the floor. The forearms should be pointing up towards the pulley as they hold the bar. The thumbs should be higher than the small finger. This is your starting position.
- Using the triceps, bring the bar down until it touches the front of your thighs and the arms are fully extended perpendicular to the floor. The upper arms should always remain stationary next to your torso and only the forearms should move. Exhale as you perform this movement.
- After a second hold at the contracted position, bring the V-Bar slowly up to the starting point. Breathe in as you perform this step.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Variations: There are many variations to this movement. For instance, you can use an E-Z bar attachment as well as a straight cable bar attachment for different variations of the exercise. Also, you can attach a rope to the pulley as well as using a reverse grip on the bar exercises.
Just like the Triceps Pushdown but with the V-Bar attachment.