Exercise:

Straight-Bar Pushdown

Target Muscle:

Triceps

Cable Machine, Straight-Bar Attachment

Attach a straight bar to the top of the cable machine and grab onto it with a shoulder-width grip, palms facing down.

Take a small step back and stand with your waist very slightly bent forward with both feet side-by-side or one in front of the other (choose whichever feels most comfortable).

With your elbows tucked in towards your sides, press the bar down until your elbows are locked out and your triceps are fully contracted. Pause briefly and then raise the bar back up until you feel a good stretch in your triceps, and repeat.

- Don't allow your elbows to excessively drift forward or backward as you raise and lower the bar. A bit of movement is normal, but your forearms should be doing the majority of the movement.

- You don’t have to keep your elbows completely tucked in throughout the exercise, but don’t allow them to flare out excessively either. Find the position that feels most natural for you.

- As with all tricep extension exercises, focus on control by using a smooth and deliberate rep cadence. You shouldn't be heaving around very heavy weights or using explosive movements as this can easily lead to elbow injury in the long term.