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Cable Incline Triceps Extension

PushIsolationPulleyBeginner
Cable Incline Triceps Extension — Starting positionCable Incline Triceps Extension — End position

Muscles worked

Back
Triceps

Instructions

  1. 1Lie on incline an bench facing away from a high pulley machine that has a straight bar attachment on it.
  2. 2Grasp the straight bar attachment overhead with a pronated (overhand; palms down) narrow grip (less than shoulder width) and keep your elbows tucked in to your sides. Your upper arms should create around a 25 degree angle when measured from the floor.
  3. 3Keeping the upper arms stationary, extend the arms as you flex the triceps. Breathe out during this portion of the movement and hold the contraction for a second.
  4. 4Slowly go back to the starting position.
  5. 5Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

table_chartRecommended sets and reps

These ranges vary depending on your training goal — adjust the load accordingly.

GoalSetsRepsRest
boltStrength3–46–82–3 min
fitness_centerHypertrophy3–410–1560 s
timerEndurance2–315–2030–45 s

About Cable Incline Triceps Extension

The cable incline triceps extension offers constant tension on the triceps combined with the unique angle of the incline bench, a rare setup that maximizes the muscle's stretch at the top. Lying facing the high pulley, you extend your arms above you while keeping the elbows fixed, a precise exercise for targeting the long head of the triceps.

check_circleBenefits

  • check_circleCombines constant tension with a unique incline angle
  • check_circleMaximizes the stretch on the long head of the triceps
  • check_circlePrecise exercise rarely reproduced otherwise

lightbulbExecution tips

  • lightbulbKeep the elbows fixed and close to the head throughout
  • lightbulbPosition the bench precisely facing the high pulley
  • lightbulbUse a light to moderate load for this isolation exercise

warningCommon mistakes

  • warningElbows moving during the extension
  • warningPoor bench positioning relative to the pulley
  • warningToo much load that breaks technique

helpFrequently asked questions

Is this exercise common in gyms?expand_more

No, it's a fairly rare setup, but very effective for targeting the triceps' long head under constant tension.

What bench angle should I use?expand_more

Around 45 degrees works well, adjusted based on the available pulley position.

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