One-Arm Push-Downs (Cable)

There are several different grip attachments which can be used, each will direct focus to different parts of the muscle group.

The standard cable attachments that are used with this exercise are:

• Straight Bar
• Easy Curl Bar (E-Z curl bar)
• Single Grip
• Rope

As with most cable exercises, one-arm triceps push-downs are good for toning and isolating, and, furthermore, are especially good for beginners or placed at the latter part of the workout (for the triceps portion of the workout, at least). This being said, with enough weight, push-downs can serve as a mass building exercise. When performing push-downs with heavier weights it is acceptable and recommended to lean forward. Also, self-spotting with your free hand is an excellent way to really push yourself.

To most easily place more focus on the lateral head of the triceps, use the rope attachment. The rope attachment allows for the elbows to be turned to face outward at the bottom of the pressing motion; it is this characteristic of the rope attachment that enables the lateral head of the triceps to be better targeted. The single-grip attachment may be used to focus on the lateral head of the triceps as well, but it requires great control to turn the hand outward, especially when only one arm is being worked--which is, of course, the case with one-arm push-downs.