Cable Reverse-grip Pushdown

tricepsupper armscable

Learn how to do the Cable Reverse-grip Pushdown with proper form and technique. This cable exercise primarily targets your Triceps, with secondary emphasis on Forearms.

Cable Reverse-grip Pushdown exercise demonstration showing proper form

How to Do the Cable Reverse-grip Pushdown

Follow these steps to perform the Cable Reverse-grip Pushdown with correct form:

  1. 1Attach a straight bar to a high pulley cable machine.
  2. 2Stand facing the machine with your feet shoulder-width apart.
  3. 3Grasp the bar with an underhand grip, palms facing up, and your hands shoulder-width apart.
  4. 4Keep your elbows close to your sides and your upper arms stationary throughout the exercise.
  5. 5Using your triceps, push the bar down until your arms are fully extended and your triceps are contracted.
  6. 6Pause for a moment, then slowly return the bar to the starting position.
  7. 7Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Cable Reverse-grip Pushdown Muscles Worked

Primary

triceps

Secondary

forearms

Exercise Details

Equipment
cable
Body Part
upper arms
Category
Main

Recovery & Training Frequency

Recommended Recovery Time
1–2 days
Weekly Frequency
2–4 sessions per week
Why
Small muscles like the biceps, triceps, and calves have a limited cross-sectional area and are already engaged during compound pulling and pressing. They typically recover in 24–48 h, making 2–4 direct sessions per week feasible (Israetel, 'Scientific Principles of Strength Training').

Sets & Reps by Goal

Strength

Sets
3–4
Reps
5–8
Rest
90–120 s

Isolation movements can be trained with moderate loads for strength, though peak strength expression is secondary to compound lifts.

Hypertrophy

Sets
3–5
Reps
10–20
Rest
45–90 s

Isolation exercises shine in the 10–20 rep range with a 2-second eccentric. Taking the final set close to failure drives maximum hypertrophic stimulus.

Endurance

Sets
2–4
Reps
20–30
Rest
20–45 s

Light-load, high-rep isolation work is useful for rehab, joint health, and pump-focused training.

Which Workout Splits Include Cable Reverse-grip Pushdown?

Based on the muscles this exercise targets, it fits naturally into these training splits and day types:

P

Push / Pull / Legs

Push Day

U

Upper / Lower

Upper Day

F

Full Body

Any session

B

Bro Split

Arms Day

Training Day Types:pushupper

Not sure which split is right for you? Cora builds personalised training plans that match your schedule and goals. Learn more about progressive overload.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does the Cable Reverse-grip Pushdown work?

The Cable Reverse-grip Pushdown primarily targets your Triceps. Secondary muscles worked include Forearms. This makes it an effective exercise for developing your upper arms.

What equipment do I need for the Cable Reverse-grip Pushdown?

The Cable Reverse-grip Pushdown requires cable. Make sure your equipment is properly set up and you have enough space to perform the movement with full range of motion.

How do I perform the Cable Reverse-grip Pushdown with proper form?

Start by Attach a straight bar to a high pulley cable machine. Stand facing the machine with your feet shoulder-width apart. Grasp the bar with an underhand grip, palms facing up, and your hands shoulder-width apart. Focus on controlled movement throughout the entire range of motion. See the full step-by-step instructions above for complete form guidance.

How often should I do the Cable Reverse-grip Pushdown?

For most people, allow 1–2 days between sessions targeting the same muscle group. That translates to 2–4 sessions per week. Small muscles like the biceps, triceps, and calves have a limited cross-sectional area and are already engaged during compound pulling and pressing. They typically recover in 24–48 h, making 2–4 direct sessions per week feasible (Israetel, 'Scientific Principles of Strength Training').

What are the best sets and reps for the Cable Reverse-grip Pushdown?

It depends on your goal. For strength: 3–4 sets of 5–8 with 90–120 s rest. For hypertrophy (muscle growth): 3–5 sets of 10–20 with 45–90 s rest. For endurance: 2–4 sets of 20–30 with 20–45 s rest.

Which workout splits is the Cable Reverse-grip Pushdown best for?

The Cable Reverse-grip Pushdown fits well into the following training splits: Push / Pull / Legs (Push Day), Upper / Lower (Upper Day), Full Body (Any session), Bro Split (Arms Day). It is classified as a push, upper movement.

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