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Cable Rope Overhead Tricep Extension Low

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Intermediate

An isolation exercise using a low-pulley cable rope to target the triceps, emphasizing the long head through overhead extension for arm hypertrophy.

About Exercise

Equipment

Single Cable Machine, Rope Cable Attachment

Difficulty

2/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Triceps

Secondary Muscles

Shoulders, Forearms

Accessory Muscles

Abs

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Hypertrophy
Strength

Training Style

Bodybuilding

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Triceps

10/10

Long Head, Lateral Head, Medial Head

Shoulders

4/10

Anterior Delts

Forearms

3/10

Flexors

Abs

2/10

Rectus Abdominis

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Attach a rope to the low pulley. Stand facing away from the machine, holding the rope with a neutral grip, and step forward to create tension, positioning hands behind your head with elbows bent.

  1. Extend your arms overhead by straightening your elbows, keeping your upper arms stationary next to your ears.
  2. Squeeze the triceps firmly at the top of the movement.
  3. Slowly lower the rope behind your head by bending your elbows under control.
  4. Pause briefly at the bottom to feel the stretch in the triceps.
  5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Keep elbows tucked
  • Ribs down
  • Full stretch at bottom
  • Squeeze at top

Breathing

Exhale as you extend your arms overhead; inhale as you lower the rope behind your head.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

From deep elbow flexion with hands behind the neck to full elbow extension overhead.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Ensure shoulder mobility allows for safe overhead position
  • Avoid hyperextending the lower back

Spotting

Stand behind the lifter and support their wrists or elbows if they fail to complete a rep.

Common Mistakes

  • Flaring elbows outward
  • Arching lower back
  • Using momentum
  • Moving upper arms

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder impingement
  • Elbow joint instability

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion to 160 degrees
  • Wrist neutral mobility

Build Up First

  • Basic cable machine familiarity
  • Proper elbow extension form

Also known as

Low Pulley Overhead Extension, Cable Overhead Tricep Extension, Standing Rope Overhead Extension, Overhead Tricep Extension

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