Reverse Grip Pushdown: how to do it and muscles worked

The reverse grip pushdown mainly works your triceps. You need a cable machine.

Muscles worked

How to do the reverse grip pushdown

  1. 1

    Stand at a high cable with a straight bar and grip it with palms facing up, hands shoulder-width apart. Keep your elbows pinned at your sides and your chest tall.

  2. 2

    Push the bar down with an underhand grip until your arms are straight, feeling the triceps, particularly the inner head, squeeze. Keep your wrists firm.

  3. 3

    Let the bar rise slowly until your forearms are near parallel to the floor. Breathe out as you push down and in as you return.

Form tip: Use a lighter weight than normal pushdowns because the underhand grip is weaker; do not let your elbows swing forward.

Common questions

Which muscles does the reverse grip pushdown work?
The reverse grip pushdown mainly works your triceps.
What equipment do I need for the reverse grip pushdown?
You need a cable machine.
How many sets and reps should I do?
A common starting point is 2 to 4 sets of 8 to 12 controlled reps, with a weight that leaves a couple of reps in reserve. Adjust it to your goal and experience, and stop if something hurts.
How do I track the reverse grip pushdown in SweatByte?
Add it to a routine or a workout. Log the weight and reps for each set. SweatByte shows your last session's numbers on every set, so you know what to beat.

More triceps exercises

General information, not medical advice. Learn the movement with light weight first, and see a doctor or physiotherapist if you have an injury or pain. More guides in Learn.

Reverse Grip Pushdown: how to do it and muscles worked · SweatByte