Cable Incline Pushdown - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Cable Incline Pushdown

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Cable Incline Pushdown.

MediumMiddle back

About this exercise

The cable incline pushdown is a triceps isolation exercise performed lying on an incline bench beneath a high cable pulley. The inclined position stretches the long head of the triceps, allowing for a greater range of motion and deeper muscle activation than standard pushdowns.

How to Perform

  • Set a high cable pulley and attach a straight bar or rope handle, then position an adjustable bench at an incline beneath the pulley
  • Lie back on the bench with your head closest to the cable machine and grasp the handle with both hands above your chest
  • Begin with your elbows bent and the handle held at chest level, upper arms perpendicular to the floor
  • Keeping your upper arms stationary, push the handle downward by straightening your elbows fully
  • Pause briefly at full extension, then slowly return to the starting position under control

Muscle Activation

Primary
Middle back
Secondary
Rear shouldersMiddle chest

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Cable Incline Pushdown

The Cable Incline Pushdown is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.