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Resistance Band Tricep Pushdown

Beginner
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A resistance band isolation exercise targeting the triceps through elbow extension to build arm strength; performed by anchoring the band high and pushing downwards.

About Exercise

Equipment

Bands

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Triceps

Secondary Muscles

Shoulders, Forearms

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy

Training Style

Bodybuilding
Functional Training

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

Extensors

Programming

Typical Rep Range

10-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Secure the resistance band to a high anchor point like a door frame or pull-up bar. Grip the handles with palms facing down, elbows tucked by your sides, and feet shoulder-width apart.

  1. Brace your core and keep your chest up.
  2. Exhale and push the handles down until your arms are fully extended.
  3. Squeeze the triceps hard at the bottom position.
  4. Inhale and slowly return to the starting position, stopping when forearms are parallel to the floor.
  5. Keep elbows pinned to your sides throughout the movement.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Elbows pinned
  • Squeeze triceps
  • Shoulders down
  • Core tight
  • Control the eccentric

Breathing

Exhale as you push the band down; inhale as you control the return.

Tempo

2-1-1

Range of Motion

Full extension at the bottom; return until elbows are at approximately 90 degrees.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Check band for tears
  • Ensure anchor is secure
  • Avoid snapping the band back

Spotting

Not recommended.

Common Mistakes

  • Flaring elbows
  • Using momentum
  • Rounding shoulders
  • Shortening ROM
  • Standing too far back

When to Avoid

  • Shoulder instability
  • Acute elbow pain
  • Recent triceps strain

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion to 150 degrees

Build Up First

  • Basic understanding of resistance band use
  • Proper elbow positioning

Also known as

Band Pushdown, Banded Tricep Pressdown, Resistance Band Pressdown, Band Triceps Pushdown

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