women's health - STRAIGHT BAR CABLE PRESSDOWN

STRENGTHENS

TRICEPS

STARTING POSITION

Begin by facing the cable column with an overhand grip (palms facing down) on the short straight bar attachment. Stand with your feet together and your arms extended. Press the bar down so that your hands and the bar are touching your thighs. Draw your shoulders back and down, lift your chest, and maintain a slight arch in your lower back (A).

MOVEMENT

Without moving your upper arms, bend your elbows until the bar ends in front of your chest (B). EASY

Pause in this position without releasing your shoulders.

Contract the back of your arms to press the bar back to the start, ending with your elbows nearly locked and the bar touching your thighs (A). HARD

Why It’s Perfect for You

I love the way the straight bar targets the back of your arms. This is by far my favorite triceps exercise because it’s so effective. It emphasizes the upper region of your triceps, which tend to be weak and underworked.