SHIFT Fit
Cable overhead triceps extension
Cable overhead triceps extension: written movement steps, equipment and example doses. General information to help you choose an appropriate starting point.
How to do it
- Stand facing away with hands behind head.
- Straighten elbows overhead. Keep the cable clear of the head and back. Bend your elbows to bring your hands back behind your head under control.
- 2 sets × 5 reps; 75s rest between sets. Use light resistance or an easy supported setup. Practise the same controlled path on every repetition. Finish with at least 2 comfortable repetitions in reserve. Keep the cable clear of the head and back. Count one complete outward-and-return movement as one repetition; for alternating limbs, each individual limb action counts once.
Equipment
- full gym
Example variations
The written steps above use one library example. These other doses are separate options, not instructions to complete every variation or progress automatically.
| Level | Example dose | Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| intermediate | 2 sets × 5 reps; 75s rest between sets. | full gym |
| intermediate | 2 sets × 8 reps; 75s rest between sets. | full gym |
| intermediate | 3 sets × 8 reps; 90s rest between sets. | full gym |
| intermediate | 2 sets × 12 reps; 90s rest between sets. | full gym |
| intermediate | 2 sets × 6 reps; 90s rest between sets. | full gym |
| intermediate | 1 set × 8 reps. | full gym |
Safety and comfort
- Stop for pain, dizziness or unusual breathlessness; do not force range or train to failure. If the shoulder position is painful, use the listed easier option only if comfortable; do not push through joint pain.
- Moving the upper arms with every repetition; flaring the ribs; forcing the shoulders into deep extension. Exercise check: Keep the cable clear of the head and back.
General movement information, not an individual exercise prescription. Independent trainer or clinical review is not claimed. Use appropriate support and seek individual advice for an injury or restriction.