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Band Single Arm Tricep Pushdown

Beginner
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A unilateral isolation exercise using a resistance band anchored high to target the triceps. It focuses on maximizing elbow extension for hypertrophy and endurance, suitable for all skill levels.

About Exercise

Equipment

Bands

Difficulty

1/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Triceps

Secondary Muscles

Forearms

Accessory Muscles

Shoulders

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Hypertrophy
Endurance
Stability

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

Forearms

3/10

Flexors

Shoulders

2/10

Anterior Delts

Programming

Typical Rep Range

10-25 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-90 seconds • Rest is usually short for isolation work, but switch sides immediately.

How to Perform

Anchor a resistance band high above you. Stand facing the anchor point, grab the band end with one hand, tucking your working elbow tightly against your side. Maintain a slight forward lean for balance.

  1. Keeping the upper arm stationary, extend your elbow fully downward against the band tension.
  2. Squeeze the tricep hard at the bottom, achieving full elbow lockout.
  3. Slowly control the band back up until your forearm is parallel to the ground.
  4. Repeat for prescribed repetitions, then switch arms and perform the set on the opposite side.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Elbow glued to side
  • Full tricep squeeze
  • Control the negative
  • Straighten the arm

Breathing

Inhale as you allow the hand to rise (eccentric phase), brace your core, and exhale forcefully as you extend the elbow downward.

Tempo

2-0-1

Range of Motion

Start with the elbow bent close to 90 degrees and extend fully to achieve a locked out elbow position.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Ensure the band anchor is completely secure to prevent snapback.
  • Do not use excessive band tension that causes pain in the elbow or wrist.
  • Keep the wrist straight and neutral throughout the movement.

Spotting

Not recommended; this is a light isolation exercise. Adjust band resistance or tension instead.

Common Mistakes

  • Letting the elbow drift forward or away from the body
  • Using shoulder momentum or leaning too far back
  • Not achieving full elbow extension lockout
  • Rushing the controlled upward phase

When to Avoid

  • Acute elbow joint pain
  • Uncontrolled shoulder instability

Flexibility Needed

  • Full elbow extension capacity

Build Up First

  • Basic ability to isolate the triceps

Also known as

Single Arm Band Pushdown, Resistance Band Triceps Extension

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