V-Bar
The V-bar cable attachment is another really great bar for doing triceps press-downs. I can't count how many times an uncomfortable grip on a rigid bar has made for this gym rat a miserable set of triceps press-downs.
If I can't locate a rope attachment at my gym, the V-bar is always next on my list. When this bar connects to a cable it looks like an upside-down V, with long handles that jut out like a downward T to each side. The V-bar attachment places your hands in a natural position, and because of this ergonomic design, I find that the V-bar relieves a lot of the tension that I normally experience with a rigid bar places on my wrists and forearms. I also use the V-bar for doing seated rows, but I find that I get a better grip using a low grip bar.
To perform V-bar press downs:
- Stand facing a cable stack and attach your V-bar to the high pulley.
- Grip the V-bar with an overhand grip and lean forward at your waist slightly with your knees loose.
- Keeping your elbows glued to your ribcage at a 90-degrees angle, press the bar down by fully extending your arms.
- As you straighten your arms, squeeze your triceps (you'll feel the burn).
- Bend your elbows back to 90-degree angles and repeat.
Anna's Tip: To get the most out of each rep, as I extend my arms fully, I twist my little fingers out and up at the end press-down. Try it you'll know what I mean when you feel the burn in your outer triceps.
