Other articles in this series looked at a number of exercises, mainly from the perspective of developing a comprehensive muscle building program. Sometimes we take things for granted, especially when it comes to performing the basic exercises that constitute the core of most bodybuilders' training regimes.

It is useful, therefore, to describe in detail the processes involved in actually doing these exercises. This will help beginners to start out using the correct techniques before moving on to potentially more dangerous heavy weights. If it also helps more experienced lifters to redress some of the little faults that have almost imperceptibly crept in over the years, all the better.

In this article we'll take a close look at the triceps pushdown.

MUSCLES TARGETED: triceps brachii

STARTING POSITION

Grasp the bar with a closed, pronated grip.
Stand erect with feet shoulder width apart and the knees slightly flexed.
Move the bar down so that the upper arms are against the sides of the torso.
Flex the elbows to position the forearms perpendicular to the floor.
This the starting point for all repetitions.

DOWNWARD MOVEMENT

Push the bar down until the arms are fully extended.
Keep the torso erect and the upper arms stationary.
Do not lock the elbows.

UPWARD MOVEMENT

Allow the elbows to flex back to the starting position.
Repeat or finish set.

Richard Mitchell is the creator of the bodybuildingadvisor.com website that provides guidance and information to athletes at all levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding Exercises to learn more about the issues covered in this article.