Dumbbell Triceps extension vs Cable Triceps Extension/push down
Swapping Dumbbell Triceps extension (Dumbbell) for Cable Triceps Extension/push down (Cable) retains 100% overlap; expect pulley-guided continuous line of pull. Compare exact 17-muscle fractional recruitment before swapping equipment mid-session.
Side-by-Side 17-Muscle Recruitment Delta
How primary mover (1.0× set) and synergist (0.5× set) allocation changes when swapping Dumbbell Triceps extension for Cable Triceps Extension/push down.
| Muscle Group | Dumbbell Triceps extension | Cable Triceps Extension/push down | Leverage Shift |
|---|---|---|---|
| Triceps Brachii | Primary (100%) | Primary (100%) | Matched |
Load & Volume Conversion: Dumbbell Triceps extension → Cable Triceps Extension/push down
Worked weight heuristic: a 38 kg per hand set on Dumbbell Triceps extension (Dumbbell) maps roughly to 45 kg on Cable Triceps Extension/push down (Cable; 2.5 kg jumps, curve: constant cable tension at peak lengthened position). Calibrate set 1 at RPE 8 so e1RM history for Dumbbell Triceps extension remains unskewed. Zero anatomical muscles are dropped between Dumbbell Triceps extension and Cable Triceps Extension/push down; 1:1 weekly set volume carries straight across.
Supporting Sports-Science Literature
| Study Title | Lead Author & Year | Verified Link |
|---|---|---|
| Less time, same gains: Comparison of superset vs. traditional set training on muscular adaptations | Burke (2025) | DOI ↗ |
| Maximal Strength Performance and Muscle Activation for the Bench Press and Triceps Extension Exercises Adopting Dumbbell, Barbell, and Machine Modalities Over Multiple Sets. | Farias (2017) | PubMed 27669189 ↗ |
| Effect of timing of protein and carbohydrate intake after resistance exercise on nitrogen balance in trained and untrained young men. | Mori (2014) | PubMed 25096224 ↗ |
| Triceps brachii hypertrophy is substantially greater after elbow extension training performed in the overhead versus neutral arm position. | Maeo (2023) | PubMed 35819335 ↗ |