Triceps · 10 substitutes

Cable Two Arm Tricep Kickback alternatives

The best alternative to the Cable Two Arm Tricep Kickback is the Dumbbell Kickback: each arm works on its own, so a stronger side can’t cover for a weaker one, and you get a little more range of motion.

The Cable Two Arm Tricep Kickback is a triceps extension: straightening the elbow against resistance, which isolates the triceps. Every swap below keeps that movement and the same main muscle, so it can take the Cable Two Arm Tricep Kickback’s place in your workout with the same sets and reps. They’re grouped by the equipment they need.

Cable Two Arm Tricep Kickback alternatives with dumbbells

  • Dumbbell Kickback

    Each arm works on its own, so a stronger side can’t cover for a weaker one, and you get a little more range of motion.

  • Dumbbell Tate Press

    Needs only a pair of dumbbells, and each side has to pull its own weight.

Cable Two Arm Tricep Kickback alternatives with your bodyweight

  • Bodyweight Kneeling Triceps Extension

    No equipment needed; make it harder with a slower lowering or a pause at the hardest point. Here, kneeling locks the hips so you can’t use momentum.

Cable Two Arm Tricep Kickback alternatives with resistance bands

  • Band Side Triceps Extension

    Resistance climbs as the band stretches, so the rep is hardest where you’re strongest, and the band fits in a bag.

Cable Two Arm Tricep Kickback alternatives on a cable machine

  • Cable Pushdown

    Uses the same equipment, so it slots straight into your session, but the movement is different enough to give the muscle a new stimulus.

Cable Two Arm Tricep Kickback alternatives on a machine

Cable Two Arm Tricep Kickback alternatives with a barbell

  • Barbell Lying Triceps Extension

    Both hands share one bar, so you can load the most weight and add it in small jumps. Here, being supported takes the lower back out of it, so the target muscle can go to failure.

  • Barbell Lying Triceps Extension Skull Crusher

    A barbell version you can load heavy and track week to week. Here, being supported takes the lower back out of it, so the target muscle can go to failure.

Cable Two Arm Tricep Kickback alternatives on a Smith machine

  • Smith Machine Incline Tricep Extension

    The bar runs on rails, so you can load it heavy and stop anywhere without a spotter. Here, the incline angle moves more of the work to the upper chest and front shoulders.

How to swap it in

Use the substitute in the same slot, for the same sets and rep range you used on the Cable Two Arm Tricep Kickback. Start a little lighter for the first session while you learn the new movement, then add weight or reps each week. Stick with one swap for a few weeks so you can see whether you’re getting stronger.

Need the original? How to do the Cable Two Arm Tricep Kickback, step by step →

Questions

What is the best alternative to the Cable Two Arm Tricep Kickback?

The Dumbbell Kickback is the closest swap: it’s the same triceps extension and trains the same triceps. Each arm works on its own, so a stronger side can’t cover for a weaker one, and you get a little more range of motion.

What can I do instead of the Cable Two Arm Tricep Kickback at home?

Bodyweight Kneeling Triceps Extension, Band Side Triceps Extension, Dumbbell Kickback and Dumbbell Tate Press all work with little or no equipment and keep the same movement: straightening the elbow against resistance, which isolates the triceps.

What muscles should a Cable Two Arm Tricep Kickback alternative work?

The Cable Two Arm Tricep Kickback works your triceps and shoulders. A good substitute keeps the movement the same, straightening the elbow against resistance, which isolates the triceps, so the same muscles do the work even if the equipment changes.

Can I replace the Cable Two Arm Tricep Kickback completely?

Yes. Pick one substitute from the list and give it the same sets and rep range, then add weight or reps week to week the way you would have on the Cable Two Arm Tricep Kickback. Switching back and forth every session makes progress harder to see.

Track Cable Two Arm Tricep Kickback in SPLYT

Cable Two Arm Tricep Kickback is already in SPLYT’s exercise library. Log your sets, reps and weight on iPhone or Apple Watch, with last time’s weights already filled in.

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